Chitram Poetry of Sound (2 Volume Set)

DETAILS : 

• Publisher : Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, Janakpuri
  
• Author: V. Balasubramanyam
  
• Language: English
  
• Pages: 685
  
• Cover: Hardcover
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 818611131X
  
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 9788186111314
  
• Weight : 1800 g

ABOUT THE BOOK 

Chitram: Poetry of Sound is an monumental two-volume study that delves into the intricate relationship between sound, rhythm, and meaning in Sanskrit literature. The work focuses on Chitra-kavya—a sophisticated genre of "ornamental" or "figurative" poetry where the arrangement of syllables creates visual patterns or complex phonetic constraints. Volume 1 typically explores the theoretical foundations and the concept of Sabdalankara (verbal figures), while Volume 2 dives into the practical application and analysis of legendary poetic feats. Balasubramanyam decodes the mathematical precision behind palindromic verses, poems that use only one consonant, and verses that can be read in multiple directions, revealing the sheer genius of ancient Indian grammarians and poets.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

V. Balasubramanyam is a distinguished scholar known for his deep expertise in Sanskrit aesthetics and linguistics. His work is characterized by a rare ability to bridge the gap between traditional Indian poetics (Kavya Shastra) and modern structural analysis. Through this set, he has been credited with reviving interest in a style of poetry that was often dismissed by 19th-century critics as mere "wordplay," demonstrating instead its profound cognitive and artistic value. His meticulous research serves as a vital resource for linguists, students of Sanskrit, and those interested in the mathematical underpinnings of classical literature.