Handbook of Classical Sanskrit Rhetoric /31

Introduction
 
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 R
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 :
 
xix
 

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 kävya have been used in Vedic litera-
ture. In Vedic tradition, kavi is synonymous with medhāviya have been used in Vedic litera-
ture. In Vedic tradition, kavi is synonymous with medhāvi, manīșṣi,

kräntadarsiāntadarśī ie the intellectual, the wise, the seer; käāvya 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:
 
Digitized by
 

 
As barly grains are separated from the husk through the sieve,

the wise (dhīrāḥ) through their minds (manasā ie imaginative
 
T
 
Google
 
Original from
 
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN