Question

What is the key text where Dhwani Theory is expounded?

• A. Dhvanyāloka
• B. Nāṭyaśāstra
• C. Kāvyālaṅkāra
• D. Sāhitya Darpaṇa

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Dhvanyāloka

• 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.