According to the Natyashastra, natyadharmi is a theatrical representation larger than life and considerably conventionalized. It is stylized, and the artist`s imagination has a free hand in this mode, contrasted with lokadharmi. This simulates the natural way of life. The abhinaya or acting may be more ornate and refined in natyadharmi, more suggestive and metaphorical. Natyadharmi is characterized by the elaborate employment of body language based on a rich gestural semiotics. Thus courtly Sanskrit theatre or extant temple forms of dance-drama generally qualify as natyadharmi, and the comparatively secular, less codified, folk performances as lokadharmi.

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