The Concept of Vakrokti in Sanskrit Poetics: Reappraisal

by Suryanarayan Hegde

In the whole range of Sanskrit poetics, the term vakrokti took altogether a new significance and the highest position as the all pervading poetic concept in Kuntaka's Vakroktijivita. He revived the concept from more verbal poetic figure to the lessons of poetry. He not only explains but also explores the multi-dimensional aspects of Vakrokti. But unfortunately. No comprehensive study of Vakrokti has been done in a systematic way. This book is an effort in this direction. Presenting the major schools of Sanskrit poetics, the book gives general definition of vakrokti and its multi-dimensional implications. Further taking a close look at the views of different theorists on vakrokti, it exposes in detail kuntaka's theory of vakrokti and makes its critical analysis in relation to various literary concepts-alankara, svabhavokti, rasavadalankara, marga and rasa. Finally, it deals with the striking similarities between dhavni and vakrokti, and brings out the fundamental aspects of practical criticism as shown by kuntaka.