Question

Who is the author of the verse: 'Vibhavanubhavena vyaktah sancharina tatha... rasatameti ratyadih sthayi bhavah sachetasaam'?

• A. Mammata
• B. Vishvanatha
• C. Bharata
• D. Kuntaka

Hint:

Remember: Bharata wrote the 'Sutra' (prose), and Mammata wrote the 'Karika' (verse) explaining that Sutra. If you see "Vyaktah" (manifested) in a Rasa definition, it usually points to Mammata's influence or his specific text.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The verse in the question provides a comprehensive definition of how 'Rasa' (Aesthetic Sentiment) is manifested in the heart of a connoisseur. Rasa is the soul of Indian aesthetics, and its mechanism is explained through the interaction of various psychological components like Vibhava, Anubhava, and Sanchari Bhava. While the original 'Rasa-sutra' was given by Bharata Muni, this specific verse (Karika) belongs to a later systematizer.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
The author of this specific verse is Acharya Mammata, found in the fourth chapter (Ullasa) of his work, 'Kavyaprakasha'.

The verse explains the process of Rasa-experience:
- Sthayi Bhava: These are permanent emotions latent in the soul (like Rati/Love, Krodha/Anger).
- Vibhavas: The causes or determinants (like the hero, heroine, or the moonlight).
- Anubhavas: The physical effects or consequents (like a glance or a smile).
- Sanchari Bhavas: The transitory emotions (like bashfulness or anxiety).

Mammata states that when the Sthayi Bhava of a 'Sachetasa' (sensitive person) is 'Vyaktah' (manifested) by these components, it attains the state of Rasa.

Why other options are incorrect:
1. Bharata Muni: He gave the famous prose aphorism (Sutra): "Vibhava-anubhava-vyabhichari-samyogad-rasa-nishpattih." He did not write the verse form quoted here.
2. Vishvanatha: His definition in 'Sahityadarpana' is "Vakyam Rasatmakam Kavyam." While he explains Rasa similarly, his phrasing is different.
3. Kuntaka: He is associated with 'Vakrokti-jivita' and focuses on oblique expression rather than the standard exposition of Rasa found in Mammata's work.

Mammata's definition is highly respected because it incorporates the 'Abhivyakti-vada' (Manifestation theory) of Abhinavagupta, which is the most widely accepted explanation of how art works on the human mind.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The verse "Vibhavanubhavena vyaktah..." belongs to Acharya Mammata. Thus, Option (A) is the correct choice.