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Two: Description of the Metres

2.5 Siloka periods

The Siloka metre in the Canon can be divided roughly into two periods, the early and the late, according to whether the Anuññhubha variation occurs in the prior lines, or whether it is normally avoided. In the early period the pathyà accounts for about 60% or more of the prior lines, and the Anuññhubha at that time is the most important variation accounting for about 15%. As the metre comes closer to its Classical form in the later part of the Canon the Anuññhubha occurs only sporadically, and the pathyà greatly predominates, sometimes accounting for as much as 85% of all the lines (for more on the development of the Siloka, see the Appendix).

An interesting comparison is afforded between the early Siloka of the questions and answers in Pàràyanavagga of Suttanipàta, and the late Siloka of the Introductory Verses (Vatthugàthà). We may note here that in Hemakamàõavàpucchà (Sn V:8) (vs 1084 ff) we may have a case of the Anuññhubha being used as an independent metre in the Canon, but as it is only 4 vs long it is too short to be sure.

Early Siloka from Jatukaõõãmàõavapucchà (Sn V: 12) (vs 1098-99):

Late Siloka (Sn V vs 1-3) (vs 976-978), narrative style: