Question

Arrange the following meters in ascending order according to the number of syllables (Aksharas) per quarter (Pada):
A. Drutavilambitam
B. Shikharini
C. Upajati
D. Shardulavikriditam
E. Vasantatilaka
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, C, E, B, D
• B. C, E, A, B, D
• C. E, A, C, B, D
• D. C, A, E, B, D

Hint:

Syllable counts to remember:
11: Indravajra/Upendravajra/Upajati
12: Vamshastha/Drutavilambitam
14: Vasantatilaka
15: Malini
17: Mandakranta/Shikharini
19: Shardulavikriditam
21: Sragdhara.
Counting syllables is the first and easiest step in identifying meters.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Sanskrit meters (Vrittas) are categorized primarily by the number of syllables in each 'Pada' (quarter of a verse). This is known as the 'Chhandas' class. Each specific meter within a class is further defined by its Gana sequence. To arrange them in ascending order, one must know the syllable count of each meter.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let's count the syllables for each meter:

1. C. Upajati: This belongs to the 'Trishtubh' class. It is a mixture of Indravajra and Upendravajra. Each quarter has 11 syllables.

2. A. Drutavilambitam: This belongs to the 'Jagati' class. Its definition is "Drutavilambitam-aha nabha-bharau". Each quarter has 12 syllables.

3. E. Vasantatilaka: This belongs to the 'Shakkari' class. Its definition is "Ukta vasantatilaka tabhaja jagaugah". Each quarter has 14 syllables.

4. B. Shikharini: This belongs to the 'Atyashti' class. Its definition is "Rasairudraish-chinna ya-ma-na-sa-bha-la-gah shikharini". Each quarter has 17 syllables.

5. D. Shardulavikriditam: This belongs to the 'Atidhriti' class. Its definition is "Suryashvair-yadi mah-sajau sa-ta-ta-gah shardulavikriditam". Each quarter has 19 syllables.

Ascending order: 11 (C) $\rightarrow$ 12 (A) $\rightarrow$ 14 (E) $\rightarrow$ 17 (B) $\rightarrow$ 19 (D).

Step 4: Final Answer:
The correct ascending order of syllables is C, A, E, B, D. Therefore, Option (D) is the correct choice.