Saturday, February 8, 2025

Indian Poetics



January 15, 2025

Topic: Introduction to Indian Poetics & Rasa Theory

Vinod Sir introduced the basic concepts of vowels and movements—some innate and some applied forcefully.

Discussed the term रस निष्पत्ति (Rasa Nispatti) as a more appropriate term than रस उत्पत्ति.

Robert Brill’s perspective: "We know the language but not about language."

Explained the difference between Vastu (वस्तु) (object itself) and Vastuta (वस्तुतः) (the essence of an object).



January 16, 2025

Topic: Bharatmuni’s Natyashastra

Bharatmuni was the first to theorize Rasa.

Discussed the concept of भाव (Bhava), which refers to emotions or feelings.

Introduced the Nine Rasas and their corresponding Sthayi Bhavas.

Explained that Bhava creates the experience of Rasa and is universal but needs favorable circumstances to be awakened.



January 17, 2025

Topic: Creation of Rasa & Aristotle’s Poetics

Discussed how Rasa emerges through Vibhava (determinants), Anubhava (consequents), and Vyabhichari Bhavas (transitory emotions).

Difference between संयोजन (structured combination) and मिश्रण (simple mixing).

Used Abhijnanashakuntalam as an example.




January 18, 2025

Topic: Critics & Commentators of Rasa Sutra

Bhatta Lollata (8th–9th century CE): Believed Rasa exists in the character, not the audience (Objectivist view).

Shankuka: Used the concept of Pratiti (Cognition) to explain aesthetic experience.

Discussed four types of Pratiti:

1. Samyak Pratiti – True perception ("This is Dushyant.")


2. Mithya Pratiti – False perception ("This is not Dushyant.")


3. Sanshay Pratiti – Doubtful perception ("Is this Dushyant or not?")


4. Sadrush Pratiti – Resemblance-based conviction ("This is like Dushyant.")




January 20, 2025

Topic: Bhatt Nayaka & Abhinavagupta on Rasa

Bhatt Nayaka: Introduced the idea of Rasa as Bhoga (transcendental experience), detached from worldly emotions.

Abhinavagupta: Argued that emotions in art are generalized so that audiences connect with the artistic essence rather than the literal narrative.




January 21, 2025

Topic: Dhvani Theory – Anandavardhana

Introduced Dhvani (suggestion) as the soul of poetry.

Started with Eugène Ionesco’s The Chairs to apply the concept to literature.

Explained what Dhvani is not before defining its essence.



January 22, 2025

Topic: Shabdshakti – Power of Words

Three types of meaning (Shabdshakti):

1. Abhidha (Denotation) – Direct meaning (e.g., "Ganga is a river").


2. Laxana (Connotation) – Secondary meaning (e.g., "Bathing in Ganga" implies purification).


3. Vyanjana (Suggestion) – Implied meaning (e.g., "Ganga has not become impure" suggests moral values).





January 24, 2025

Topic: Vakrokti – Kuntaka

Vakrokti (Oblique Expression) = The Soul of Poetry.

Six types of Vakrokti:

1. Varṇavinyāsa Vakrokti – Sound play (alliteration, rhyming).


2. Pada-pūrvārddha Vakrokti – Obliqueness in the first half of a word.


3. Pada-parārddha Vakrokti – Obliqueness in the second half of a word.


4. Vākya Vakrokti – Sentence-level obliqueness.


5. Prakaraṇa Vakrokti – Obliqueness in a particular episode.


6. Prabandha Vakrokti – Obliqueness in the entire composition.



Examples: Two patients viewing nature differently and Samuel Beckett’s Endgame.





January 25, 2025

Topic: Alankara School – Bhamaha

Alankara (Figures of Speech) enhances poetry like ornaments enhance beauty.

Vakrokti itself is a form of Alankara.

If an Alankara feels forced, it is not a true Alankara.




January 27, 2025

Topic: Riti School – Vamana

Riti (Poetic Style) is the Soul of Poetry.

Three types of Riti:

1. Panchali Rīti


2. Gaudiya Rīti


3. Vaidarbhi Rīti




January 28, 2025

Topics: Auchitya & Ramaniyata Schools

Auchitya (Propriety) – Kshemendra

Everything in poetry should be appropriate to the theme, emotions, and figures of speech.

Connected Auchitya with E. M. Forster’s Aspects of the Novel.


Ramaniyata (Aesthetic Beauty) – Jagannath

Poetry should create aesthetic delight through elegance, emotions, and artistic expression.

Indian poetics harmonizes form, meaning, and emotion for artistic and emotional impact.




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