Anandavardhana

Anandavardhana was an influential Indian literary critic and theorist from the 9th century, known for his work on poetry and drama. He introduced the concept of "dhvani," or suggestive meaning, emphasizing that the true beauty of a literary work lies in its ability to evoke deeper emotions and hidden layers of meaning beyond the literal words. His ideas shifted focus from surface storytelling to the nuanced experience of the audience, highlighting the power of suggestion, harmony, and aesthetic enjoyment in literature and performance. Anandavardhana’s theories significantly shaped Indian literary criticism and understanding of artistic expression.