Part 1: Sanskrit Kāvya-dṛśyakāvya and Śravyakāvya

A Kāvya is a product of the creativity of a poet, which bears the reflections of various aspects of the human race. It is a very important social document and much may be known from it about the time it represents. In Kāvya, there is always a hidden purpose of imparting some lessons, moral, ethical or otherwise. It is observed that the theme of a Kāvya is, in most cases, lofty and sublime and its diction is equally elevated and grand. Grandeur both in theme and treatment characterizes a Kāvya. A Kāvya has some special characteristics which are wanting in other general books. A Kāvya bears the traits of various levels of understanding. They remain afresh always with the spirit of man encouraging, inspiring and developing the all-round progress of humanity. Hence, the Kāvyas have great importance in human development and civilization. The thoughts and feeling of the mighty minds are there in the Kāvyas. Mysteries of human life and problems are discussed thoroughly and proper solutions are also arrived at. The word Kāvya denotes a work or a creation of a kavi^[1] who is said to be the creator himself.^[2] Unlike the general people a kavi or poet possesses such a power of expression by virtue of which he may be able the enthrall the mind of the people of all ages. Otherwise, it would be, ridiculous for him to become a poet if he is lacking in this art of expression.^[3] According to the Dhvanyāloka^[4] (Dhvanyāloka) and Chandrāloka^[5] (Chandrāloka) this bright conception or vivid imagination or faculty (Pratibhā) of a kavi is the cause of a Kāvya.

Sanskrit Kāvya is divided into various classes from different points of view. According to Viśvanātha Kavirāja, there are two groups of Kāvya. These are dṛśyakāvya and śravyakāvya.^[6]