The Dhvani Theory, introduced by the 9th-century scholar Ānandavardhana, is one of the most influential ideas in Indian literary criticism. It focuses on how words in literature can suggest meanings beyond their literal sense, creating a deeper, emotional connection with the reader. This theory transformed the way literature was understood by emphasizing the importance of hidden meanings and emotions (rasa) in poetry.

What is Dhvani?

In simple terms, Dhvani means “suggestion” or “hidden meaning.” According to Ānandavardhana, words in poetry do more than just convey direct meanings; they also suggest deeper emotions and ideas that are not immediately apparent. This is the essence of Dhvani. Ānandavardhana believed that the true beauty of literature lies in this power of suggestion, which allows readers to connect with the text on an emotional level.

Origin of Dhvani Theory

Ānandavardhana first introduced the Dhvani Theory in his work Dhvanyāloka (The Light of Suggestion). He argued that the primary purpose of poetry is to evoke emotions, or rasa, through suggestion rather than through direct statements. This was a groundbreaking idea at the time, as it shifted the focus from the literal meanings of words to the emotional and suggestive power of language. His work had a profound impact on how poetry was written and understood in Sanskrit literature.

Ānandavardhana’s ideas were further developed by another great scholar, Abhinavagupta, who wrote a commentary on Dhvanyāloka. Together, they established the Dhvani Theory as a central concept in Indian poetics.

The Body and Soul of Literature

According to Ānandavardhana, literature has two parts: the body (Kāvyaśarīra) and the soul (Kavyātmā). The body is made up of the literal meanings of words, while the soul is the suggested or hidden meaning, which is Dhvani. He famously said that just as a human body is incomplete without a soul, a piece of literature is incomplete without its suggested meaning. This highlights the importance of Dhvani in creating the emotional impact of poetry.

Three Levels of Meaning in Dhvani

Ānandavardhana identified three levels of meaning in language:

1. Abhidhā (Literal Meaning): This is the basic, straightforward meaning of a word, what we first think of when we hear it. For example, the word “sun” simply means the star that gives us light.
2. Lakshanā (Secondary Meaning): This is the metaphorical or implied meaning of a word, which is different from the literal meaning but still related to it. For example, when we say “He is a shining star,” we mean that the person is exceptional, not literally a star.
3. Vyanjanā (Suggestive Meaning): This is the deepest level of meaning that a word suggests beyond its literal and secondary sense. It is the hidden meaning that can only be understood by reading between the lines. For example, in a poem describing a sunset, the fading light might suggest the end of a journey or the passing of time.

How Dhvani Works

According to Ānandavardhana, Dhvani works through the interaction of these three levels of meaning. The literal meaning provides a base, the secondary meaning adds a layer of metaphor, and the suggestive meaning unlocks the deeper emotions and ideas behind the words. This layered approach allows poetry to resonate on multiple levels, making it rich and complex.

Dhvani is not just about what is said; it is also about what is left unsaid. The true power of Dhvani lies in its ability to evoke feelings and ideas without directly stating them. It relies on the reader’s imagination and cultural understanding to fill in the gaps, creating a personal and emotional connection with the text.

Characteristics of Dhvani

1. Hidden Meanings: The main characteristic of Dhvani is that it goes beyond the literal meaning to reveal hidden depths. This makes literature more engaging and thought-provoking.
2. Secret Charm: The suggested meaning adds a special charm to the text, creating a unique experience for each reader. This charm is often subtle and requires a sensitive reader to fully appreciate it.
3. Exciting Discovery: Discovering the hidden meanings in a poem or story can be thrilling. It is like finding a secret treasure that adds to the overall beauty of the work.
4. No Blocking: Even if the reader does not fully grasp the hidden meanings, they can still enjoy the surface level of the text. This makes Dhvani accessible to all readers, regardless of their level of understanding.

Types of Dhvani

Ānandavardhana classified Dhvani into three main types based on the nature of the suggested meaning:

1. Vastu Dhvani (Thematic Suggestion): This type of Dhvani suggests themes or ideas that are not directly stated. For example, in Wordsworth’s poem “Tintern Abbey,” the idea of nature as a source of peace is suggested rather than explicitly stated.
2. Alamkāra Dhvani (Figurative Suggestion): Here, the suggested meaning involves figures of speech like metaphors and similes. For example, in Emily Dickinson’s poem “Hope is the thing with feathers,” hope is not literally a bird, but the metaphor suggests its lightness and fragility.
3. Rasa Dhvani (Emotional Suggestion): This is considered the highest form of Dhvani. It evokes emotions or rasa, which is the ultimate goal of poetry according to Ānandavardhana. Rasa Dhvani is achieved through a combination of intellectual understanding, imagination, and emotional response, creating a deep, resonant experience for the reader.

Sphota Theory: The Foundation of Dhvani

Ānandavardhana’s ideas were influenced by the Sphota Theory of language, proposed by the linguist Bhartrihari. According to Sphota Theory, the full meaning of a word or sentence is like a burst or explosion of understanding that happens when the whole expression is grasped. This idea of an “explosion of meaning” is central to Dhvani, as it emphasizes that the true essence of language is revealed only when we consider the entire context.

Ānandavardhana’s Dhvani Theory revolutionized the way we understand literature by highlighting the power of suggestion and hidden meanings. It teaches us that literature is more than just words on a page; it is a rich, emotional experience that invites readers to explore deeper layers of meaning. By engaging with the suggestive power of language, we can connect with literature on a personal level and appreciate its true beauty.