Information - Snippets

Dr. Anupama Kylash quoted the Agnipuran (7th-11th C), one of the 18 Puranas of Sanskrit literature that classified Sringara Nayakas, romantic heroes, according to their behaviour vis-à-vis women at a time when polygamy was common: Anukoola (loyal to one woman eg. Rama), Dakshina (who has many lovers, but is loving and treats them equally - eg. Krishna), Drashtha (aggressive, bold, a little rude, does not respond when a woman is angry, but tries to pacify, inconsiderate), Shatha (deceitful, no scruples, no respect towards women). A Shata Nayaka can be either Maani (arrogant) or Chatura (wily, indulging in sweet talk).
('Spotlight on the Nayaka' by Rupa Srikanth, The Hindu Friday Review, May 29, 2020)

The Agnipuran classified sringara nayikas in the context of their relationship with the nayaka - Swakiya or Sweeya (married and loyal), Parakeeya (married to one and longs for another), Punarbhu (widow remarried) and Samanya (those who are free to accept any man without restrictions). This classification became popular as it is applicable to any pada sahitya with sringara. The parakeeya has an element of secrecy to her - she could be a Kanya (under the guardianship of her parents) or a Parodha (married woman).
- Dr. Anupama Kylash
('The intriguing world of Nayikas' by Rupa Srikanth, The Hindu Friday Review, May 15, 2020)