Question

Identify the examples of 'Lakshana' (Indication) from the following:
A. Shveto dhavati (The white [horse] runs)
B. Kuntah pravishanti (The spears enter)
C. Kalingah sahasikah (The Kalinga is brave)
D. Goshadrishah gavayah (The gavaya is like a cow)
E. Parvato vahniman (The mountain has fire)
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

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

Hint:

To identify Lakshana, ask: "Is the literal meaning logical in this context?"
If a country is called "brave" or a spear is said to "walk," the literal meaning fails (Mukhya-artha-badha), forcing you to look for a secondary meaning. That is the hallmark of Lakshana.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Lakshana (Indication) is the second power of a word (Shabda-shakti) used when the primary meaning (Vachyartha) of a word is blocked (Mukhya-artha-badha). There are several types of Lakshana, including Upadana-lakshana (where the primary meaning is retained and something added) and Lakshana-lakshana (where the primary meaning is completely set aside for an indicative one). The examples provided are classic illustrations from texts like Mammata's 'Kavyaprakasha'.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let us examine each statement:

1. A. Shveto dhavati: This translates to "The white [one] runs." A color (white) cannot physically run. Here, the literal meaning is blocked, and we understand "the white horse." This is an example of Upadana-lakshana, where the quality (white) implies the substance (horse).

2. B. Kuntah pravishanti: This translates to "The spears enter." An inanimate object like a spear cannot move of its own volition to "enter." The literal meaning is blocked. We understand it as "The men holding spears enter." This is a standard example of Lakshana-lakshana.

3. C. Kalingah sahasikah: This translates to "Kalinga is brave." Kalinga is a country/land, and land cannot possess the human quality of bravery. The literal meaning is blocked. We understand it as "The people of Kalinga are brave." This is also a classic example of Lakshana-lakshana.

4. D. Goshadrishah gavayah: This is an example of 'Upamana' or 'Upama' (Comparison). It is a direct statement using the primary power of words (Abhidha) to state an analogy. It is not an example of Lakshana because the primary meaning is not blocked.

5. E. Parvato vahniman: This is a standard example of Anumana (Inference) in Nyaya philosophy (The mountain has fire because it has smoke). This is a logical syllogism, not a poetic or linguistic indication (Lakshana).

Thus, only A, B, and C are valid examples of Lakshana.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Statements A, B, and C are the traditional examples used in Sahitya Shastra to explain the function of Lakshana. Hence, Option (B) is correct.