Given below are two statements: One is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R.
Assertion (A): Concept of Rasa as propounded by Bharata is a fundamental state of consciousness and experience, which has an empirical value and application.
Reasons (R): In aesthetical experience, consciousness itself is enjoyed as full of bliss which transcends the limit of the phenomenal world.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Correct option is B

Correct Option: b)
Rasa, as theorized by Bharata in the Natya Shastra, is the process of aesthetic relish or flavour experienced by a sensitive audience (sahrdaya) during a successful artistic performance.
Information Booster:
· Assertion A is correct. Bharata's concept of Rasa is indeed a fundamental state of consciousness (the rasavat state) triggered by artistic presentation.
· It has empirical value and application as it forms the entire goal and measure of success in traditional Indian performance arts.
· Reason R is also correct. It describes the nature of aesthetic experience according to later commentators like Abhinavagupta, where consciousness, free from personal obstacles, enjoys itself as pure bliss (ananda), transcending ordinary worldly limits.
· However, R is NOT the correct explanation of A. Reason R describes the metaphysical nature of the Rasa experience (its blissful, transcendent quality).
· Assertion A states that Rasa is a fundamental conscious state with practical, empirical value in art.
· Reason R does not explain its empirical applicability; it only describes its experiential character.