Kavya Swaroopa (Ontology of Kavya) in Sanskrit Literary Theory
Key Concept
- Kavya Swaroopa: Ontological view in Sanskrit literary theory which holds that certain linguistic features attribute literariness to a work of art.
Core Linguistic Features
- Poetic suggestion
- Figures of speech
- Figurative deviation
Distinction from Other Forms
- Kavya is differentiated from everyday language, Vedic language, and Shastra.
Important Theoreticians and Their Views
- Abhinav Gupta: Differentiates Kavya from Vedic and everyday language.
- Himachandra: Identifies four components of Kavya - Sabda (signifier), Artha (signification), Guna (poetic qualities), and Alankara (figures of speech).
- Mammata: Describes Kavya as word and meaning without faults, with merits and stylistic excellences.
- Patanyaga: Identifies Kavya as having unique features not present in other forms of language.
- Bhattanayaka: Emphasizes the aesthetic experience and figurative deviation as key elements of Kavya.
- Jagannatha: Observes Kavya as generating noble significations.
Essential Elements According to Theoreticians
- Alankara (Figures of Speech): Vital for transforming a piece of writing into Kavya.
- Guna (Poetic Merits): Seen as the vital force of literature.
- Dhwani (Poetic Suggestion): Considered the soul of Kavya by Ananda Varthana.
- Vakrokti (Figurative Deviation of Speech): Central to Kundaka's view of Kavya's uniqueness.
- Auchitya (Propriety): Shemendra argues for the proper organization of linguistic devices.
Formalism and Sanskrit Kavya Sastra
- Both share a view that literature is a special linguistic mode, distinct from ordinary language.
- Formalism (Western theory) sees literature as defamiliarizing language, similar to Kavya Sastra's focus on unique linguistic features.
Summary Points
- Distinct Language: Kavya is different from everyday speech.
- Special Mode of Language: Identification of special formal features is crucial.
- Relation to Formalism: Similarities exist between formalism and Kavya Sastra.
Conclusion
Despite varying opinions on what constitutes the essence of Kavya, all Sanskrit literary theoreticians agree on its distinctiveness as a unique use of language.