Influence of Philosophical Method on Sanskrit Poetics Grammar

Exploring the Origins and Development of Sanskrit Poetics through Philosophical Method

Abstract

Poetics, the science of poetry (kavya) known by numerous names such as Iiavyaastra, Alankarasastra, Sahityasastra in Sanskrit literature is a fully developed discipline which deals with the nature of kavya and its important aspects, viz., Rasa, Alankara, Guna, Dosa and many others in a comprehensive and critical manner. The continuous literary activities of the Sanskrit poeticians over a period extending from the hoary antiquity upto the eighteenth century A.D, resulting in the form of original works, commentaries and sub-commentaries have made this important Sastra detailed in its nature and varied in its scope. But the exact time of the origin of this science is not known. Bharatas Natyasastra (NS) is considered as the earliest available work dealing with the poetic theories in the field of Sanskrit literary criticism. But the origin of the Sanskrit Poetics is definitely prior to the NS of Bharata. For, in various works we find references to some authors like Nandikesvara, Kasyapa etc., who have probably preceded Bharata and whose works are not available to us. They seem to have significantly contributed to this science. Bhamaha tells us that he had predecessors whose works apparently he had utilized. While referring to these predecessors generally as anye, spare and kecit, Bhamaha cites -twice by name one Medhavin, probably a Buddhist Poetician.