Question

Which literary critic later expanded Anandavardhana’s Dhwani Theory?

• A. Bhamaha
• B. Dandin
• C. Abhinavagupta
• D. Vishwanatha

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Abhinavagupta

Abhinavagupta’s Contribution to Dhwani Theory

• Abhinavagupta (10th–11th century CE) was a Kashmiri philosopher, aesthetician, and literary critic who expanded upon Anandavardhana’s Dhwani Theory.

• In his commentary "Locana" on Dhvanyaloka, he further developed the connection between Dhwani (suggestion) and Rasa (emotional experience).

• He argued that Rasa (aesthetic emotion) is the ultimate goal of poetry, and Dhwani is the primary method to achieve it.

• His work solidified the Rasa-Dhwani relationship, making it a key principle in Indian poetics and drama.

Thus, Abhinavagupta played a crucial role in refining and deepening Anandavardhana’s ideas, making them central to classical Sanskrit aesthetics.