What is Alankara?

➡What is Alankara? 

Alankara  is a term from classical Indian aesthetics and literary theory, which refers to the figurative and ornamental use of language in poetry and literature. The word "alankara" itself means "ornament" or "decoration." In the context of literature, it denotes various rhetorical devices and figures of speech that enhance the beauty, expressiveness, and emotive power of a text.

 

Types of Alankara

There are many types of alankaras, categorized broadly into two main groups:

1. Shabda Alankara (Sound Figures): These are based on the sound of words, including devices like alliteration, rhyme, and onomatopoeia. Examples include:

   - Anuprasa: Alliteration or repetition of consonant sounds.

   - Yamaka: Rhyme or repetition of similar sounds in the same line or sentence.

 

2. Artha Alankara (Meaning Figures): These are based on the meaning and include metaphors, similes, personification, and hyperbole. Examples include:

   - Upama: Simile, comparing one thing to another using "like" or "as."

   - Rupaka: Metaphor, where one thing is described as another.

   -Utpreksha: Imagery or vivid description that goes beyond reality, often leading to hyperbole.

  

Significance of Alankara

- Enhancement of Aesthetic Appeal: Alankaras add beauty and charm to the literary work, making it more pleasing to the reader or listener.

- Emphasis and Clarification: They help emphasize certain points or ideas, making them stand out and easier to understand.

- Emotional Impact: By using various figures of speech, writers can evoke stronger emotional responses from their audience.

- Cultural Richness: Alankaras are deeply rooted in the cultural and philosophical traditions of India, reflecting the richness of Indian literary heritage.

 

Example

In the line, "Her eyes are like the stars," the use of the word "like" makes this an example of Upama (simile), comparing the brightness of her eyes to the stars.

Conclusion :Alankara plays a crucial role in classical Indian poetry and literature, enriching texts with deeper layers of meaning, beauty, and emotional resonance. Understanding and appreciating alankaras is essential for a full appreciation of the richness and intricacy of Indian literary tradition.