Dhvanyāloka is a landmark text in Indian literary criticism, comprising a series of karikas (aphorisms) and vrittis (explanatory prose).
It systematically explains the nature and function of Dhwani and its relationship with other elements of poetry.
Structure:
1. Karikas: Short aphoristic statements encapsulating key ideas.
2. Vrittis: Elaborations on the karikas, often supported by examples from classical poetry.
3. Locanas: Subsequent commentaries by other scholars, such as Abhinavagupta (notably in his Locana), which further explicate Ānandavardhana’s ideas.
