Abhinavagupta’s Comments on Aesthetics in Abhinavabharati and Locana

Abhinavagupta was a Kashmiri practitioner of the Sanskrit tradition, well-known to those very few researchers who follow theories on Indian aesthetics. His contribution to the tradition of aesthetic theories is extensive; he established a university to educate 10,000 students in aesthetics, tantra vigyan and traditional Sanskrit theories, and he authored 47 books, out of which 23 are still in existence. Students, researchers and faculties from Sanskrit departments, as well as Sanskrit practitioners, should be exposed to the illuminating practices available in Indian traditions and the theories originating in Kashmir.

In this book, a detailed analysis is carried out on Abhinavagupta’s two splendid commentaries, Locana on Dhvanyaloka and Abhinavabharati on Natyasastra. Abhinavagupta presented the views of Lollata, Saankuka and Bhattanayaka, with each view followed by relevant criticism. He also set forth his own views in great detail and these are widely discussed in this text. The book will be of interest to scholars from the fields of Indian aesthetics, Natyashastra, principles of meaning, literary criticism, Indology, Sanskrit texts and linguistics.