The 'Theory of Dhvani' was associated with:

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 2:
The 'Theory of Dhvani', or the doctrine of suggestion, is primarily and systematically associated with the 9th-century Sanskrit literary critic **Anandavardhana**. He is the author of the monumental work *Dhvanyaloka*, in which he conclusively establishes *Dhvani* as the *Kāvyasyātmā* (the soul or essence of poetry). The Dhvani theory suggests that the true poetic appeal lies not in the literal or explicit meaning (*vāchyārtha*), but in the suggested, implicit meaning (*vyangyārtha*), which resonates with the reader like an echo. This concept was a revolutionary contribution to Indian aesthetics, asserting that the suggested sense—particularly the suggestion of *Rasa* (sentiment/emotion)—is the most important element for a supreme aesthetic experience.

The incorrect option is 1:
Banbhatt (also known as Bana) was a prominent Sanskrit prose writer and poet who flourished in the 7th century, two centuries before the *Dhvani* school gained prominence. His major works are the historical biography *Harshacharita* and the romantic novel *Kadambari*. Although he was a master of the elaborate *Kavya* style of literature, his contribution is in the realm of literary creation and historical prose, not the formal philosophical codification of a theory of literary criticism like *Dhvani*.

The incorrect option is 3:
Abhinavgupta was indeed a renowned Kashmiri philosopher and aesthetician (c. 950–1020 CE), but he was a successor to Anandavardhana, not the originator of the *Dhvani* theory. His essential role was that of a commentator and systematizer. His famous work, the *Lochana*, is a brilliant and crucial defense, elaboration, and detailed exposition of Anandavardhana’s *Dhvanyaloka*. He is also celebrated for his definitive interpretation and synthesis of the *Rasa* theory with the *Dhvani* doctrine.

The incorrect option is 4:
Rajshekher (Rajasekhara) was a well-known Sanskrit poet, dramatist, and critic of the late 9th and early 10th centuries. His principal work on poetics, *Kāvya Mīmāṃsā*, is an important treatise that systematically discusses the process and methodology of composing poetry. While he is a key figure in the history of Sanskrit poetics and addressed many concepts, including those related to poetic expression, his work is primarily a practical guide for poets on elements like literary conventions and styles, and he is not credited with originating the philosophical concept of *Dhvani* as the soul of poetry.