Theory of Dhvani

Key points

* The doctrine of Dhvani is an extension of the rasa theory. Ananadavardhana extends this theory to poetry.

*Anandavardhana uses the term dhvani for his theory of poetic suggestion (according to him "suggestion" is the soul of poetry)- it is applied to suggestive poetry
when the suggested sense predominates over the literal sense.

* Dhvani includes an idea, a figure of speech or an emotion which together contributes to the charming sense of the poem.

*The quality of poetry depends on the importance given to the element of suggestion.

* The main difference between rasa and dhvani is that rasa stresses the method of treatment while dhvani deals with the ultimate effect.

*There are six main criticisms against dhvani theory before it was accepted by the Alamkarikas (=grammarians). Most of them were of the opinion that dhvani
does not exist, saying that it was already included in other terms and concepts. They are as below:

1) dhvani and anumana (inference)

2)dhvani and arthapatti (postulation)

3)dhvani and laksana (symptom/indication)

4) dhvani and abhidha (conveyed meaning)

5) dhvani and tatparyavriti (intention)

6) dhvani and vakrokti (striking mode of expression/ speech)

 Classification of Dhvani

Dhvani

avivaksita-vacya (based on laksana) vivaksitanyapara-vacya (based on abhidha)

(literal meaning is not intended)

atyantatiraskrata arthantarasamkramita-vacya samlaksyakrama-vyangya asamlaksyakrama-vyangya

(literal sense is completely set aside) (literal meaning is shifted-the word is enhanced or diminished) (stages of realizing suggested sense from expressed (stages in realization of suggested sense are imperceptible)
sense can be perceived)

[jahalaksana] [ajalaksana]

vastu-dhvani alamkara-dhvani
idea/ fact is suggested (+) figure of speech is suggested (+) poetic emotion is suggested

sabda-saktimula arthasakti-mula
(based on words) (based on meanings)

ubhayasaktimula (based on both words and meanings)