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Prakrit Poetry and Sanskrit Poetics
131
Vakpati speaks of the greatness of Prakrit (poetry) in these words :
"It is only in Prakrit that we shall have in an abundant measure till (the end of) the world's duration, a presentation of ever fresh-themes, and à rich variety of styles, soft caressingly cool and sweet in their composition."
"A peculiar delight which dilates and closes the eyes, thrills the heart, rushing inwards and outwards."(?!)
Rājasekhara, an eminent poet and dramatist, compares and contrasts Sanskrit and Prakrit languages as follows:
"Sanskrit speech is praiseworthy whereas Prakrit speech is naturally sweet."(25)
"Hårshare Sanskrit compositions but Prakrit composition is very tender or delicate. The two kinds of composition are as different from cach other as are men different from women'' (26)
(3) Praise of Prakrit Poets In his introductory verses to Harşacarita the poet, Bäņabhatta praises (Sätavāhana, also known as Salivāhana and)Hala, for his (Gatha-)Koša better known as Gatha saptaśart in these glowing terms :
"Satavāhana made a treasure with fine sayings as with jewels, avinafinam immortal 2 inexhaustible) agramyam (1 not vulgar or indecent, i.e. refined 2 not produced in villages — for jewels are found in the sea or in mines, not in villages) visuddha jati (1 containing description of nature or objects that is not vulgar 2 of purest character).", 17)
Uddyotana sūri; the author of Kuvalavamälä (a unique Campa in Prakrit), extols Hala and his (Gatha-Kosa) in these words :
What is the use of (composing) poetry after the passing away of Hala like that of raw flesh after the effect of wine is over ? - that Hala who. by virtue of his mastery over graceful speech made even the farmers recite his gāthas” (while ploughing their fields).(28)
The popularity of Gaha sattsai can also be seen from the good number of commentators and the vast number of quotations from it in later works on Sanskrit poetics; further, the fact that Govardhanācārya modelled his Aryāsaptašati in Sanskrit on Håla's Gahasattasai in Prakrit bears witness to its great popularity.
Anandavardhana ranks Sarvasena with Kalidasa when he compliments him for deviating from the original story and inventing new episode with a view to investing it with suitable rasa.(29)
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