Studies in the History of Sanskrit Poetics v2.c80.78

v2.c80.78

Although Rudraṭa’s work is remarkable indeed for its careful analysis, systematic classification and apposite illustration of a large number of poetic figures, some of which have become more or less standardised, his direct contribution to the theory of Poetics cannot be valued so highly. Indeed, the practical nature and scope of his work, like that of Udbhaṭa’s, leave hardly any room for a discussion of of general principles or of the speculative aspects of the questions involved. Rhetoric rather than Poetics appears to be his principal theme, as it is of most writers of this system who concern themselves entirely with the elaboration of rhetorical categories in which they suppose the whole charm of poetry lies. Partly perhaps to his novelty of treatment and partly to his omission of the discussion of ultimate principles is due the fact that Rudraṭa has hardly any direct follower in later literature, unless one cites Rudrabhaṭṭa, who, however, utilises only his *rasa*-chapters. Rudraṭa’s name is not associated with the establishment of any particular system, although he shows great fertility and acuteness in his treatment of individual figures, which, in some cases, have been implicitly accepted by later writers on the subject. Rudraṭa is the last great exponent of the Alaṃkāra school, strictly so called; for after him the school began to decline and merge ultimately, like the two other sister schools relating to *rasa* and *rīti*, into the finally dominant Dhvani school.