3.6. Use of Adbhutarasa (marvelous sentiment)

In the drama one can feel the presence of Adbhutarasa everywhere. Looking at the diversified policy and diplomacy of Cāṇakya everybody is amazed, as is said by Bhāgurāyaṇa to himself—

“Sometimes its manifestation can be clearly discerned, sometimes it is deep, not being comprehended, now full in all its parts and now very subtle on purpose, often with its very basis disappearing, often again leading to ample reward, today its seed appears to be destroyed, tomorrow laden with an abundance of fruit-thus oh of a striking character like fate is the policy of the diplomat (Cāṇakya).”^[1]

Even Candragupta is astonished with the policy of Cāṇakya while he says at the end—

“I am indeed ashamed that noble Sir has conquered the unconquerable army without a fight.”

Cf.

vinaiva yuddhātāryeṇa parājitaṃ durjayaṃ parabalamiti lajjita evāsmi/^[2]

Thus the source of Adbhutarasa here is none but Cāṇakya, the nīti or the policy of Cāṇakya is the Ālambanavibhāva and conquering the enemies through his strategies is the Anubhāva, which nourish the very rasa in a placid manner.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

muhurlaksyodbhedā muhuradhigamābhāvagahanā muhuḥ saṃpūrṇāṅgī muhuratikṛṣā kāryavaśataḥ/ muhurnaśyadvijā muhurapi bahuprāpitaphale-tyaho citrākārā niyatiriva nītirnayavidaḥ//Ibid., V. 3

[2]:

p. 467