Apbhramsa Vaiyakaran Hemchandra Ke Dohe

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The article "Apbhramsa Vaiyakaran Hemchandra ke Dohe" by Dr. Aditya Prachandiya discusses the significance of the dohas (couplets) cited by the renowned Jain scholar and grammarian Hemachandra in his works, particularly within the context of Apabhramsa literature and its influence on later Indian poetry, including Hindi.

Hemachandra: A Multitalented Scholar and Poet

Hemachandra (c. 1088 – 1173 CE) is presented as a scholar of Panini's stature in grammar, but he was equally accomplished as a poet in Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Apabhramsa. His original name was Changadeva, and he became Hemachandra after accepting Jain renunciation. He was a respected pundit in the court of Gujarat's Solanki kings, Siddharaja and Kumarpala, and resided primarily in Anhilwad. His exceptional intellect earned him the title 'Kalikal Sarvagya' (Omniscient of the Kali Age).

Hemachandra's Literary Contributions

The article highlights Hemachandra's vast literary output, encompassing grammar ('Siddha-Hema-ShabdAnushasana', 'LingAnushasana'), epic poems ('Samskrita Dvayashraya', 'Prakrita Dvayashraya' or 'Kumarpala Charita'), works on poetics ('KAvyanushasana'), prosody ('ChandaHAnushasana'), lexicography ('Abhidhana Chintamani', 'Anekaarth Sangraha', 'Deshinam-mala', 'Nighantu-kosha'), logic ('Pramana Mimansa'), Yoga ('Yogashastra'), and a monumental epic biography ('Trishashthi Shalakapurusha Charita' or 'Mahapurana').

The Significance of Hemachandra's Dohas

The central theme is Hemachandra's preservation of folk literature by citing popular dohas in his grammar. These dohas are considered a valuable resource for understanding the nature of the doha as a poetic form in Apabhramsa literature. The article asserts that Hemachandra's dohas are invaluable treasures, equal in literary beauty and emotional depth to the 'Gatha Saptashati', possessing inherent poetic grandeur and natural beauty.

Thematic Classification of the Dohas

The dohas cited by Hemachandra are broadly categorized by their subject matter:

• Heroic (Veer Rasa): These dohas often depict the valor of Kshatriya women, who encouraged their husbands and sons in battle. They showcase women's pride and defiance, contributing significantly to the heroic tradition. The article quotes Dr. Hazari Prasad Dwivedi, who notes the emergence of strong female assertions in these dohas, predating similar expressions in later Dingle poetry. Examples include women expressing shame at their husbands retreating from battle and encouraging them to fight bravely. The dohas also describe the intensity of combat, where swords clash and warriors fight even when entangled in their own weapons.
• Erotic (Shringar Rasa): These dohas are linked to the tradition of 'Gatha Saptashati' and secular erotic poetry. They describe the intensity of love, longing, and the beauty of the beloved, often through detailed descriptions of physical features. The article notes the tender expressions of love, the artistic portrayal of beauty, and the nuanced emotions of longing and separation. It also touches upon the use of hyperbole and skillful metaphors to create vivid imagery. The depiction of the mugdha nayika (innocent heroine) and her playful interactions, as well as the complexities of maan (lovers' quarrel), are highlighted. The article contrasts the artificiality in maan viraha with the intense, ignited affection in pravasa viraha (separation due to travel).
• Didactic (Neeti Parak): These dohas offer practical wisdom and moral guidance related to everyday life. They are presented with apt analogies and examples to convey their message effectively. The article uses the example of the ocean bearing leaves on its surface and gems within its depths, and how a master may disregard good servants while respecting wicked ones, to illustrate the nature of these didactic verses.
• Allegorical (Anyokti Parak): Hemachandra uses various natural elements and animals like bees, elephants, peacocks, lions, and large trees to convey deeper meanings and messages through allegory. Examples include a bee being advised not to mourn for a beloved who has moved to another land, a bull lamenting its fate of being yoked on both sides, and a tree that bears fruit and breaks branches for birds but is not blamed by them.
• Descriptive: Some dohas are purely descriptive, painting vivid pictures of nature, scenes, and human emotions.

Influence and Legacy

The article emphasizes that Hemachandra's dohas, through their lyrical beauty, emotional depth, and artistic merit, significantly contributed to the Apabhramsa literary tradition. They also served as an inspiration for later poets, including those of early Hindi literature, such as Gorakhnath and Sant Kabir. The article concludes that Hemachandra's dohas are successful vehicles for muktaka (free-standing) poetry in Apabhramsa and played a crucial role in shaping the Apabhramsa language and its literary trends. The inclusion of these verses in a grammatical work underscores their linguistic and cultural importance.