Vruttamuktavali

This document is the preface and table of contents for "Vrtta Muktavali," a work on prosody (the study of poetic meters) authored by Shri Krishna Bhatta Kavi Kalannidhi. Published by the Rajasthan Oriental Research Institute, Jodhpur, it is part of the "Rajasthan Puratan Granthamala" series.

Here's a breakdown of the key information:

Book Title: Vrtta Muktavali (वृत्तमुक्तावली) Author: Shri Krishna Bhatta Kavi Kalannidhi (श्रीकृष्णभट्ट कविकलानिधि) Editor: Bhatt Shrimathuranathji Shastri (भट्ट श्रीमथुरानाथजी शास्त्री), Sahityacharya Foreword Author: Prof. H. D. Velankar (प्रो० एच. डी. वेलणकर), Head of the Sanskrit Department, University of Bombay Publisher: Rajasthan Oriental Research Institute (राजस्थान प्राच्यविद्या प्रतिष्ठान), Jodhpur Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/023459/1 Publication Details: First Edition, Vikram Samvat 2020 (1963 AD), Price Rs. 3.75

Key Highlights from the Document:

• Significance of Prosody: The introductory remarks emphasize the importance of Chandahshastra (prosody) as an integral part of Vedic studies and its role in understanding ancient Indian literature. It traces the evolution of poetic meters from Vedic times to classical Sanskrit and beyond.
• Author's Expertise: Shri Krishna Bhatta is described as a versatile genius, a poet, scholar, and philosopher proficient in various subjects including poetry, literature, prosody, grammar, and Vedanta. He was patronized by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh of Jaipur.
• Content of Vrtta Muktavali: The book systematically covers various types of meters:
  • Vedic Meters (Prathamo Gumpah - First Chapter): It discusses Vedic meters based on Pingala's Chandas-Sutra, providing definitions and illustrations.
  • Matra Vrttas (Dwitiyo Gumpah - Second Chapter): This chapter focuses on meters based on syllable count (Matra), including Prakrit Gathas and Vraj Bhasha meters. The author has Sanskritized the names of some Vraj Bhasha meters.
  • Varna Vrttas (Tritiyo Gumpah - Third Chapter): This section deals with classical Sanskrit meters and longer forms known as Dandakas, generally following the approach of Prakrit Paingala.
• Author's Original Illustrations: A significant feature is that for non-Vedic meters, the author himself composed the illustrative verses, showcasing his poetic skill and deep understanding of metrical requirements. This is particularly noteworthy for Vraj Bhasha meters, where finding Sanskrit examples was difficult.
• Historical and Literary Importance: The work provides historical insights, such as referencing Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh's patronage and his Ashvamedha sacrifice. The author's ability to compose verses in Sanskrit and Vraj Bhasha demonstrates the interpenetration of literary trends between these languages in the early 18th century.
• Manuscript Discovery: The discovery of the manuscript is credited to the late Prof. P. K. Gode of the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, Poona.
• Editorial Efforts: The editor, Bhatt Shrimathuranathji Shastri, is noted as a direct descendant of the author and a respected scholar in Sanskrit literature. His son, Prof. Kalanath Shastri, also contributed with an introductory note.
• Scope of the Work: The "Vrtta Muktavali" is praised for its comprehensive coverage, including Vedic, classical Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Vraj Bhasha meters, making it a valuable reference book for scholars and students of prosody.
• Table of Contents (Vishayanukramah): The detailed table of contents lists the chapters and sub-sections, providing a clear outline of the book's structure and the vast array of meters discussed. This includes an extensive index of meter names.

In essence, "Vrtta Muktavali" is a significant contribution to the field of Indian prosody, compiled by a celebrated poet-scholar of the 18th century, and meticulously published for the benefit of the scholarly community. It stands out for its inclusive approach to various metrical traditions and the author's own poetic prowess in illustrating them.