Question

What is 'Sanketa' (Convention/Signification) defined as in the context of Sahitya?

• A. Lakshyartha (Indicative meaning)
• B. Vyangyartha (Suggestive meaning)
• C. Guna-vishesha (Specific quality)
• D. Ishvarechha (The Will of God)

Hint:

Think of Sanketa as the "Source Code" of language. In the traditional view, this code was written by the ultimate creator. So, 'Sanketa = Ishvarechha' is a common formula in Sanskrit grammar and logic exams.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Sanketa is the principle that connects a specific sound (Shabda) to a specific meaning (Artha). Without this link, language would be a series of meaningless noises. The question asks for the technical definition of this convention as recognized in the traditional philosophical systems (Darshanas) that inform Sanskrit poetics.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
The definition of Sanketa is primarily derived from the Nyaya school of logic. According to the ancient Naiyayikas, the relationship between a word and its object is not natural or eternal but established.

The traditional definition provided in the texts is 'Ishvarechha' (The Will of God). The logic is as follows:
1. At the time of creation, the Supreme Being (Ishvara) willed that "This word should signify this object" (\(Asmat-shabdat-ayam-artho-boddhavyah\)).
2. This divine desire or command is what we call 'Sanketa'. It provides the ultimate authority and stability to language.
3. This is why when we hear the word 'Agnih' (fire), we all think of the same hot, burning substance; it is because the 'Sanketa' is fixed.

Later scholars (Navya-Naiyayikas) expanded this to include 'Iccha' (Human will) for modern terms, but the classical academic answer for the definition of Sanketa remains 'Ishvarechha'.

Analysis of other options:
- Lakshyartha and Vyangyartha are types of meanings, not the convention that creates the link between sound and sense.
- Guna-vishesha refers to a quality, but Sanketa is the relation or the will that assigns a meaning to a word.

In Sahitya-shastra, understanding Sanketa is crucial because the power of Abhidha depends entirely on it. If there is no 'Sanketa', Abhidha cannot function.

Step 4: Final Answer:
In the context of traditional Sanskrit linguistics and poetics, Sanketa is defined as 'Ishvarechha' (The Will of God). Therefore, Option (D) is correct.