First published in 1933, The Indian Theatre provides a comprehensive overview of the origin and the later developments of theatre in India under European influence with special reference to Western India. It discusses important themes such as the early Indian stage; the ancient Hindu stage; the rise of modern theatres; stage-versions of Shakespearean comedies; stage-versions of Shakespearean tragedies; influence of non-Shakespearean plays and the general influence of British drama.
The first four chapters provides the religious basis of the Sanskrit drama, it's essentially idealistic, poetic and romantic atmosphere along with its characteristic contribution of the rasa theory. The second part of the book discusses the rise of the European theatres, mostly amateur in character, in the three great cities of India- Calcutta, Bombay and Madras. This is an important historical reference work for students and scholars of Indian theatre, theatre history, and theatre and performance studies.