Udaharana

Udaharana, or udāharaṇā in Sanskrit, denotes a specific instance used to illustrate a general rule, principle, or proposition. The term is formed from roots meaning to bring forth or cite, so it roughly conveys the idea of presenting a case or example to clarify understanding.

In classical Sanskrit literature and philosophy, udāharanā serves to make abstract ideas concrete. It is used to support an argument, anticipate objections, or demonstrate the applicability of a rule. An udāharana can take the form of a story, anecdote, parable, or real-world example that helps readers or listeners grasp a point more clearly.

The device appears across disciplines such as Nyaya (logic), Vyakarana (grammar), and various Dharmic and philosophical treatises. In these contexts, an udāharana is typically presented alongside reasoning (hetu) and general propositions to build persuasion or teach through exemplification. Its aim is not to state a universal truth by itself but to illuminate how such a truth bears on practical situations or specific cases.

In modern usage, udāharana remains a common word in Indian languages for “an example” and continues to appear in scholarly discussions of Sanskrit rhetoric, logic, and literature. See also related rhetorical concepts such as upamā (simile) and rupaka (metaphor), which, like udāharana, aid in illustrating or arguing ideas.