Studies in the History of Sanskrit Poetics v1.c2.4

v1.c2.4

It is needless to say that I have made, as the references will indicate, a careful use of the accumulated but scattered labours of previous workers, supplementing them with my own studies. But as some of the problems still require elucidation, while the proffered solutions in some cases have not received recognition, I have taken the opportunity of re-examining the disputed points, re-arranging the available data and re-thinking the entire subject. I have, however, avoided useless discussions as much as possible, confining myself to stating my own view and leaving it to speak for itself. Regarding questions of chronology, I have made extensive use of the chronological materials scattered throughout the various reports, journals, catalogues and notices of Sanskrit MSS. I have also enjoyed the privilege of utilising the manuscript-materials in the India Office, British Museum and elsewhere; and I take this opportunity of expressing my obligations to the authorities concerned for extending this privilege to me. My thanks are also due to Dr. Gaṅgānāth Jha for getting the entire MS of Abhinavagupta's bulky commentary on Bharata copied for my use, and to Dr. Thomas and the Curator of Madras Government Oriental MSS Library, as well as to my friend and colleague Pandit Anantakṛṣṇa Śāstri, for procuring for me transcripts of the rare MSS of Abhinava's *Locana* IV and Kuntala's *Vakrokti-jivita*. With the help of these transcripts I have been able to publish the texts of the last two works; and I have also in contemplation an edition of Abhinava's erudite commentary on Bharata, if I can collect sufficient materials towards it.