A Sloka of Bhasa
By Malati Sen
Summary
The analyzed sloka from Bhasa's *Pratimndataka* (12th act, 2nd sloka) reads: *ताते वगुता वि सत्यमवेक्माणे / सुल्नानि मातरि शर स्वपन इरन्त्याम् / वोषिषु याण वर्य इनानि / किं रोपशाय रुचितं श्रिष पातकेच ॥* Scholars Mm. Ganapati Uda, Woolner, and Sarup offer differing interpretations. Uda explains the first line as implying Rama’s resolve to act against those violating their vows, while Woolner and Sarup translate it as questioning the use of force against Dasaratha, who upheld his pledge. However, the context clarifies Rama’s rhetorical argument to Laksmana, who sought to remove obstacles. Rama critiques Laksmana’s impulsiveness by highlighting three figures—Dasaratha (bound by his vow), Kaikeyi (claiming her rightful wealth), and Bharata (innocent)—and asks which act of violence Laksmana would justify. The text emphasizes Dasaratha’s blamelessness, as the kingdom was promised to Kaikeyi at her marriage. The reading *માથે* (for *ने*) is deemed correct, aligning with grammatical principles and the play’s consistent exculpation of Dasaratha, Kaikeyi, and Bharata. Metrical variations in the Trivandrum edition do not affect this interpretation. Woolner and Sarup’s translation of the second line as “Shall I let fly an arrow at my mother if she take my wealth” is deemed linguistically uns
Conclusion
This analysis of the ambiguous passage from Bhasa’s *Pratimndataka* clarifies the contextual and linguistic complexities surrounding the interpretation of Rama’s dialogue with Laksmana. By examining the scholarly discrepancies between Mm. Ganapati Uda, Woolner and Sarup, and Yaranjeya, the study highlights the critical role of *srayadhyara* in resolving syntactic ambiguities, particularly in well-known contexts. The findings underscore the importance of contextual coherence over rigid adherence to grammatical dictums, as exemplified by the exculpation of Dasaratha, Kaikeyi, and Bharata. The analysis reaffirms *māthe* as the correct reading, aligning with the poet’s intentional use of imperative forms and metric variations. Ultimately, the study contributes to a nuanced understanding of Bhasa’s dramatic rhetoric and the interplay between linguistic rules and dramatic logic in classical Sanskrit literature.