Question

Match List I with List II in the context of the four limbs of Upama Alamkara: 

Choose the correct answer from the options given below: 
 

• A. A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-I
• B. A-III, B-I, C-II, D-IV
• C. A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III
• D. A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-I

Hint:

Always identify the 'Actual Subject' as Upameya and the 'Model' as Upamana. The words like 'Iva' are the indicators (Vachakas).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The 'Upama' (Simile) Alamkara consists of four essential components (Angas).
1. Upameyam: The object being described (the subject).
2. Upamanam: The standard of comparison (the object it is compared to).
3. Sadharana-dharmah: The common quality shared by both.
4. Upamya-vachi: The word that denotes the comparison (like, as, etc.).

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let us take the classic example: "Mukham chandram iva manojnam" (The face is beautiful like the moon).

1. Upamanam: This is the superior object used for comparison.
In the example, 'Chandra' (Moon) is the standard of comparison. Hence, List II includes 'Chandradi' (Moon etc.).
Matching: A-II.

2. Upameyam: This is the actual object present in the context which we want to describe.
In the example, 'Mukha' (Face) is the subject. Hence, List II includes 'Mukhadhi' (Face etc.).
Matching: B-III.

3. Sadharana-dharmah: This is the attribute that justifies the comparison.
In the example, 'Manojna' (Beauty/Pleasantness) is the shared quality. Hence, List II includes 'Manojnatvadhi' (Pleasantness etc.).
Matching: C-IV.

4. Aupamyavachi (or Upamya-vachaka): This is the indicator word that establishes the simile.
In Sanskrit, words like 'Iva', 'Vat', 'Yatha' perform this function. Hence, List II includes 'Ivadhi' (Iva etc.).
Matching: D-I.

The sequence A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-I aligns perfectly with the standard elements of Upama as described by Mammata and Vishvanatha.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The correct matching is A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-I. Therefore, Option (A) is correct.