R̥gvedic Poetry and Poetics
R̥gvedic Poetry and Poetics
This chapter treats in detail the impetus for Ṛgvedic hymn composition—not only as the verbal portion of ritual, but as an exercise in harnessing the power of the word to model and penetrate the structure and functioning of the cosmos. It also discusses the poet, including the various terms used to identify him, and his high status in the social organization, where he stood in a reciprocal relationship with a patron, generally a king. It then describes particular techniques employed by the poet, the structural principles underlying certain hymns, and types of hymns. It then turns to language, meter, and other formal characteristics of Ṛgvedic poetry.
Keywords: speech act, ṛṣi, kavi, dānastuti, homology, riddle, secret name, omphalos structure, ring composition, simile
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