Satirical works of Kshemendra (study)

by Arpana Devi | 2017 | 60,954 words

This page relates ‘Rupaka (metaphor)’ part of the study on the Satirical works of Kshemendra: an 11th century poet from Kashmir, who composed three satirical works. Kshemendra himself says that in composing the satirical works his only motive is to reform the mindset of the people.—He exposes all the vices and follies prevailing in the society with the intention to reform it.

1.2. Rūpaka (metaphor)

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In the figure Rūpaka^[1], there is no distinction between the object (upameya) and the standard of comparison (upamāna) due to superimposition (āropa) of the later on the former. In the Kalāvilāsa, the Deśopadeśa, the Narmamālā, the illustration of the figure Rūpaka is observed in many places. As for example, in the Kalāvilāsa, in the verse, hastasthādhanarekhā^[2] ………………, it has been said that a road side guru says-‘your hands show big lines indicating acquisition of wealth, but your husband is fickle minded’ and starts to rub the lotus like soft hands of the highborn ladies. In the verse, lotus is superimposed (āropa) upon the soft hands of the lady.

In the Deśopadeśa, in the verse, ālambhya kanyāmañjaryā^[3] ……..………, it has been mentioned that having obtained in marriage the bud like hand of a damsel, the aged man acts like a monkey when he puts his mouth to the fruit that is her breasts. In the verse, the bud is superimposed upon the hands of a young damsel as well as the fruit upon the breasts.

In the verse vistīrṇaśroṇipulinā^[4] ………………etc. of the Narmamālā, it is stated that the unchaste widow has big hips, the thighs and breasts of her are plumping and she has also doe like eyes. In the verse, the eyes of doe are superimposed upon the eyes of the unchaste widow. A few more illustrations of Rupaka are found in the works.^[5]