Question

What is the purpose of the Dhvanyāloka?

• A. To define drama
• B. To analyze sound
• C. To explain the concept of suggestion in poetry
• D. To study Sanskrit grammar

Answer 1

Answer:

C. To explain the concept of suggestion in poetry

The Dhvanyaloka revolutionized Sanskrit literary theory by proposing that the main goal of good poetry is the evocation of a mood or "flavor" (rasa) and that this process can be explained only by recognizing a semantic power beyond denotation and metaphor, namely, the power of suggestion