Question

What is the main Rasa (aesthetic sentiment) in 'Amurushataka'?

• A. Shringarah (Erotic)
• B. Karunah (Pathetic)
• C. Bhayanakah (Terrible)
• D. Virah (Heroic)

Hint:

Associate the three 'Shatakas' with their Rasas: Amaru = Shringara (Love), Bhartrihari's Niti = Shanta/Upanishadic, Surya-shataka = Bhakti. Amaru is the "King of Love Lyrics".

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
'Amurushataka' (or Amaru-shataka) is a collection of 100 independent verses ('Muktakas') by the poet Amaru. In the classification of Sanskrit literature, a 'Shataka' is a genre focused on a specific theme. Determining the main 'Rasa' involves analyzing the emotional tone and subject matter of these independent stanzas. Amaru is widely regarded as one of the greatest masters of lyrical poetry in Sanskrit history.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
The Amurushataka is almost exclusively dedicated to the Shringara Rasa (The Erotic/Love Sentiment). It is celebrated for its exquisite, realistic, and psychologically profound depiction of human love. Unlike many other works that focus on idealized or divine love, Amaru captures the everyday nuances, quarrels, longings, and reconciliations of earthly lovers.

The work explores two main aspects of Shringara:
1. Sambhoga Shringara (Love in Union): Describing the joy, physical intimacy, and playfulness of lovers together.
2. Vipralambha Shringara (Love in Separation): Focusing on the 'Mana' (lovers' tiffs), the pining for the beloved, and the intense grief of separation.

Amaru’s stanzas are like miniature dramas. In just four lines, he can depict the subtle movement of a Nayika's eyebrow, the unspoken jealousy in a hero's heart, or the silent reconciliation after a fight. Critics like Anandavardhana (the author of 'Dhvanyaloka') held Amaru in such high esteem that they remarked: "A single verse of the poet Amaru is equal to a hundred other poems."

Analyzing other options:
- Karunah: While some verses depict sorrow, it is the sorrow of 'love in separation' (Vipralambha), which is a branch of Shringara, not the 'Karuna Rasa' (which arises from permanent loss).
- Bhayanakah and Virah: These sentiments are entirely absent from this delicate lyrical work.

The Amurushataka remains a benchmark for 'Dhvani' (suggested meaning) in Sanskrit poetics, as it uses sparse, elegant language to suggest a vast world of erotic emotion.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The primary Rasa of Amurushataka is Shringara. Thus, Option (A) is the correct answer.