Question

Identify the 'Rasa-doshas' (defects in aesthetic sentiment) from the following:
A. Rasasya svapadoktya (Stating the Rasa by its own name)
B. Sthayinah svapadoktya (Stating the Sthayi-bhava by its own name)
C. Gunasya svapadoktya
D. Vyabhicharinah svapadoktya (Stating the Vyabhichari-bhava by its own name)
E. Alamkarasya svapadoktya
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

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

Hint:

In poetics, "Showing is better than Telling." Directly naming an emotion (e.g., saying "He was angry") is a defect. Describing his bloodshot eyes and trembling hands is the poetic 'Dhvani' (Suggestion) that manifests Rasa.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In poetics, 'Dosha' (defect) is defined as "Mukhya-artha-hatih" (the diminishment of the primary poetic sentiment). Specifically, 'Rasa-doshas' are those defects that directly hinder the aesthetic relish. In the 'Dhvani' (suggestion) school of poetics, Rasa is always meant to be 'Suggested' (Vyangya), never 'Expressed' (Vachya). Stating the emotional elements directly by their names is considered a major defect.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
According to Mammata's 'Kavyaprakasha' (Ullasa 7), the following are considered major Rasa-doshas:

1. A. Rasasya svashabda-vachyatva (Rasasya svapadoktya): If a poet explicitly writes "I am feeling Shringara Rasa" or "This is Karuna Rasa," it is a defect. The Rasa must be suggested through descriptions of characters and their actions (Vibhavas, etc.).

2. B. Sthayinah svashabda-vachyatva (Sthayinah svapadoktya): The permanent dominant emotion (like Rati, Shoka, or Krodha) should not be named directly. Instead of saying "He felt love," the poet should describe the symptoms of love. Naming it directly kills the suggestion.

3. D. Vyabhicharinah svashabda-vachyatva (Vyabhicharinah svapadoktya): Similarly, transitory emotions (like Nirveda, Glani, or Shanka) should ideally be suggested. While sometimes naming them is permissible (Anitya-dosha), generally naming them by their own words (Svapadokti) is listed as a defect.

4. C and E: Gunas (Excellences) and Alamkaras (Figures of speech) are not emotional entities that are 'suggested' in the same way. Their naming is not a 'Rasa-dosha' in this theoretical framework.

Therefore, A, B, and D are the recognized Rasa-doshas in this context.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Stating the Rasa, Sthayi, or Vyabhichari Bhava by name is a technical defect in the theory of Suggestion. Thus, Option (C) is correct.