Question

In which meter (Chhandah) is the sequence of Ganas 'ma-sa-ja-sa-ta-ta-ga' found?

• A. Upajati
• B. Drutavilambitam
• C. Shardulavikriditam
• D. Vasantatilaka

Hint:

Count the syllables first! If there are 19 syllables in a line, it is almost certainly 'Shardulavikriditam' in standard classical poetry. The starting Magana (three Gurus) gives it its heavy, serious tone.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Sanskrit meters (Vrittas) are defined by the specific arrangement of Ganas (metrical feet) in each quarter ('Pada') of the verse. Each meter has a unique definition ('Lakshana') that specifies the sequence of Ganas and the 'Yati' (the pause during recitation). Identifying a meter involves counting the total syllables and checking if they match the required Gana pattern.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
The Gana formula provided is: ma, sa, ja, sa, ta, ta, and a final guru (ga).
Let's calculate the total syllables:
Each Gana consists of 3 syllables.
Formula: $(3 \times \text{ma}) + (3 \times \text{sa}) + (3 \times \text{ja}) + (3 \times \text{sa}) + (3 \times \text{ta}) + (3 \times \text{ta}) + 1 \text{ guru}$
Total = $(3 \times 6) + 1 = 18 + 1 = \mathbf{19}$ syllables per Pada.

This 19-syllable structure corresponds to the Shardulavikriditam meter.
Its definition (Lakshana) is:
"Sūryāśvairyadi mah sajau satatagāḥ śārdūlavikrīḍitam"
- It consists of the Ganas: Ma (SSS), Sa (IIS), Ja (ISI), Sa (IIS), Ta (SSI), Ta (SSI), followed by one Guru (S).
- The 'Yati' (pause) occurs after the 12th and the 7th syllables (indicated by 'Surya' = 12 and 'Ashva' = 7).

Analysis of other options:
1. Upajati: This is a mixture of Indravajra and Upendravajra. It has 11 syllables per Pada.
2. Drutavilambitam: This consists of the Ganas 'na-bha-bha-ra'. It has 12 syllables per Pada.
3. Vasantatilaka: This consists of the Ganas 'ta-bha-ja-ja' followed by two gurus (ga-ga). It has 14 syllables per Pada.

Shardulavikriditam (literally 'The play of the tiger') is one of the grandest and most powerful meters in Sanskrit poetry. It is used by poets like Bhartrihari in his 'Shatakas' and by playwrights like Kalidasa and Bhavabhuti for verses expressing intense emotions, heroic descriptions, or philosophical gravity. Its rhythm is majestic and requires a deep, resonant voice for recitation.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The Gana sequence 'ma-sa-ja-sa-ta-ta-ga' belongs to the Shardulavikriditam meter. Thus, Option (C) is the correct answer.