Sambodhi 2002 Vol 25

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

Page 37

32 TAPASVI NANDI
SAMBODHI “śri”-iti sabdena sankulam.” Perhaps he came across illustrations where 'Sri-sabda was read invariably. In vs. 295, he says srir āsīnā.... meaning wherein Śri or Lakşmi, while sitting either sings or speaks. But our suggestion is that is place of Śrī we can read 'Stri', for it is so in other definitions also. The NLRK read-yatra strir asinā karunam pathati, wherein we do not have a reference to 'geya'. Here we have "gāyet” and “pathet”. So, perhaps in Viśvanātha's time this art-form had both song and recitation also. Again, the S. D. expects the nāyikā also to be prasiddhā i. e. famous. The SD. clearly calls it an "upa-rupaka". But its having one act is an opinion held by 'some' - 'kecit pracaksate'. So, for Viśvanātha also this is an art-form with dance, eloquence and acting also, as its special features. Like the BP. this act has neither 'garbha' or 'vimarśa' juncture.
Durmilikā (or, .tā) is the next art-form, Bhoja discusses at śr. Pra. XI. pp. 466, ibid. Bhoja observes :
"caurya-rata-pratibhedam yūnor anurāga-varmanam vā’pi, yatra grāmya-kathābhiḥ kurute kila dütikā rahasi, mantrayati ca tadvişaye nyag-jātitvena yācate ca vasu, labdhvā'pi labdhum icchati
durmilitā nāmasā bhavati. This art-form is also discussed later by ND., BP., NLRK and also SD. ND. calls it Durmilitā. BP. calls it Durmallikā. SD. calls it "Durmalli”.
For Bhoja, its theme concerns itself with a secret love-intrigue or it is sometimes a description of love between two young persons. This secret love affair is described before the audience by a female servant, a dūtikā, in vulgar language. The male or female lover whose love is being described makes an appearance and makes a plan (in secret !) with the messenger who being a lowly-born asks for money (to do the work and also to keep the mouth shut). After getting money tries to get more (as if by blackınail). No illustration is cited by Bhoja.
The ND. (IV./3) accepts Bhoja's definition verbatim. The name given to this art-form is "durmilitā”.