The book aspires to do for Indian poetics what Hudson’s book, An Introduction to the Study of English Literature did for English literature, though in a totally different manner and style. It provides the student with the essential knowledge about almost all aspects of Indian poetics. Based on the original Sanskrit sources, it presents the necessary information lucidly in precise and clear terms. Each chapter is self-contained and complete in itself, with explanatory notes, and a bibliography of relevant works. The Sanskrit terms used in the text are invariably explained or provided with English equivalents. For quick reference, “A Glossary of Sanskrit Literary Terms” is given in the Appendices, which contain also “A List of Noted Indian Poeticians (including commentators) and Their Works” and “Notes on Major Texts in Indian Poetics”. This handy volume, with its unique features, will prove invaluable to those who are going to embark on the study of Indian poetics, especially the ones who have no Sanskrit background. To a devoted student, it will prove a useful companion during his/her further studies. CONTENTS Foreword – Kapil Kapur Preface Scheme of Transliteration I. Introduction 1. What is Meant by Indian Poetics? 2. A Historical Sketch of Indian Poetics 3. The Theoretical Framework of Indian Poetics II. Kāvya: Some Preliminary Considerations 4. Meaning and Classification of Poetry (Kāvya-Bheda) 5. The Definition of Poetry (Kāvya-Lakṣaṇa) 6. Causes or Sources of Kāvya (Kāvya-Hetu) 7. The Purpose of Kāvya (Kāvya-Prayojana) III. The Problem of Meaning in Kāvya 8. Power or Function of Words in Poetry (Śabda-Śakti or Śabda-Vyāpara/Śabda-Vr̥tti in Kāvya) IV. Major Literary Theories 9. The Alaṁkāra Theory 10. The Rīti Theory 11. The Dhvani Theory 12. The Rasa Theory I Bharata’s Exposition of Rasa II Interpretations of Bharata’s Rasasūtra 13. The Vakrokti Theory 14. The Theory of Aucitya V. Major Literary Concepts 15. Sādhāraṇīkaraṇa 16. Sahr̥daya 17. Pratibhā 18. Kāvya-Guṇa 19. Kāvya-Doṣa VI. Appendices 1. Notes on Major Texts in Indian Poetics 2. Noted Indian Poeticians and their Works Including Some Commentators 3. A Glossary of Sanskrit Literary Terms Afterword Select Bibliography Index