Bhamini Vilas Ka Prastavik Anyokti Vilas

This document is the preface and introduction to the book "Bhamini Vilas ka Prastavik Anyokti Vilas" (भामिनी विलास का प्रास्ताविक अन्योक्ति विलास), authored by Jagannath Pandit and commented upon by Janardan Shastri Pandey, published by Vishvavidyalay Prakashan, Varanasi.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided pages:

Book Information:

• Title: Bhamini Vilas ka Prastavik Anyokti Vilas (भामिनी विलास का प्रास्ताविक अन्योक्ति विलास)
• Author: Panditraj Jagannath (पण्डितराज जगन्नाथ)
• Commentator/Editor: Janardan Shastri Pandey (जनार्दन शास्त्री पाण्डे)
• Publisher: Vishvavidyalay Prakashan, Varanasi (विश्वविद्यालय प्रकाशन वाराणसी)
• Edition: Second Edition, 1968 (द्वितीय संस्करण, १९६८)
• Price: Three Rupees (मूल्य : तीन रुपये)
• Commentary Title: Sushama Kumudini (सुषमा कुमुदिनी) - a Sanskrit-Hindi commentary.

Key Themes and Content:

1. Introduction to Panditraj Jagannath:

   • The preface acknowledges the common challenge of reconstructing the detailed biographies of ancient Indian scholars, as they prioritized their works over personal narratives. However, Jagannath Pandit is relatively well-documented due to his association with historical dynasties and his critical engagement with earlier literary figures.
   • His lineage is traced: He was a Tailanga Brahmin, son of Perubhatta (पेरुभट्ट/पेरमभट्ट) and Lakshmi (लक्ष्मी). His father was a renowned scholar who studied Vedanta, Nyaya-Vaisheshika, Mimamsa, and Grammar. Jagannath inherited this scholarly tradition and mastered all scriptures.
   • He received the title "Panditraj" from Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. He enjoyed royal patronage in his youth and lived a life of luxury at the Mughal court.
   • His tenure likely spanned from the reign of Jahangir (1605-1627 CE) through Shah Jahan (1627-1657 CE) and possibly into Aurangzeb's early reign. He mentions several rulers and patrons, including Emperor Nuruddin (Jahangir), Shahabuddin (Shah Jahan), Rana Jagat Singh of Udaipur, and Pran Narayan of Kamrup. He also mentions Asaf Khan, brother of Noor Jahan.
   • His critical stance against prominent scholars like Bhattoji Dikshit and Appaya Dikshit is noted. His works influenced later rhetoricians like Vishweshwar Pandey.
   • An estimated lifespan of 1590-1670 CE (80 years) is proposed, with his peak influence from 1605 to 1658 CE.

2. Folklore and Legends:

   • Several popular legends surrounding Panditraj are discussed:
     • The Jaipur Connection: He was allegedly invited by Maharaja Jai Singh of Jaipur to answer questions posed by Muslim Qazis to Emperor Akbar. His intellect impressed Jai Singh, leading to his introduction to the Mughal court.
     • The Lavangi Episode: Another legend speaks of his infatuation with a beautiful courtesan named Lavangi, whom he married. In his old age, they moved to Kashi, where he was ostracized by Brahmins like Bhattoji and Appaya for his association with a foreign woman. He is said to have recited his "Ganga Lahari," and the Ganga River rose, finally embracing him.
     • Rejection and Suicide: Some tales suggest Lavangi's death led him to despair, causing him to leave Delhi for Kashi, where he was rejected and consequently committed suicide in the Ganga.
     • Appaya Dikshit's Encounter: A story recounts Appaya Dikshit finding a sleeping Jagannath by the Ganga, prompting a philosophical exchange that hints at liberation.
   • The commentator, Janardan Shastri Pandey, considers these legends to be mere folklore without factual basis, particularly the association with Lavangi.

3. Panditraj's Character and Philosophy:

   • He is depicted as self-respecting, fearless, and critical of even the greatest figures, possessing immense confidence in his intellectual prowess. He claimed to be the sole authority on rhetoric.
   • His arrogance is evident in his works, including "Bhamini Vilas," where he openly criticizes Bhattoji Dikshit (naming his critique "Manoroma Kuchamardan") and Appaya Dikshit.
   • His final years seem to have been less fortunate, marked by the loss of his wife, scholarly ostracization, and a possible decline in his wealth. The commentator attributes the ostracization to caste-based prejudice and jealousy of his intellectual and material brilliance.
   • His religious leanings are rooted in Shankar Vedanta, with deep devotion to Lord Krishna and the Ganga. However, he is not blindly devoted, acknowledging and respecting the principles of scholars like Madhusudan Saraswati. He held great reverence for the Srimad Bhagavatam and Vyasa.

4. Contribution to Sanskrit Literature:

   • Panditraj Jagannath is considered the last great rhetorician of Sanskrit literature, with "Rasagangadhar" being his seminal work in this field.
   • He critically analyzed and innovated upon the theories of preceding scholars (Agni Purana, Dandin, Rudrata, Vamana, Anandavardhana, Bhoja, Mammaṭa, Vagbhatta, Jayadeva, Vishvanatha).
   • His definition of poetry as "a word that expresses a beautiful meaning" (रमणीयार्थप्रतिपादकः शब्दः काव्यम्) shows influence from Abhinavagupta, though he maintained his unique perspective.
   • He revitalized the study of poetics after Mammaṭa, successfully introducing new concepts. His definition of Rasa ("Ratyavachchhinnā bhagnāvaraṇā chideva rasaḥ") is a significant contribution. His analysis of Guṇas and Bhava-dhvani is considered profound. He clarified that while some dhvanis were considered alaksyākrama, others could be salaksyākrama.
   • He possessed exceptional skill in word arrangement and expression, capable of refining other poets' works. His bold critique of Sri Harsha's "Naishadhiya Charita" as "Kamelakavat visansthulam" (awkward like a camel) is highlighted.
   • His prose and poetry are marked by exceptional talent, aesthetic sensibility, and sharp observation. He is considered peerless in Sanskrit literature.

5. Influence on Hindi Literature:

   • Panditraj's period coincided with the flourishing of Braj Bhasha poetry. His connection with royal courts suggests potential contact with Hindi poets.
   • The commentator suggests that poets like Bihari likely influenced Jagannath, noting parallels in some of his verses. His use of internal rhymes ("padantanupras") also shows similarities with contemporary Braj Bhasha poetry.
   • His poems sometimes reflect the luxurious lifestyle of the Mughal era.

6. List of Panditraj Jagannath's Works:

   • Piyushalahari (also known as Ganga Lahari) - 53 verses praising the Ganga.
   • Amritalahari - 11 verses praising the Yamuna.
   • Sudhalahari - 30 verses praising the Sun.
   • Lakshmilahari - 41 verses praising Lakshmi.
   • Karunalalahari - 55 verses praising Lord Krishna.
   • Asaf Vilas - Description of Asaf Khan of Kashmir (4 verses and prose).
   • Pranabharana - 53 verses describing Pran Narayan of Kamrup.
   • Jagadabharana - Possibly a revised version of Pranabharana, referring to Rana Jagat Singh of Udaipur.
   • Yamuna Varnan - Only fragments are available.
   • Rasagangadhar - A masterwork on poetics, possibly intended to have five sections but incomplete.
   • Bhamini Vilas - Divided into four Vilasas (chapters): Prastavik (Anyokti) Vilas, Shringar Vilas, Karuna Vilas, and Shanta Vilas.
   • Sputa Padya - Approximately 588 miscellaneous verses.
   • Manoroma Kuchamardan - A critical commentary on Bhattoji Dikshit's "Praudha Manoroma."
   • Chitra Mimamsa Khandan - A scholarly refutation of Appaya Dikshit's "Chitra Mimamsa."
   • Shabdakustubha Shanauchenjan - A critique of Bhattoji Dikshit's "Shabdakostubha."

7. "Bhamini Vilas" Specifically:

   • The name "Bhamini Vilas" is attributed to the profound grief Jagannath experienced due to the death of his wife. This loss left him unable to compose new poetry, leading him to compile existing verses, particularly those expressing his sorrow.
   • The book is divided into four chapters: Prastavik (Anyokti) Vilas, Shringar Vilas, Karuna Vilas, and Shanta Vilas. The subjects are clear from their titles.
   • The number of verses varies across editions, with the commentator relying on a manuscript from Samvat 1874 (1717 CE), which contains 254 verses in total (101 in Prastavik, 102 in Shringar, 11 in Karuna, and 32 in Shanta Vilas).

8. Prastavik or Anyokti Vilas:

   • This chapter comprises poems reflecting the envy Jagannath faced from his contemporaries due to his intellectual and material wealth. He chose poems that expressed his critical responses to them.
   • "Prastavik" means introductory, but "Anyokti" (indirect speech) is the more significant aspect, where the intended meaning is conveyed indirectly. Anyokti is a form of Aprastutaprasamsa (praise of the unstated).
   • This section contains 109 verses (as per some editions), with most employing indirect speech to subtly criticize scholars or those who overlooked Jagannath.
   • The verses use various metaphors and allusions (lions, swans, lotuses, sandalwood, etc.) to express his feelings and observations. Many verses depict his past affluence and current difficult circumstances, while some offer moral advice.
   • The commentator aims to explain the context, meaning, meter, and rhetorical devices of each verse to make the original text accessible to the common reader.

The document then proceeds to analyze the initial verses of the "Prastavik Anyokti Vilas" with detailed Sanskrit explanations, grammatical breakdown (Anvay and Shabdarth), commentary (Tika), and allegorical interpretation (Bhavarth and Tippani), identifying various figures of speech (Alankaras) and meters (Chhandas). The analysis begins with verse 1, focusing on the theme of not directing one's prowess against the insignificant.