Linguistic Structure of Comedy

A comedy is a play that induces laughter. It has been popular in almost all the eras. Many of the comedies reveal the vile practices of the followers of religions other than Hinduism viz., Buddhists, Jains and the followers of Charvakin a manner that leave a great impact on the human psyche. Sanskrit literature prides itself upon a rich variety of comedies including Bhagavadajjukam by Bodhayan, Damak Prahsana by Bhas, Mattavilasa Prahsana by Mahen-dravarman, Dhurt Samagam by Jyotishwar Thakur, Hasyarnava Prahasanam by Jagadisvara Bhattacaryena, Latakmelak Prahsan by Shankhdhar Kaviraj, Dhurtanartak by Samraj Dikshit, and Koutak Sarvasava by Gopinath Chakravarti, etc.

The present work considers the linguistic structure of comedy. Comedy uplifts the audience by inspiring it to be critical of the bad and ugly aspects of the society. Thus, the audience is inspired to develop itself further.

Various characters in a comedy speak various languages. Sanskrit language appears to have been used by the upper caste patriarchs. The language used by the lower cast characters is Magadhi, Chet, etc., whereas the princes use Ardhamagadhi. The wise use Prachya whereas the cunning use Avantika. The clowns also use Avantika.

Comedy plays a great importance in human life that consists to a great extent, laughter. Comedy has always been and continues being a constant source of laughter.

About the Author: 

Name: Prof. (Dr.) Mohan Mishra

Born on: 26.01.1956

Mother: Late Subhadra Devi

Father: Late Doman Mishra

Wife: Dr. Madhu Kumari

Prof. Sanskrit Dept. Sharda Jhunjhunwala

Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Bhagalpur

Place of Birth: Kabela, Khagaria (Bihar)

Address: Lal Kothi, Bhagalpur-812002

Education: Matriculation-1973, Shri Krishna High School, Nayagaon (Khagaria)

Intermediate - 1975, T.N.B. College, Bhagalpur

B.A. Honours (Sanskrit) - 1977, Bhagalpur University, Bhagalpur

M.A. (Sanskrit) 1st Class 1st with new University record, Gold Medal 1979,

Bhagalpur University, Bhagalpur

M.A. (Hindi) - 1981, Bhagalpur University, Bhagalpur

L.L.B. -T.N.B. Law College, Bhagalpur

M.Ed. - Government Teacher's Training College, Bhagalpur

Ph.D. - 1985, Bhagalpur University, Bhagalpur

D.Litt. -1992, Bhagalpur University, Bhagalpur

Dharmaratna and Dharma Visharad.

All India Arya (Hindu) Dharma Seva Sangh,

Jawahar Nagar, Delhi-7

Occupation: University Professor in Post Graduate Sanskrit Department from 14th February, 1984. Reader February, 1991. University Professor February, 1999. Department Chair, University Department of Sanskrit, Tilka Manjhi. Bhagalpur University, Bhagalpur since July, 2017.