What ancient Indian tradition is closely linked to the origins of Indian Drama?

The ancient Indian tradition that is closely linked to the origins of Indian Drama is religious recitations. This is primarily due to the significant role that ritualistic and religious practices played in the development of performance arts in India. Early forms of drama were often intertwined with religious ceremonies and performances, where stories from scriptures and epics were narrated to convey moral, spiritual, and cultural values. These recitations were meant to evoke a sense of spirituality and were typically performed in front of an audience as part of religious gatherings, thus laying the groundwork for structured drama.

While epic storytelling and dance performances have also played critical roles in Indian culture and have influenced the development of drama, their origins do not directly precede dramatic forms in the same way that religious recitations do. Instrumental music, though integral to the overall performing arts, serves more as an accompaniment rather than a foundational element in the specific context of drama.