Significance of Arthavarman

Arthavarman, as described by Kavya, symbolizes a wealthy merchant who, despite his riches, leads a life filled with sorrow. This character illustrates the idea that the possession of wealth does not guarantee happiness, highlighting how material riches can often become a burden rather than a source of joy.

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Arthavarman'

Hinduism Books

Arthavarman in Hinduism symbolizes a wealthy merchant whose life, despite material abundance, lacks joy, illustrating the burdensome nature of wealth and the importance of emotional fulfillment over mere financial success.

Significance in Kavya (poetry):
Kavya Books

From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)

(1) In the allegorical tale of Arthavarman and Bhogavarman (IV, 196), even the abstemious and dyspeptic Arthavarman has a meal consisting of “barley-meal, with half a pala of ghee, and a little rice and a small quantity of meat-curry.”[1] (2) A wealthy merchant whose life is devoid of joy, representing how wealth alone can be burdensome.[2]

Kavya refers to Sanskrit poetry, a popular ancient Indian tradition of literature. There have been many Sanskrit poets over the ages, hailing from ancient India and beyond. This topic includes mahakavya, or ‘epic poetry’ and natya, or ‘dramatic poetry’.