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Handbook of Classical Sanskrit Rhetoric / 31 Image 31 of 262 (Page xix)

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In spite of the fact that the classical Sanskrit rhetoricians have
totally left the Vedic literature out of the perview of poetics, the
first specimens of figurative poetry in simple but artful diction are
to be found in the hymns of the Ṛgveda. Though the Vedas have
been excluded from the domain of literature or poetry in general
due to their metaphysical and religious background in cultural tra-
dition, yet it cannot be denied that a good number of Vedic hymns
are simply the outpourings of the poet's heart even if these are
treated as muse or revelation. Some of the hymns are the finest speci-
mens of figures like simile, metaphor, alliteration, personification
and hyperbole. Such figurative diction is the basic element of all
poetry and, therefore, Vedic poetry cannot be an exception to that.
Here we may give a few specimens of such poetic expressions :
a) O Agni (the Fire-god) be of easy access like a father unto his son.
(simile)
b) With women there can be no lasting friendship for the hearts of
women are the hearts of hyenas. (hyperbole)
c) His vision is, as if, spread over the universe. (utprekṣā)
d) The Sun-god comes downwords for the worshipper like a husband
bending down before the spouse. (simile)
e) Vāk, the speech, unfolds her mystery to the wise as a wife exposes
here physical charms to her spouse. (simile)
f) Prayers embrace Indra as a dear wife embraces her husband.
(simile).
g) O Goddess of Dawn, like a smiling dame thou shine with lustre
And make bare thy bosom for thy lover. (simile)

Both the words kavi and kāvya have been used in Vedic litera-
ture. In Vedic tradition, kavi is synonymous with medhāvi, manīṣi,
krāntadarśī ie the intellectual, the wise, the seer; kāvya is used to mean
uncommon or elegant expression through words. One Vedic poet indi-
rectly refers to the special feature of poetic expression and its
appreciation by the intelligent reader:

As barly grains are separated from the husk through the sieve,
the wise (dhīrāḥ) through their minds (manasā ie imaginative

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