Abstract

Sanskrit aesthetics, rooted in ancient Indian literary theory, has profoundly shaped the global understanding of literature, beauty, and the reception of art. Concepts such as rasa (aesthetic relish), dhvani (suggestion), alaṅkāra (figures of speech), and vakrokti (obliqueness) have not only influenced Indian poetics but have also found resonance in modern literary theory, comparative poetics, and cross-cultural aesthetics. This article examines the evolution of Sanskrit aesthetics, its core principles, and the ways in which these ideas have been appropriated, adapted, and critiqued in modern literary theory, both in India and internationally. Through a critical engagement with primary texts, key theorists, and contemporary scholarship, the article demonstrates the enduring significance and dynamic transformation of Sanskrit aesthetics in shaping the discourse of modern literary criticism.