Language, creativity, and correctness: The significance of the guidelines of Sanskrit poetics

Abstract

The richness of any literary genre can be generally measured by following some primary factors i.e. accuracy of the language usage and creativity of the content. Although, there are some work in Sinhala that inspire the writer’s creativity and accuracy of language usage, More rich and strong emphasis on the concept of creativity and the usage of language in literary work can be seen in the works by Sanskrit poetics as well. Therefore, this paper attempts to recognize and emphasize the significance of the guidelines by Sanskrit poetics on language, creativity, and correctness. Some work on Sanskrit poetics i.e. Kāvyālaṅkāra of Bhāmaha (7-8 CE), Kāvyādarśa by Daṅḍin (8 CE), Kāvyamīmāṃsā of Rājaśekhara (13-14 CE) is used as the primary material. As this is a survey of literary theories, the content of above Sanskrit work is critically studied. The theorists of Sanskrit poetics have largely emphasized the significance of language, its correctness, and creativity from diverse perspectives. Bāmaha (7-8 CE) says ‘the desire to compose kāvya should be entertained after learning grammar and the meanings of the words.’ The first step of doing creative literary work is knowing grammar emphasizes the role of language in the creative work. In addition, Bāmaha says ‘never shall be spoken even a word which is faulty and bad’ this implies the scholastic attention on language. The creativity is also have been interpreted by Sanskrit poetics as follows: “rahitā satkavitvena kīdṛśī vāgvidhagdhatā – what is cleverness in speech without the capacity to compose good works.” This interpretation thoroughly emphasizes why one should study language and what are its profits and what should be the aim of learning a language etc. The correctness of the language has been highlighted by Daṇḍin, the author of Kāvyādarśa thus ‘if someone uses a language accurately he will gain utmost wealth and the evil user of language displays his dullness.’ To sum up, by studying these theoretical guidelines of Sanskrit poetics, present discussions of Sinhalese scholars on language, creativity and correctness can be strengthened.