The Notion of Aucitya (Propriety) in Kṣemendra’s Poetics and Its Relevance to Ethical and Aesthetic Values in Literature

Abstract

This research paper examines the concept of ‘Aucitya’ (propriety) in Ksemendra’s poetics, investigating its importance and impact on ethical and aesthetic values in literature. Ksemendra’s notion of ‘Aucitya,’ grounded in classical Sanskrit poetics, asserts that propriety—the congruence of speech, character, and action with context and intended emotion—is fundamental to effective and impactful literary creation. This study analyzes Ksemendra’s works to demonstrate how ‘Aucitya’ functions as a guiding principle, maintaining narrative harmony and coherence while augmenting the reader’s aesthetic enjoyment. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the ethical aspects of ‘Aucitya’, illustrating how the concept strengthens moral values by advocating for propriety in behavior and language, so matching art with ethical standards. This research contextualizes ‘Aucitya’ within modern literary criticism, highlighting its enduring significance and applicability. It contends that Ksemendra’s insights provide essential frameworks for assessing the ethical and aesthetic quality of literary works across various cultural and historical contexts.