The Dhvanyaloka and its Critics

From the Preface: This is substantially the text of a thesis submitted by me in 1946 to the University of Bombay for the degree of ph. D. in Sanskrit. It is a result of my independent study and I was awarded the degree in 1947. I was also permitted by the University to publish the work.

During the period 1947-1952, I published most of the chapters in several research journals as per the suggestions of the late Prof. M. Hiriyanna. As expected, there were some reactions from scholars, the most remarkable one being from Mahamahopadhyaya Dr. P.V. Kane in his second edition of the History of Alaitharaastra.

I have thoroughly revised and abridged my original thesis now in the light of the suggestions made by the learned referees appointed by the Bombay University and other scholars. I have added fresh material in the chapter on Authorship of karika and vrtti and to meet the points newly raised by Dr. Kane.

The aim of the thesis is to set forth the theory of dhvani in all its bearings. Anandavardhana's Dhvanyaloka, the locus classicus of Sanskrit Poetics, has been studies hear both in retrospect and prospect. An attempt has been made to give a complete sketch of the theory of dhvani as outlined in the Dhvanyaloka with some reference to the sources from which it is derived and in relation to the rhetorical tenets then prevalent. A survey of the controversy started by the new theory in the history of Sanskrit Poetics is included and some parallels in modern thought on the subject are indicated at the end.