Studies in the History of Sanskrit Poetics v2.c79.16

v2.c79.16

From lakṣaṇas Bharata goes on to the more interesting topic of kāvyālaṃkāras or poetic figures. It appears from his treatment that only four such poetic figures were known and recognised in his time, viz. upamā (simile), rūpaka (metaphor), dīpaka (lit. illuminator⁹) and yamaka (repetition of words or syllables similar in sound). The upamā is subdivided into four kinds, according as the object compared (upameya) or the standard of comparison (upamāna) is one or many¹⁰, Bharata expressly making use of these technical terms. From another standpoint, five varieties of upamā are distinguished and illustrated, viz. (1) praśamsópamā (2) nindópamā¹¹ (3)kalpitópamā (4) sadṛśī upamā and (5) kiṃcitsadṛśī upamā¹², according as these qualifications it is already established as an alaṃkāra. It is significant that Kuntala finds fault with those who regard it as an alaṃkāra.