Explain the Concept of Dhvani as an Explanation of the Mode of Communication of the Emotional Content of the Poem
Introduction
In Indian literary aesthetics, the concept of Dhvani plays a central role in understanding how poetry communicates its deeper emotional and aesthetic meanings. Developed by the scholar Anandavardhana in his seminal work Dhvanyaloka, Dhvani refers to the suggestive or implicit meaning in a poetic expression, going beyond the literal and the figurative. It is considered the soul of poetry and is instrumental in conveying the emotional essence or rasa of a poem to the sensitive reader or listener.
Definition and Origin
The word dhvani literally means “sound” or “resonance.” In literary theory, it signifies the power of suggestion. According to Anandavardhana, a poem’s beauty lies not merely in its explicit words but in the unspoken meanings that those words evoke in the mind of a sensitive reader — the sahrdaya.
Types of Dhvani
Anandavardhana identified three types of Dhvani:
- Vastu Dhvani – suggestion of a concept or idea.
- Alankara Dhvani – suggestion of a figure of speech.
- Rasa Dhvani – suggestion of an emotion or mood, which is considered the most important.
Dhvani and Rasa
Dhvani is directly connected with Rasa, the aesthetic emotion that a poem seeks to evoke. While the words and expressions set the stage, it is through Dhvani that the emotional essence is communicated. For instance, a poet may describe a moonlit night in literal terms, but through Dhvani, evoke feelings of longing, romance, or solitude. This indirect communication is what makes poetry emotionally powerful and aesthetically rich.
Dhvani vs. Direct Expression
Unlike prose or didactic writing, where meanings are explicit and direct, poetry relies on the subtlety of suggestion. Dhvani creates space for multiple interpretations, enriching the reader’s experience. The strength of Dhvani lies in its ability to awaken emotions without stating them outright.
Example
Consider a verse describing withered flowers on a rainy evening. While the literal image may seem bleak, Dhvani can evoke deep sorrow, the passing of youth, or the pain of separation — all without explicitly stating these themes.
Conclusion
Dhvani is a profound concept in Indian poetics that explains how poetry communicates emotional content in a subtle, indirect, and deeply aesthetic manner. It elevates the art of poetic expression and allows for a richer, more immersive experience for the sahrdaya. As such, Dhvani is considered the soul of poetry and the key to understanding its true emotional and artistic power.