Studies in the History of Sanskrit Poetics v2.c84.1

v2.c84.1

The importance of Abhinavagupta as writer on Sanskrit Poetics lies in his learned exposition of the *dhvani*-theory in his well known commentary on the text of Ānandavardhana; and his erudition, reputation and influence as a great scholar and philosophical writer of his generation, no doubt, added a weight to his championship of the theory, and contributed a great deal to its ultimate exclusive acceptance in later Poetics. His theoretical standpoint, however, does not differ, except in one material point which will be dealt with presently, from that of the formulators of the *dhvani*-system; and he may be fairly regarded as belonging to that group of faithful commentators who are more anxious to interpret than to incorporate new ideas into the system they comment upon. On the other hand, Abhinavagupta was also greatly interested in the dramaturgic work of Bharata and wrote an elaborate and stupendous commentary on this encyclopaedic text. From this interest in dramaturgy, we have seen¹, he came to be deeply interested in the various theories about the origin and function of *rasa*, not only in the drama but also in poetry; and one of the latest and most important theory on *rasa* is directly associated with his name by Mammaṭa, Hemacandra and others.