Apbhramsa Jain Sahitya

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided text "Apbhramsa Jain Sahitya" by Devendra Kumar Jain, focusing on its content:

Overview of Apbhramsa Jain Literature

The text highlights the significant importance of Apbhramsa language and literature, particularly its role as the final stage of Middle Indo-Aryan languages and its proximity to spoken dialects. Apbhramsa is described as a sweet language compared to Prakrit, with Mahakavi Swayambhu even calling it a "rural language." It serves as a crucial bridge between the middle phase of Middle Indo-Aryan languages and the nascent stage of New Indo-Aryan languages. The language is primarily associated with the western regions of India, as indicated by Rajasekhara, who noted the preference of poets from Marwar and Punjab for Apbhramsa.

Dominance of Jain Literature in Apbhramsa

A central theme is that the vast majority of Apbhramsa literature is Jain. Excluding works like "Sandesh Rasak" and Siddha literature (Buddhist), almost the entire corpus is attributed to Jain authors. The influence of Apbhramsa on Hindi literature is profound; many early Hindi works are considered to be from the Apbhramsa period. Scholars like Chandradhar Sharma Guleri refer to it as "Old Hindi," while Gujarati and Rajasthani scholars call it "Old Gujarati" and "Old Rajasthani" respectively. This connection underscores Apbhramsa's foundational role in the development of these modern Indian languages.

Literary Contributions and Influences

Apbhramsa literature is not only extensive but also holds significant literary merit. Many trends in Hindi literature, such as diverse metrical forms, writing styles, traditional poetic descriptions, adherence to literary conventions, the synthesis of secular and classical styles, narrative structure, nature portrayal, emotional depth, and elements of devotion and romance, originated in the Apbhramsa period.

Key Genres and Works

The text categorizes Apbhramsa literature into several genres:

• Mahakavyas (Epic Poems) and Puranic Kavyas (Mythological Poems): These are primarily religious works.
• Charitakavyas (Biographical Poems): These often chronicle the lives of saints and important figures, some with a romantic bent.
• Romantic Kavyas: These focus on love and emotional narratives.
• Muktakakavyas (Independent Poems): This includes forms like Ras, Charchari, Kulak, Fagu, Doha, and Geeti.
• Gadyakavya (Prose Literature) and Drishyakavya (Dramatic Literature): These are largely absent or negligible.
• Khandakavya (Lyrical Poems): "Sandesh Rasak" is cited as the sole example.

Prominent Authors and Works Discussed:

• Mahakavi Swayambhu: Revered as the foremost Apbhramsa poet, his works include:

  • "Paumachariu" (Padmacharita): A biographical poem based on the Ramayana narrative, divided into five kandas and 60 sandhis. It's praised for its sweet, flowing, and elegant language, with notable descriptions of water sports and spring. The latter part is attributed to his son, Tribhuvan.
  • "Rithanemichariu" (Arishtanemicharita): Narrating the life of the 22nd Tirthankara, Arishtanemi (Nemnath), and the story of Krishna and the Pandavas from a Jain perspective. It's also noted that a portion is attributed to his son, Tribhuvan.

• Pushpadant: Considered the second great Apbhramsa poet, his notable works are:

  • "Nayakamarichariu" (Nagaumaracharita): A romantic narrative poem depicting the life of Nagakumara, characterized by exaggerated and emotionally charged events, and a simple, flowing language.
  • "Jasaharachariu" (Jashodharacharita): A religious narrative poem with a well-structured plot that develops dramatically, filled with religious and philosophical undertones, and a persistent romantic inclination. It's described as a beautiful work that adheres to many conventions of epic poetry.
  • "Mahapurana" (Great Purana): His third and most outstanding work, a monumental text detailing the lives of 63 illustrious persons. It's highly valued for its poetic descriptions, melodious dialogues, and "dhavalageeti" (celebratory songs). Pushpadant's language is considered more refined, structured, and mature than Swayambhu's.

• Dhanpal: Author of:

  • "Bhavisayattakaha" (Bhavishyadatta-katha): Considered the first major published work in Apbhramsa. It narrates the story of Bhavishyadatta on the occasion of Kartika Shukla Panchami. Its discovery by Professor Hermann Jacobi was crucial in establishing the literary significance of Apbhramsa. The language is described as having a native feel and flexibility. The story is considered poignant and realistic, with well-developed causality and sympathetic character portrayals.

• Dhahil: Author of:

  • "Paumashirichariu" (Padmashiricharita): A biographical poem about Padmashri, based on domestic events blended with two supernatural occurrences and subplots, presenting a realistic depiction of social life and a drive towards religion.

• Munishri Kanakamar: Author of:

  • "Karakanduchariu" (Karakandu-charita): A romantic biographical poem about King Karakandu, where religion and love coexist. While it includes descriptions of war, the narrative is more important. It exhibits elements of historical narrative and comprehensiveness, though not fully executed.

• Nayanandi: Author of:

  • "Sudarsanachariu" (Sudarsana-charita): A biographical poem that illustrates the glory of the Pancha Namaskara mantra through the life of Sudarsana.

• Padmakirti: Author of:

  • "Pasharachariu" (Parshva-charita): A successful work detailing the life of the 23rd Tirthankara, Parshvanatha.

Other authors and works mentioned include Devsenagani's "Suloyanachariu," Shridhar's "Pashanachariu," "Sukumalachariu," and "Bhavisayatchariu," Singh Kavi's "Pajjunnachariu," Haribhadra's "Sanatkumara-charit," Raidhu's works like "Sukausalacharit," "Meghveshvaracharit," "Shripalacharit," and "Sanmatinathacharit," Haridev's "Mayanaparajayachariu," Dhanpal's "Bahubalicharit," and Lakhandev's "Rominahachariu."

Free-Verse and Other Forms:

• Joindhu (Yogindra): A highly regarded author of free-verse, with works like "Paramatmaka," "Yogasara," "Doha Prabhut," and "Shravaka-dharma-doha."
• Jindatt Suri: Known for "Charchari," "Kal-swarup Kulak," and "Upadesharasa-yan."
• Shalibhadra Suri: Author of "Bharat Bahubali Ras," considered the largest Rasak work from the 13th century.
• Jinpada Suri: Author of "Shri Thulibhadra Fagu," praised for its beautiful descriptions and excellent wordplay.
• Hemachandra: His "Siddha-Hema-Shabd-Anushasan" also contains verses on various themes.
• Swayambhu: His "Swayambhu Chhanda" is a notable work for understanding metrical forms.

Conclusion and Significance:

The text concludes by emphasizing the vast and rich nature of Apbhramsa Jain literature, encompassing epics, Puranas, biographical poems, narrative poems, songs, sermons, and devotional and romantic themes. It reiterates the scarcity of prose and dramatic works. Historically, this literature is crucial for evaluating Indian literature and language, and any assessment without it would be incomplete. The literature provides an authentic reflection of Indian life, increasing its significance. The author expresses hope for further research to uncover more information on this subject.