Question

Which meter (Chhandah) is indicated by the formula 'Jatau jarau'?

• A. Upendravajra
• B. Vamshastham
• C. Shardulavikriditam
• D. Drutavilambitam

Hint:

Remember the mnemonic: "Vamshastham = J-T-J-R". This 12-syllable meter is a favorite for poets describing courtly scenes or political discussions.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question requires identifying a Sanskrit meter based on its Gana (metrical foot) formula. In Chhandas-shastra, meters belonging to the 'Jagati' class contain 12 syllables per quarter ('Pada'). The sequence 'Jatau jarau' is a common shorthand used in the definitions of such meters to describe the specific rhythmic pattern of Gurus and Laghus.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
The formula 'Jatau jarau' translates to: Jaganah, Taganah, Jaganah, and Raganah.
- Jaganah: I S I
- Taganah: S S I
- Jaganah: I S I
- Raganah: S I S
Total syllables per line = $3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = \mathbf{12}$.

This specific sequence defines the Vamshastham meter.
The full definition (Lakshana) found in 'Chhandomanjari' or 'Vrittaratnakara' is:
"Jatau tu vaṃśastham-udīritaṃ jarau"
(It is called Vamshastham when the Ganas are Ja, Ta, Ja, and Ra.)

Analysis of other options:
1. Upendravajra: This is an 11-syllable meter. Its sequence is 'ja-ta-ja' followed by two gurus (ga-ga).
2. Shardulavikriditam: As discussed in the previous question, this is a 19-syllable meter with a completely different formula ('ma-sa-ja-sa-ta-ta-ga').
3. Drutavilambitam: This is also a 12-syllable meter, but its Gana sequence is 'na-bha-bha-ra' ("Drutavilambitam-aha nabha-bharau").

Vamshastham is a very elegant and balanced meter. It is most famously used by Mahakavi Bharavi in the first canto of his 'Kiratarjuniya'. Its rhythmic structure is suitable for narrative poetry that is both intellectual and aesthetically pleasing. It is often contrasted with Indravajra (11 syllables) because of their similar phonetic flow, but the extra syllable in Vamshastham gives it more depth.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The formula 'Jatau jarau' refers to the Vamshastham meter. Therefore, Option (B) is the correct answer.