Question

How many Gunas (literary excellences) are accepted by Vishvanatha in Sahityadarpana?

• A. Ten (Dasha)
• B. Seven (Sapta)
• C. Twenty (Vinshatih)
• D. Three (Trayah)

Hint:

To avoid confusion:
- Bharata/Dandin = 10 Gunas.
- Vamana = 20 Gunas.
- Mammata/Vishvanatha = 3 Gunas (Madhurya, Ojas, Prasada).
Most modern exams follow the count of 3.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In the history of Sanskrit poetics, the number of 'Gunas' (literary excellences) was a subject of evolution. Early scholars had a high count, but later 'Dhvani' (Suggestion) school scholars simplified the list based on psychological principles. Acharya Vishvanatha belongs to this later, more refined tradition.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
The early school (represented by Bharata Muni and Dandin) accepted Ten Gunas (such as Shlesha, Prasada, Samata, etc.). Acharya Vamana further doubled this to Twenty by dividing them into Word-Gunas and Meaning-Gunas.

However, the 'Dhvanyaloka' of Anandavardhana and later 'Kavyaprakasha' of Mammata argued that many of these ten Gunas were redundant or were simply the absence of defects. Vishvanatha, in his 'Sahityadarpana', follows this simplified path and accepts only Three (Trayah) Gunas.

These three Gunas are based on how they affect the reader's mind:
1. Madhurya (Sweetness): This Guna causes the heart to "melt" (\(Chitta-drutih\)). It is found in Shringara, Karuna, and Shanta Rasas.
2. Ojas (Energy/Brilliance): This Guna causes the heart to "expand" or "flare up" (\(Chitta-vistara\)). It is found in Vira, Raudra, and Bibhatsa Rasas.
3. Prasada (Clarity/Lucidity): This Guna is like "fire in dry fuel" or "water on clean cloth." It pervades the mind instantly (\(Chitta-vyapti\)) and is common to all Rasas.

Vishvanatha explicitly argues that the other seven traditional Gunas are either included within these three or are merely stylistic variations that do not qualify as independent 'excellences' of the Rasa. This reduction to three Gunas is a hallmark of the 'Navya' (New) school of Sanskrit poetics.

Step 4: Final Answer:
In 'Sahityadarpana', Acharya Vishvanatha accepts three Gunas. Thus, Option (D) is the correct answer.