Kohala in the Sanskrit textual tradition (Study)
by Padma Sugavanam | 2011 | 95,782 words
This page relates ‘Citations of Kohala in the Sangitasudha� 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 19 - Citations of Kohala in the ṅgīٲܻ
ṅgīٲܻ (1614 C.E.) of Govinda īṣiٲ gives us five references to Kohala. Kohala is mentioned while speaking on the topics of Բ (ref.para 2.1.5), ṅk (ref.para 2.1.6), ḵ (ref.para 2.1.9.2) and ٳⲹ (ref.para 2.1.10)besides being included in the list of ū峦ⲹ. It can be observed that for most part, Govinda īṣiٲ has reproduced what Śṅg𱹲 has said in his ṅgīٲٲ첹, albeit in the metre. The mention of the name of Kohala, as is the case of the references to many other authors cited in this work, seems to have been more a gesture to add authority to his text rather than to present or discuss opinions put forth by them.
For instance, Govinda īṣiٲ uses the name of Dattila and Kohala while explaining the topic of ٳⲹ. Dattila is an established author of Ի. He does not set foot outside this framework. The concept of ٳⲹ comes in the music of the śī ⲹ. Therefore, the linking of Dattila to this subject does not appear a correct representation. In the case of Kohala, though there is not much conclusive evidence (as in the case of Dattila) regarding the framework within which he operates, the inclusion of his name too in this regard sounds superfluous. In the same way, it also appears that Kohala might not be directly related to any of the other technical aspects, where too his name has been cited.
It is interesting to note that this is the case for other authors mentioned in ṃgīٲ-ܻ also. For instance, while enumerating the classes of śܳپ, Govinda īṣiٲ says that these are the opinions of Bharata, Dattila, ṣṭ첹 and Durgāśakti. Authors like Bharata and Dattila lived in times much earlier to this concept and their works (those that are available) reflect no material on this subject. Yet Govinda mentions their names.
Govinda īṣiٲ, in many cases has not attributed the source of his information to Śṅg𱹲. Instead, as seen above, he has referred to much earlier authorities like Dattila, ṣṭ첹, Śū, Kohala, Durgāśakti and others. His intention was perhaps to enhance the antiquity and authority of his work. But the subjects regarding which these names are mentioned (as discussed above) and the available information about them are invariably unrelated.
It is noteworthy that no direct quotations of Kohala are found in ṅgīٲ-ܻ. Further, Kohala is always mentioned along with the name of another ancient writer (in this case either ṣṭ첹 or Dattila). On comparison with earlier works, it is found that none of the entries relating to Kohala in ṅgīٲܻ match with those found in any other works. Thus from the above, it can be inferred that Govinda īṣiٲ did not possess any work of Kohala from which he sources material on technical aspects. Therefore, this author and work will not play much of a role in the understanding of Kohala.