Vada in Theory and Practice: Studies in Debates, Dialogues and Discussions in Indian Intellectual Discourses c10.s12.9

c10.s12.9

*Naiṣadhacaritam* of Śrīharṣa is a masterpiece of a towering scholar and a Vedāntin of his standing and is also an example of *śāstrakāvya* where philosophy, knowledge and scholarship are combined playfully with poetry; poetry breathes in philosophy and philosophy appears in poetic garb. Canto XVII of this epic engages in a scene of intense debate. Damayantī, the beautiful princess of Vidarbha, has chosen Nala as her husband in the *svayamvara* and the four gods — Indra, Yama, Varuṇa and Agni — are returning after attending the event. They are confronted by the entourage of Kali on the way — the advancing multitude of dark forces is led by *kāma* (lust), *krodha* (anger), *lobha* (greed) and *moha* (delusion).³⁷ Moving like a storm, one of the leaders of the multitude starts delivering a discourse highlighting the heterodox systems, especially the philosophy of Cārvāka. The melodrama reaches high pitch with the four gods representing the path of *dharma* being confronted by Kali in a debate. The spirit of sin appears in the form of Kali with his accomplice Dvāpara. Infuriated by the news of Damayantī's having chosen Nala, Kali vows to take his revenge. The gods try to dissuade him and urge upon him to give up his mischievous designs. A sharp altercation and exchange of repartees follows.