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TWO PHASES OF CULTURE
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The notion about the essence of poetry also changed accordingly. Bharata held that the essence of poetry consisted in the awakening of sentiment or Rasa but after the 8th century indirect expression embelished style or figurative language came to be regarded as the life of poetry. The definitions of poetry by Kuntaka, Vamana, Rudrata and Mammata etc. testifies to the above. The first group held that poetry is a means to build character with an indirect appeal. It must inspire the man to develop noble qualities. But with the later group the style, humour or the description in itself is the main purpose. Art :
Vedic art was essentially practical. The carpenter, metal worker, potter and the weaver efficiently provided for man's material requirements. If their work was decorated, we may be sure that its ornament had often and perhaps always a magical and protective significance.
Thus in the field of art the first phase consisted pragmatic valuation. The value of a pep piece of art at that time was judged on the basis of its utility. The beauty of a horse was judged on its strength and speed and not merely on the basis of colour or parts of the body. But in the later period grand appearance and other visual considerations became prominent.
The ancient art of sculpture and architect is mainly associated with deities, which are the symbolic expression of inner qualities. For example, the arm is the symbol of strength. Thus Durga, the goddess of strength is presented with eight, ten or sixteen arms. She is
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