The Dhvani Theory in Sanskrit Poetics (An Old and Rare Book)

Speculations on poetics in India reached the zenith with the promulgation of the dhvani theory by Anandavardhana. The essence of the theory, however, was already present in a tradition handed down by the Nāṭyaśāstra and, as is usually the case with other Indian Sastras, the germs of the theory can be traced even in the Vedic literature. But this theory found the first systematic expression only in Anandavardhana's magnum opus, Dhvanyaloka. That, Anandavardhana's theory caused a great commotion in the entire atmosphere of Indian intelligence, can be gathered from the reference to a host of opponents who faught an ineffectual fight even before the theory was put in the form of a treatise. Later on, thanks to the dhvani theory, India also saw the rise of a galaxy of intellectual giants like Abhinavagupta, Mahimabhatta and Mammaţa. And in the present age we can realise the far reaching implications of the dhvani theory if we make even a casual comparison with the modern western thoughts on literary criticism. In the present work I have tried to explain and analyse the most salient features of this great dhvani theory with a special reference to the text of Dhvanyaloka. While doing so, I have deliberately avoided the longer discussions on chro nology. But I have tried to show the development of the theory in a precisely chronological order up to its probable impact on the modern creative talents. In explaining the topics of the Dhvanyaloka I have devoted more space only to those which seemed to require some fresh critical com ments. But yet I cherish a feeling of discontent in respect of the extent of the treatment of some of the topics of my own choice.