Vada in Theory and Practice: Studies in Debates, Dialogues and Discussions in Indian Intellectual Discourses c10.s15.21

c10.s15.21

*Viśvaguṇādarśacampū* of Veṅkaṭādhvarin is a poem in mixed form of prose and verse using the techniques of debate for describing the merits and demerits of various regions, places, cities and religious sects and ideologies in a melody of poetic diction and most subtle imageries. The poet was the grandson of Appayya Dīkṣita, a great philosopher and poet of seventeenth century. With exquisite literary style, Veṅkaṭādhvarin describes here a mega debate between Kṛśānu and Viśvāvasu — two *gandharvas* viewing the earth from above and discussing its surroundings. Kṛśānu presents the prima-facie view and the latter offers resolutions to his remonstrations as well as his deconstructions. Kṛśānu is not only destructive in his attitude, he is very sarcastic and constantly keeps on hammering his punches. He does not hesitate in employing abusive and derogatory language for gods and sacred places — like Badarikāśrama; deities like the Sun or Śaṅkara; rivers like Gaṅgā or Kāverī; and cities like Ayodhyā or Kāśī. In a novel delineation of the techniques of debate, Veṅkaṭādhvarin has introduced moments of theatrical tension. There are dramatic directions like *sārdhāṅgīkāram* (accepting half heartedly). Kṛśānu is very bitter in describing the hypocrisy of the brāhmaṇas of Kāśī and the Maharashtrian brāhmaṇas are also not spared. About the *paṇḍits* of Kāśī, he says: