Lecture on Theory of Alankara in Sanskrit Poetics

Introduction

• Alankara Theory: One of the earliest theories in Sanskrit Poetics, essential to understanding literary theory itself.
• Focus: Conceptual overview, not definitions of individual Alankaras due to changes over time and time constraints.

Definition and Etymology

• Alankara: Translates to figures of speech or rhetoric.
• Usage in Sanskrit Poetics:
  • Specific figures of speech.
  • Anything adding beauty to poetry.
• Etymology: Derived from Sanskrit root "Kri" (to do) with prefix "Alam" (to decorate/adorn).

Theories of Alankara

• Two main theories identified by Bimal Krishna Matilal:
  1. External Embellishment: Alankara as ornaments like Supama, Rupaka.
  2. Intrinsic Beauty: Alankara as inherent beauty.
• Vamana's Use: Distinguishes between Alankara as figure of speech and beauty.

Types of Alankaras

• Shabda Alankara: Focus on auditory effects (e.g., alliteration, pun).
• Artha Alankara: Enhances meaning (e.g., simile, metaphor).

Historical Context

• Bharata: First to define and illustrate Alankaras, focusing on Upama, Deepaka, Roopaka, Yamaka.
• Vishnudharmottara Purana & Phattikavya: Discusses Alankaras, important chapters highlighted.
• Agni Purana: Chapters dealing with various figures of speech.

Key Theoreticians

• Bhamaha: Founding father of Sanskrit poetics; emphasized Alankara's role in poetry.
  • Kavyalankara: Focused on categories of Alankaras.
  • Vakrata: Figurative deviation, essential for Alankaras.

Evolution of Alankaras

• Increasing Number: From Bhamaha's 39 to Appaiya Dixitha's 150.
• Importance: Growth of poetry and poetics reflected in increasing numbers.

Concepts of Vakrata and Adi Shriyokti

• Vakrata (Deviant Utterance): Essential quality of Alankaras.
• Adi Shriyokti: Hyperbole, creating new perceptions beyond the ordinary.
• Disputes: Not all critics emphasize Adi Shriyokti equally.

Development in Alankara Theory

• Kuntaka: Emphasized Vakrokti; considered it the essence of Alankara and poetry.
• Debate on Swabhavokti: Challenged as an Alankara by Kuntaka; Dandin disagreed.

Rasa Theory

• Rasa: Initially considered a figure of speech, later an independent category.
• Anandavarthana's Contribution: Shifted focus to Rasa in literary criticism.

Combination of Shabda and Artha

• Two Camps:
  1. Emphasizing Artha (meaning).
  2. Emphasizing Shabda (sound).
• Bhamaha's Balance: Advocated for a combination of both.

Later Developments

• Role of Alankaras: Important but should not overshadow main poetic themes (Anandavarthana).
• Aesthetic Considerations: Alankara should complement Rasa, not distract from it.