Introduction To Traditional Theatre

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify a comprehensive ancient Indian text that covers all major performing arts: theatre, dance, and music.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- The Natyashastra, attributed to the sage Bharata Muni, is the most ancient and exhaustive treatise on the performing arts in India. It is often called the "fifth Veda" and serves as the foundational text for classical Indian drama, dance (Natya), and music (Gandharva).
- Abhinayadarpanam and Abhinaya Chandrika are important texts, but they focus more specifically on dance techniques (Abhinaya).
- Sangeet Ratnakara by Sarangadeva is a monumental 13th-century text, but it primarily focuses on music and dance, and is from a much later period than the Natyashastra.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The Natyashastra is the earliest and most comprehensive treatise that encompasses theatre, dance, and music.

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the regional theatre tradition for which Pammal Vijayaranga Sambandha Mudaliar is considered a foundational figure.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
P. V. Sambandha Mudaliar (1873-1964) was a pioneering figure in the world of Indian theatre. He was a lawyer by profession but dedicated his life to reforming and revitalizing the stage. He wrote over 90 plays, adapted many from Shakespeare, and founded the Suguna Vilasa Sabha, a theatre group that professionalized acting and production. For his immense contributions, he is widely revered as the "Father of Modern Tamil Theatre".
Step 3: Final Answer:
P. V. Sambandha Mudaliar is considered the father of Modern Tamil Theatre.