How many major forms of drama have been described by Bharata in his manual of dramaturgy?

The correct option is Ten.

Bharata Muni, in his ancient Sanskrit treatise on the performing arts titled the Natyashastra (which is widely regarded as the foundational manual of Indian dramaturgy), classifies drama into ten major types or forms. These ten major dramatic genres are collectively known as the Dasharupaka (derived from the Sanskrit words dasha meaning ten, and rupaka meaning drama or stage representation).

According to the Natyashastra, these ten forms are distinguished by their plot structure (vastu), the nature of the protagonist (neta), and the dominant aesthetic sentiment or emotion (rasa). The ten forms described by Bharata are:
1. Nataka: A heroic play based on well-known mythological, historical, or traditional legends featuring a noble hero.
2. Prakarana: A play with an entirely fictional, realistic plot based on everyday social life and ordinary characters.
3. Samavakara: A complex drama depicting mythological stories involving gods and demons.
4. Ihamriga: A play centered around a struggle or pursuit, typically involving a divine hero and a celestial woman.
5. Dima: A high-action drama featuring supernatural events, magic, battles, and wrath.
6. Vyayoga: A brief, single-act play focusing on conflict, military actions, and heroism.
7. Utsristikanka (or Anka): A single-act play dominated by the tragic sentiment, depicting lamentation and the aftermath of a battle.
8. Prahasana: A farcical comedy or satire that mockingly exposes the hypocrisies of society.
9. Bhana: A solo performance or monologue where a single actor narrates various encounters and conversations.
10. Vithi: A light, theatrical form involving one or two characters, utilizing witty dialogue and clever wordplay.

Consequently, Bharata's system of dramaturgy establishes exactly ten major classical forms of drama.