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Rhetorical works in Sanskrit begin to investigate the true mature of a Kavya and ascertain the logically correct definition thereof. A discussion follows, of the different attributes of poetry. Kavyas are classified, with a few observations on the importance of literary works. A minute investigation is made into the powers or sakti of words. The different rasas are • defined in relation to psychological emotions and their development is traced. Dramas are then classified and the dramatic technicalities are defined and illustrated. With a few remarks on style and language, a treatment of Figures of Speech forms the concluding chapter.
The Science of Poetics has had an independent place in the Sanskrit literature. In bulk or importance, . it stands on a level with any indigenous science of India. The postulate is conceded that nothing that man discovers fails to have a reference in the Vedas. It has been the earnest endeavour of every orthodox Hindu to trace all developments of later science or philosophy to Vedic beginnings. Regarding the science of rhetoric, the Vedic literature shows some initial traces of the later topics that have contributed to expand its sphere beyond all reason and proportion. Instances of similes,1 metaphors* and hyperboles8 are not rare in these Vedic writings. The essence of all poetic art is thus summed up :
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IIry arid rhetoric is the same as exists between language and grammar „..skrit, it gives us a specimen of an 'Unaffected composition, yet not without a naked pathos of its •cWfa. Faults there are of grammatical construction, but they are found only in the speeches. These may either be ascribed .to the ignorance of the transcribers or may be said to have had -a purpose—to give a truistic appearance to the character of the