A History of Sanskrit Literature c14.s3.20

c14.s3.20

Bilhaṇa’s diction is normally accurate, and for his occasional lapses he can plead precedent. Metrically he is simple; six cantos are of Indravajrā type, three of Vaṅçasthā, two of Çloka¹ and Rathoddhatā; one in Mandākrāntā, one in Puṣpitāgrā, and one in Svāgatā. Çārdūlavikrīḍita and Vasantatilaka are not rare as change metres; Mālinī is occasional, and Aupacchandasika, Pṛthvī, Çikhariṇī, Sragdharā, and Hariṇī are just used, while Vaitālīya dominates Canto xv.