Ushaharana Kavya of Trivikrama Pandita (Study)
by Pranesh R. Archak | 1999 | 56,897 words
This is a study and English summary of the the Ushaharana Kavya—an Sanskrit epic poem written by Trivikrama Pandita in the 13th century. The thesis highlights Trivikrama’s dual identity as a philosopher and poet, showcasing his profound contributions to Sanskrit literature, especially through the Usaharana, which remains overshadowed by works of mo...
Peface
laksmilavanyapiyusapanapatrayiteksanah | saniraniradasyamah patu vo bhagavanharih || The wealth of Sanskrit literature comprising of Drsya and Srvya sections, is however richer than that of any literature in the global history. A survey of Sanskrit literature makes it clear that the epic poets like Kalidasa, Bharavi, Sriharsa, etc. have adorned high seats of honour by their remarkable contribution. Evidently these poets delimited their field to the world of literature only. Apart from this group of the epic poets, right from the 10 th Cent. A.D. scholars who served the Vedanta literature with their valuable works have displayed their excellent skill in the composition of epic poems, dramas, etc. Among such poet-philosophers, Trivikrama Pandita who flourished between (1258 A.D. - 1320 A.D.) in Madhva tradition, can be acknowledged as a great poet. He has the only epic poem viz., Usaharana to his credit, witnessing his poetic excellence. No doubt, the style of Usaharanakavya is scholarly one. It does deserve the honour of being recognised as a Mahakavya. Despite this, it has been less noticed by the scholars at large. As I entered the field of research after my post-graduation, I was given suggestion by my revered Professor, Dr. D.N. Shanbhag to takeup a critical study of the Usaharanakavya. In the year 1995, I registered myself for the Ph.D. course, under the guidance of Dr. K.B. Archak. Though the study of this Kavya was then felt difficult, I could read and understand the Kavya in the right spirit, because of the guidance of my teacher Dr. K.B. Archak. The present thesis, for the better understanding of its poetic value, is divided into eight chapters. The opening chapter gives a detail information regarding the Date, Life and Works of Trivikrama Panditacarya. Besides, the succeeding chapters give us the summary of the poem, its sources, its justification as a Mahakavya, its descriptive aspects, use of Alankaras and the Metres therein. The last chapter offers the concluding remarks. In preparing the thesis, I have referred to the Sanskrit commentary of the Usaharanakavya by H.H. Sumatindratirtha of Sri Raghavendra Swamy Muth, Mantralaya (A.P.).
In the preparation of this thesis I worked under the guidance and supervision of Dr. K.B. Archak, M.A., Ph.D., Reader, Department of Studies in Sanskrit, Karnatak University, Dharwad. The suggestions given by him when going through the script, were of immense value to me, for which I am very grateful to him. His firm and sympathetic gesture while scrutinising the thesis is worthy of emulation. I am in deep gratitude and obligation to Dr. D.N. Shanbhag, M.A., Ph.D., Professor (Retd), Department of Sanskrit, Karnatak University for his help from time to time in the research field. Similarly, I am very much indebted to Dr. M.N. Joshi, M.A. Ph.D., Reader and Chairman, Department of Studies in Sanskrit, Karnatak University, Dharwad, for his kind help and encouragement in completing this research work. I render my heartfelt thanks to Dr. C.S. Naikar, Reader in Sanskrit and Vidwan Jayatirthacarya Malagi, Shastri, of the P.G. Department of Sanskrit Karnatak University, Dharwad, for having given useful suggestions. I am highly grateful to the Vice-Chancellor, the Registrar, and other concerned authorities of the Karnatak University, Dharwad for having helped me in the requisite directions. I extend my gratefulness also to the Librarian and staff members of the Central Library, Karnatak University, Dharwad for their kind help in providing books, journals etc., required to my research studies. I am indebted to Smt. and Shri Venkatesh B. Inamati, Shree Graphics, Kabbur Road, Malmaddi, Dharwad, for having helped me in getting the thesis completed neatly and precisely, well in time. sripramathi samvatsara, kartika sukla dvadasi 20-11-1999, mandavasarah dharavada Rosale Pranesh R. Archak