365betÓéÀÖ

Kohala in the Sanskrit textual tradition (Study)

by Padma Sugavanam | 2011 | 95,782 words

This page relates ‘Citations of Kohala in the Dattilam� of the thesis dealing with Kohala’s contribution to the Sanskrit textual tradition of ancient Indian performing arts. The study focuses specifically on music (Gita), dance (Nritya), and drama (Natya). Although Kohala’s original works have not been found, numerous references to him across Lakshana-Granthas (treatises) and works by modern scholars indicate his significance.

Part 2 - Citations of Kohala in the Dattilam

[Full title: Kohala as seen in citations (2): Dattilam (2nd century B.C.E. to 2nd century C.E.)]

Dattila mentions the name of Kohala as a ±èÅ«°ù±¹Ä峦Äå°ù²â²¹ whose material he had referred to. In the chapter on ³ÙÄå±ô²¹, while explaining the formation of the uttara ³ÙÄå±ô²¹, Dattila refers to an easy method propounded by Kohala. According to Dattila, Kohala says that two ³¦Ä峦²¹±è³Üá¹­a²õ must be placed together and below it, under the second syllable, a á¹£aá¹­p¾±³ÙÄå±è³Ü³Ù°ù²¹°ì²¹ must be placed. In this way, one can easily arrive at the correct syllables of á¹£aá¹­p¾±³ÙÄå±è³Ü³Ù°ù²¹°ì²¹ and consequently of uttara ³ÙÄå±ô²¹ (ref.para 2.1.13.1). The correlation between the syllables of ³¦Ä峦²¹±è³Üá¹­a²õ and the syllables of á¹£aá¹­p¾±³ÙÄå±è³Ü³Ù°ù²¹°ì²¹ have been brought out very lucidly by Kohala.

The reference of Kohala in Dattilam is the very first of the technical kind. In other words, Dattila gives us the first glimpse of Kohala’s views on a technical aspect, particularly about ³ÙÄå±ô²¹. Moreover, in this case, we get an idea of the unconventional thinking style of Kohala. Though we find the syllables of uttara ³ÙÄå±ô²¹ explained in ±·Äåá¹­y²¹Å›Äå²õ³Ù°ù²¹, Kohala gives us a new perspective and devices a method by which learners and practitioners can remember the formation of syllables of uttara ³ÙÄå±ô²¹ in an easier manner. It is interesting to note that though many later ±ô²¹°ìá¹£aṇa²µ°ù²¹²Ô³Ù³ó²¹²õ have spoken about ³¾Äå°ù²µ²¹ ³ÙÄå±ô²¹s, none of them repeats this reference of Kohala. 

Dattila was perhaps the closest contemporary of Kohala (apart from Bharata). It would follow that his quotations are likely to be most authentic representations of Kohala. But unfortunately, we have but one reference of Kohala in Dattilam. Dattila has composed his work in a very brief/ abridged style. Perhaps for this reason, Dattila quoted other authors only where he felt they were absolutely necessary to convey his thoughts. And thus the limited number of references to Kohala.

Let's grow together!

I humbly request your help to keep doing what I do best: provide the world with unbiased sources, definitions and images. Your donation direclty influences the quality and quantity of knowledge, wisdom and spiritual insight the world is exposed to.

Let's make the world a better place together!

Like what you read? Help to become even better: