Alankaras in Telugu

In Telugu literature, Alankaras (అలంకారాలు) are rhetorical figures of speech or poetic embellishments used to enhance the beauty of poetry. These can be divided into two main types: Arthaalankaras (figures of meaning) and Shabdhalankaras (figures of sound).

Arthaalankaras (Figures of Meaning)

1. Upama (ఉపమా): Simile, a direct comparison using words like “like” or “as.”
   • Example: “చందమామ వలె అందం” (Beautiful like the moon)
2. Rupaka (రూపకం): Metaphor, an implied comparison where one thing is described as another.
   • Example: “విరహ వర్షం” (Rain of separation)
3. Utpreksha (ఉత్ప్రేక్ష): Hypothesis or fanciful conjecture.
   • Example: “ముత్యాలు కరిగిపోతున్నాయి” (Pearls are melting)
4. Virodhaabhasa (విరోధాభాస): Apparent contradiction.
   • Example: “అగ్నిలో చల్లదనం” (Coolness in fire)
5. Atishayokti (అతిశయోక్తి): Hyperbole, an exaggerated statement.
   • Example: “పర్వతానికన్నా పెద్ద” (Bigger than a mountain)
6. Yamaka (యమకం): Punning, using words with similar sounds but different meanings.
   • Example: “కావ్యమా? కాఫీమా?” (Is it poetry or coffee?)

Shabdhalankaras (Figures of Sound)

1. Anuprasa (అనుప్రాస): Alliteration, repetition of initial consonant sounds.
   • Example: “పట్టణపురంలో పరమేశ్వరుడు” (Parameshwar in the town)
2. Yamaka (యమకం): Repetition of the same word with different meanings in a single verse.
   • Example: “కవితా కళా కన్ను కలిసింది” (The art of poetry has merged)
3. Shlesha (శ్లేష): Pun, a play on words with multiple meanings.
   • Example: “విశాలమైన విశాలపురం” (The vast Vishalapuram)
4. Prasa (ప్రాస): Rhyme, using similar sounding words at the end of lines or phrases.

These Alankaras are used extensively in classical Telugu poetry to create aesthetic appeal and convey deeper meanings. The use of Alankaras is a mark of the poet’s skill and creativity. Understanding and appreciating these figures of speech enriches the reading experience of Telugu poetry.