Bhavisayatta Kaha - Book Summary

Bhavisayatta Kahā (The Story of Bhavisayatta)

The Bhavisayatta Kahā is a significant Jain literary work, attributed to the poet Dhanapala. This particular edition, published by the Baroda Central Library in 1923, was edited by the late C. D. Dalal and completed by the late Pandurang Damodar Gune, with an introduction, notes, and glossary. It is considered the first major Apabhramsa work to be published, offering immense value to scholars studying the language and literature of this period.

Author and Date: The author's name is given as Dhanapala (Sk. Dhanapala), also referred to as Dhanavala or Dhanavai, and is explicitly mentioned in several Sandhis (chapters) of the text. While his exact period of living is uncertain, the introduction suggests he might have lived in the 10th century CE, possibly later than the 9th century based on stylistic comparisons with other Apabhramsa works and the mention of the Suyapanchami vow. He was a Digambara Jain and belonged to the Dhakkada Bania family.

Language and Style: The work is written in Apabhramsa, an intermediary stage between Prakrit and Old Hindi. The text is notable for its extensive use of Apabhramsa, making it a primary source for understanding the grammar, phonology, and vocabulary of the language. The introduction provides a detailed analysis of Apabhramsa grammar as derived from the text, covering vowels, consonants, conjuncts, and morphological inflections. The poem also exhibits a variety of classical metres, including Pajjhațika, Alillaha, Duvai, and Marahaṭṭha.

The Story: The Bhavisayatta Kahā narrates the life story of Bhavisayatta, the son of a wealthy merchant named Dhanapati. The narrative unfolds in three parts:

Vicissitudes of Bhavisayatta's Life: This part details Bhavisayatta's early life, his abandonment by his treacherous half-brother Dhanavai, his accidental discovery of a deserted city, his marriage to a princess, and his eventual return home. It highlights themes of deceit, fortune, and the consequences of actions.
War and Political Landscape: The story includes a war between the Kuru kingdom and the King of Taxila, in which Bhavisayatta plays a crucial role, demonstrating bravery and strategic acumen. This section offers insights into the political and geographical conditions of ancient India, mentioning various kingdoms and tribes like Pañcāla, Matsya, Kaccha (possibly Kashmir), Poyaṇapura (identified with Taxila), and the Sindhus.
Previous and Future Lives: The narrative also delves into the previous and subsequent births of Bhavisayatta and his associates, illustrating Jain principles of karma and rebirth, culminating in their ultimate attainment of Nirvana. This part serves to explain the merits of the Suyapanchami vow, which is central to the narrative.

Key Themes and Significance:

Jain Dharma: The story is deeply embedded in Jain teachings, emphasizing karma, rebirth, righteous conduct, and the path to liberation (Nirvana). The observance of the Suyapanchami vow is presented as a means to attain happiness and spiritual merit.
Moral Instruction: The narrative illustrates the consequences of actions, the importance of virtue, and the dangers of deceit and envy.
Literary Importance: As a foundational work in Apabhramsa literature, it provides invaluable linguistic data and showcases the literary capabilities of the language. The detailed metrical analysis in the introduction further highlights its significance in the study of Indian prosody.
Cultural and Historical Context: The story indirectly sheds light on social customs, political situations, and geographical locations of ancient India, particularly during the period when Apabhramsa was developing as a literary language.
Biographical Information: While limited, the text offers insights into the poet Dhanapala's background, his adherence to Digambara Jainism, and his pride in his literary achievements, stating that he composed the work with the help of Sarasvati after reviewing various existing poems on the subject.

In essence, the Bhavisayatta Kahā is a rich and complex narrative that blends religious instruction with moral tales, offering a window into the life and times of its author and the linguistic landscape of ancient India, particularly through the lens of Jain literary tradition and the Apabhramsa language.