સાહિત્યમીમાંસામાં વિચારાયેલું રસસ્વરૂપ

Summary

Authored by Parul Mānkad, this Gujarati article examines the concept of rasa (aesthetic flavour) as discussed in the treatise “Sāhitya‑Mīmāṁsā.” Mānkad begins by introducing the treatise’s authorship and its place within the tradition of Sanskrit literary criticism, noting that scholars like Viśvanātha and Mammaṭa have also addressed the topic. She outlines how the text defines rasa as the essence of poetic experience and distinguishes it from bhāva, vibhāva and anubhāva. Mānkad then analyses the discussion of different rasas—such as śṛṅgāra, vīra, karuṇa and adbhuta—paying attention to their causes and manifestations. She observes that the treatise emphasises the transformative power of poetry to evoke rasa in the sensitive reader or spectator and stresses the importance of proportion and context in achieving the desired effect. The article compares interpretations of rasa across commentaries and highlights debates over the number of rasas and their hierarchical arrangement. Mānkad also examines how “Sāhitya‑Mīmāṁsā” relates rasa to moral and spiritual values, suggesting that aesthetic enjoyment can lead to ethical reflection. She concludes that understanding rasa theory is essential for appreciating classical literature and that Gujarati critics can benefit from engaging deeply with Sanskrit aesthetic texts.