सुभद्रकव्या में प्रतिपालित साहित्यिक विवेचन (Literary Analysis of Subhadra‑kavya)
By Hemvati Nandan Sharma
Summary
“सुभद्रकव्या में प्रतिपालित साहित्यिक विवेचन” offers a scholarly critique of the Sanskrit poem “Subhadra‑kavya.” The author, Hemsvati Nandan Sharma, introduces the poem’s historical background, noting that it was composed in the 14th century by Deveshvarasūri and narrates the story of Prince Subhadra and his adventures. The article examines the aesthetic theory underlying the poem, focusing on how the poet employs rasa (emotional flavour) and alaṅkāra (figures of speech). The author analyses each of the principal rasas found in the text—śṛṅgāra (erotic love), hāsya (humour), karuṇa (compassion), vīra (heroism), bhayānaka (fear), adbhuta (wonder) and śānta (tranquillity)—providing examples of verses that evoke these emotions. A significant portion of the essay is devoted to the classification and illustration of poetic ornaments, such as simile, metaphor, hyperbole and paronomasia, used to embellish descriptions of nature, battles and courtly life. The article also explores the metrics (chandas) employed in the poem and how the poet varies them to suit narrative pace and mood. The author commends Deveshvarasūri for balancing the ‘bhava’ (emotional content) with the ‘kala’ (artistic expression) to create a harmonious work that appeals to both the heart and the intellect. By combining literary analysis with references to traditional Sanskrit poetics, the article illuminates the craftsmanship of “Subhadra‑kavya” and underscores its place in the canon of medieval Sanskrit literature.
Conclusion
The article concludes that “Subhadra‑kavya” is a masterful synthesis of emotion and artistry. Deveshvarasūri’s adept use of rasa, poetic ornaments and varied metres creates a nuanced narrative that engages readers on multiple levels. The author argues that studying such works deepens our understanding of classical poetics and preserves appreciation for the sophistication of medieval Sanskrit literature.