Sambodhi 1998 Vol 21

Author(s): J B Shah, N M Kansara
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 76

Vol. XXI, 1997
BHARATA-BĀHUBALI....
a phraseology that is tinged with dejection and helplessness, and thereby reflects the agony of the separated heart, the language in Sambhoga exudes joy and gaeity inherent in the situation.
Punyakušala is a master in drawing word-sketches. His sketches are drawn after observing and absorbing all the characteristics of the object under description. They are, therefore, realistic enough to reflect the personality, of the object in its entirety. The touch of Punyakuśala's magic pen turns every object into gold. The sketch of Bāhubalī, seated on the throne, drawn in this vein, amounts to be a replica of his prowess and majesty26. Though reach in qualities, the language of the BBM is tarnished by some strange oddities. Faults like adhika, punaruktatā, asamartha, klistatā, besides other blemishes, reflect poorly on Punyakusala's language which otherwise merits esteem.
The wide use of the Arthāntaranyāsa in the BBM has thrown up a number of wise-sayings. Some of them owe themselves to the other figures of speech. These Sūktis bespeak the author's wide knowledge, worldly wisdom, sensitivity and power of observationa?. The language of the BBM varies not between complexity and lucidity but between lucidity and lesser lucidity. FIGURES OF SPEECH Though viewed as merely its outer trappings, the figures of speech are so close to the genius of Sanskrit poetry that it is hard to dismiss them as asthira dharma. It is, however, their judicious application that is favoured by sober poeticians. When so applied, the Alamkāras contribute to the clarity and quicker understanding of the expression. It is in this spirit that the figures of speech have been pressed into service in the BBM. Simile emerges as the most favourite alaskāra of the author. Punyakusala has cast his net far and wide in search of the appropriate upamānas on which rests the worth of the simile. The abstract upamānas culled by him merit special esteem. Drawn from a variety of sources, they, alongwith other standards of comparison, vouch for the author's wide knowledge and intimate love for nature. The pinnacle of the royal mansion receded from the vision of the marching troops as pure consciousness recedes from a love-born person (IX. 35). Bharata's cakra did not enter his armoury as kindness never enters the heart of