Perspectives in the Vedic and Classical Sanskrit Heritage

Book Detail

• Author: G.V. Davane
• Publisher: D.K. Print World Ltd
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of Pages: 293
• Release Date: 30-11-1997
• EAN: 9788124600313
• Package Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.7 x 0.9 inches
• Language: English

Product Description

A distinguished scholar with a lifetime engagement in Sanskrit studies—ranging from the Vedic Samhitas to contemporary literary criticism—Professor G.V. Davane presents insightful and stimulating perspectives on diverse themes in classical Sanskrit literature, poetics, linguistics, dramaturgy, history, mythology, and legendary narratives.

This book offers brilliant reinterpretations of Vedic concepts such as the moon, the ocean (Samudra), dreams, and deep sleep. It reviews the various definitions and scope of kavya (poetry), critically examining, for the first time, Rajashekhara’s views on shabdaharana (verbal borrowings) and kavisamayas (conventional poetic ideas) in Sahityashastra. It also analyzes the development of rasanishpatti (the process of aesthetic realization) in classical Sanskrit literature.

The book highlights the contributions of Mahamahopadhyaya Dr. P.V. Kane to Sanskrit poetics, distinct from his well-known work on Dharmashastra. It explores the far-reaching influence of Kalidasa’s Meghaduta on classical writings, the poetic richness of Banabhatta’s utprekshas (poetic imagination), and the emergence of Sarasvati as a pantheonic deity. Additionally, it presents varied depictions of Sita in over twenty Sanskrit plays, alongside fresh perspectives on myths such as Samudra-manthana, Amritamanthan, Rahu-Ketu, Udayana, and Dhanvantari.

This book is an essential read for scholars and researchers of Vedic and classical Sanskrit literature.

About the Author

Dr. G.V. Davane, a distinguished scholar holding a Ph.D. in Indian Linguistics from Bombay University, has expertise in Vedic studies, classical Sanskrit literature, and linguistics. She joined the Maharashtra Educational Service (MES) in 1947 and retired in 1980 as a Professor of Sanskrit from Elphinstone College, Bombay. From 1981 to 1986, she served as the Honorary Director of the MM Dr. P.V. Kane Research Institute at the Asiatic Society of Bombay.

Dr. Davane is a member of the prestigious Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, Pune, and the All India Oriental Conference. She has authored three books and numerous research papers and book reviews. Currently, she continues her research in Vedic literature as an Honorary Professor at the MM Dr. P.V. Kane Research Institute.