There are six types of Vakrokti. This influential concept in Sanskrit poetics, primarily elaborated by the theorist Kuntaka, describes figures of speech or modes of expression characterized by an "indirect" or "deviant" turn of phrase, aiming to achieve unique aesthetic effect and convey deeper meaning.
Vakrokti manifests at various levels of language, moving from the minute details of sound to the overarching structure of an entire literary composition. Kuntaka's theory highlights how deviation from ordinary speech can enhance poetic beauty and impact.
Understanding the Six Levels of Vakrokti
The six types of Vakrokti demonstrate how poetic indirection can enrich language across different linguistic layers. Each level presents a unique opportunity for a poet to imbue their work with special charm and significance.
Here's a breakdown of the six types:
| Type of Vakrokti (English) | Sanskrit Term | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Phonetic Level | Varṇavinyāsa | Deviation involving the arrangement and manipulation of sounds or phonemes. |
| Lexical Level | Padapūrvārddha | Deviation concerning the choice and usage of individual words. |
| Grammatical Level | Padaparārddha | Deviation related to grammatical forms, prefixes, or suffixes. |
| Sentential Level | Vākya | Deviation observed in the structure and meaning of an entire sentence. |
| Contextual Level | Prakaraṇa | Deviation arising from the immediate context or situation. |
| Compositional Level | Prabandha | Deviation that spans the entire literary composition or work. |
Delving Deeper into Each Type
To fully appreciate the nuanced application of Vakrokti, it's helpful to understand the practical manifestation of each type:
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1. Phonetic Level (Varṇavinyāsa Vakrokti)
This type focuses on the auditory aspect of language. It involves the skillful arrangement of sounds, syllables, or letters to create specific effects.- Examples: Alliteration (repetition of initial consonant sounds), assonance (repetition of vowel sounds), consonance (repetition of consonant sounds within words), and other forms of sound play that contribute to the musicality or evocative power of a verse.
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2. Lexical Level (Padapūrvārddha Vakrokti)
Here, the focus is on the individual word choice. This level of Vakrokti highlights the poet's ability to select precise words that carry multiple meanings, evoke specific images, or challenge conventional understanding.- Examples: Using a word with a double meaning (pun), employing a rare or archaic word for a particular effect, or choosing a synonym that subtly alters the emotional tone. It’s about the artful deviation from the expected or common word.
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3. Grammatical Level (Padaparārddha Vakrokti)
This type deals with the grammatical structure and morphology of words. It involves deviations in how words are formed or inflected.- Examples: Unusual use of prefixes or suffixes, employing an unexpected grammatical case, or playing with verb conjugations to create a unique impact or an ironic twist.
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4. Sentential Level (Vākya Vakrokti)
At this level, the deviation occurs in the entire sentence structure or its intended meaning. It's about crafting sentences that are not straightforward, but rather imply, suggest, or use rhetorical devices.- Examples: Rhetorical questions, irony, sarcasm, figures of speech like metaphor or simile that span across parts of a sentence, or complex inversions of word order for emphasis.
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5. Contextual Level (Prakaraṇa Vakrokti)
This type refers to the deviation that arises from the immediate situation, context, or dramatic scenario within a literary work. The meaning of a statement is altered or enriched by the surrounding circumstances or the speaker's implied intent.- Examples: A character's dialogue taking on a specific ironic meaning due to what has just happened, or a seemingly innocent statement carrying a loaded implication because of the setting or the listener.
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6. Compositional Level (Prabandha Vakrokti)
The broadest form of Vakrokti, this type encompasses the entire literary composition—be it a poem, a play, or a narrative. It refers to the overarching aesthetic or structural deviation of the complete work.- Examples: A narrative structure that deliberately defies linearity, a complete work that functions as an extended allegory, or a drama where the entire plot serves as a complex metaphor for a philosophical idea. It's the unique flavor or approach of the whole creation.
These six types collectively demonstrate the extensive scope of Vakrokti in shaping the artistic and expressive power of literature, as theorized by Kuntaka.
