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Design and Rhetoric in a Sanskrit Court Epic

Design and Rhetoric in a Sanskrit Court Epic

By Peterson, Indira Viswanathan

Published by State University of New York Press

English 319 pages 2012
Estimated reading time: 5 h 51 min
PDF

About this book

Explores the earliest literary treatment of Arjuna's combat with the great god Siva, providing an introduction to the Sanskrit court epic."Peterson proves that it is possible and fruitful to approach mahakavya such as 'Arjuna and the Hunter' through the aesthetic values it embodies. She succeeds in making one of the greatest works of literature accessible and meaningful to non-specialists, as well as useful for teachers of South Asian culture and religion." — History of Religions Indira Viswanathan Peterson provides an introduction to the Sanskrit court epic (mahākāvya), an important genre in classical Indian poetry, and the first study of a celebrated sixth-century poem, the Kirātārjunīya (Arjuna and the Hunter) of Bhāravi. Sanskrit court epics are shown to be characterized both by formalism and a deep engagement with enduring Indian values. The Kirātārjunīya is the earliest literary treatment of the narrative of the Pandava hero Arjuna's combat with the great god Śiva, a seminal episode in the war epic Mahābhārata. Through a close analysis of the structural strategies of Bhāravi's poem, the author illuminates the aesthetic of the mahākāvya genre. Peterson demonstrates that the classical poet uses figurative language, rhetorical devices, and structural design as the primary instruments for advancing his argument, the reconciliation of heroic action, ascetic self-control, social duty, and devotion to God. Her discussion of the Kirātārjunīya in relation to its historical setting and to renderings of this epic episode in literary texts and temple sculpture of later periods reveals the existence of complex transactions in Indian civilization between the discourses of heroic epic and court poetry, political ideologies and devotional religion, Sanskrit and the regional languages, and classical and folk traditions. Selections from the Kirātārjunīya are presented in poetic translation.

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Design and Rhetoric in a Sanskrit Court Epic is available as PDF at 9 online bookshops. Bookshops carrying it include Bajalibros Argentina, Bajalibros Latam, Bookshop Uruguay.

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English
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In what formats is Design and Rhetoric in a Sanskrit Court Epic available?
Design and Rhetoric in a Sanskrit Court Epic is available as PDF at 9 online bookshops.
Where can I buy Design and Rhetoric in a Sanskrit Court Epic?
You can buy Design and Rhetoric in a Sanskrit Court Epic at Bajalibros Argentina, Bajalibros Latam, Bookshop Uruguay. Compare every option in the list on this page.
How long does it take to read Design and Rhetoric in a Sanskrit Court Epic?
At an average reading pace, Design and Rhetoric in a Sanskrit Court Epic takes about 5 h 51 min to read (319 pages).

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