MISCELLANY - The Bhasa Problem
By K. G. Sesha Aiyar
Summary
The Bhasa Problem discusses uncertainties around the authorship of Kavi Vimarsa, a text cited in Jahnann’s Sikkhann. K. R. Pisharati references 5019 verses from Kavi Vimarsa, attributing it to Rijadekhara, while questioning its reliability. However, scholars like Dalal and Anantakrishna Sastri express skepticism, noting that Rijadekhara, who composed the extensive Kavya-mimamsa (18 Adhikaranas), likely did not write Kavi Vimarsa. They argue that Kavi Vimarsa’s laudatory verses attributed to Rijadekhara in Suksimukhvali are improbable. Some scholars suggest Kavi Vimarsa may be a literary forgery created by Bhatta Sri Narayana Sastri, a South Indian Sanskrit scholar known for imitating classical poets. This view is supported by claims that Sastri, active around 40 years prior to the debate, crafted Kavi Vimarsa as a practical joke, showcasing his versatility in mimicking different styles. Despite these claims, the authorship remains unresolved, with no conclusive evidence confirming or refuting the attribution to Rijadekhara or Sastri.
Conclusion
The Bhasa Problem presents a complex interplay of authorship and historical attribution, challenging the reliability of traditional scholarship on Kavi Vimarsa and its connection to Rajasekhara. The document highlights conflicting scholarly opinions, including the skepticism of Dalal, Anantakrishna Sastri, and Krishnamachariya, who question the authenticity of Kavi Vimarsa as Rajasekhara’s work, suggesting it may instead be a literary forgery attributed to Bhatta Sri Narayana Sastri. This debate underscores the need for rigorous scrutiny of historical sources and the potential for misattribution in classical literature. The findings emphasize the dynamic nature of textual transmission and the role of scholarly inquiry in unraveling historical uncertainties, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of Sanskrit literary history.