Question

What are considered the 'Apakarshakas' (detractors or diminishers) of Rasa?

• A. Alamkaras (Figures of speech)
• B. Gunah (Excellences)
• C. Doshah (Defects)
• D. Ritayah (Styles)

Hint:

Remember the pair:
- Utkarshaka (Enhancer) = Guna/Alamkara.
- Apakarshaka (Detractor) = Dosha.
If you see the word 'Hatih' (killing) or 'Apakarsha' in a question, the answer is always Dosha.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In literary theory, we distinguish between elements that add beauty and elements that destroy it. Elements that uplift the Rasa are called 'Utkarshakas'. Conversely, elements that hinder, distract from, or diminish the aesthetic experience of Rasa are termed 'Apakarshakas'. The word 'Apakarsha' literally means 'to pull down'.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
According to the foundational definitions in Sanskrit poetics, Doshas (defects) are the 'Apakarshakas' of Rasa.
Vishvanatha defines a Dosha as: "Rasa-apakarshakah doshah" (That which detracts from the Rasa is a defect).

How do Doshas act as Apakarshakas?
1. Interruption of Aesthetic Relish: A Rasa is a flow of emotion. A defect, such as a harsh word in a delicate love scene (Shravanakatu) or a grammatical error (Chyutasamskriti), forces the reader's mind to stop feeling and start analyzing the error. This break in immersion is the 'detraction'.
2. Incompatibility: If a poet uses an inappropriate meter or description (e.g., describing a tragic scene with joyful, bouncy words), it 'lowers' the quality of the sentiment.
3. Obstruction: Sometimes a defect is so severe (like a confusing word order) that the primary meaning isn't understood at all.

Analysis of other options:
- Alamkaras and Gunas are 'Utkarshakas'. They enhance the poem.
- Ritis are the arrangement of words that help manifest Gunas and Rasa; they are not detractors.

Therefore, just as a scar or a physical ailment detracts from the beauty of a person, a Dosha detracts from the 'Soul' (Rasa) of a poem.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The detractors or diminishers (Apakarshakas) of Rasa are Doshas. Therefore, Option (C) is the correct answer.