khandakavya
Khandakavya is a term in classical Indian literary criticism that designates a class of kavya (ornamental poetry) known as a short epic. The word khandaka literally means a 'section' or 'part,' reflecting its sectional, episodic construction.
Compared with the longer mahakavya, a khandakavya enacts a narrative in a relatively small number of cantos
In classical Sanskrit poetics, the category is discussed by theorists such as Mammata in the Kavya-prakasha,
While not as numerous as mahakavya, khandakavyas were composed on mythological, romantic, or historical themes and