Brief Account Of Jain Tamil Literature

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided text, "A Brief Account of Jaina Tamil Literature" by Krishnachand Choradia:

This document, authored by S. Krishnachandd Chordia, details the significant and multifaceted contributions of Jainism to ancient Tamil literature. The author, a scholar in Journalism, Jainology, and holding a Ph.D. research position, outlines this rich literary tradition by categorizing it into ethical poetries, Kavyas (epic poems), Purana Kavyas, and Prosody and Grammatical Literature.

I. Jaina Ethical Poetries:

The text highlights several key ethical works by Jain scholars that form the foundation of Tamil literature:

• Tolkāppiyam: This foundational Tamil grammar treatise, attributed to a Jaina scholar, is presented as a crucial work from the pre-Sangam age. It not only lays the groundwork for Tamil grammar but also provides insights into the culture and lifestyle of the Tamil people. It consists of three parts: letters, words, and meaning, with 1612 Sutras and several commentaries.
• Kural: Considered the most important ethical work in Tamil, Kural is composed of couplets known as Kural Venba. It is highly revered and referred to by various titles like "Uttara Veda" and "Tamil Veda." The work is divided into three sections: Aram (Dharma), Porul (Artha), and Inbam (Kama), all interpreted in adherence to the Jain principle of Ahimsa (non-violence). It contains 1330 verses, with commentaries by prominent scholars.
• Náladiyâr: This work, consisting of 400 quatrains in the Venba metre, is also known as "Velâlar-Vedam" or the "Bible of the cultivators." Tradition suggests it was composed by different Jaina monks and compiled later. Its structure follows that of Kural, with sections on Dharma, Artha, and Kama.
• Aranericcāram: Authored by Thirumanaippadiyâr, this work expounds the "essence of the way of virtue" and focuses on the five moral principles of Jainism: Ahimsa, Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacarya (celibacy/chastity), and Parimita-Parigraha (limited possession).
• Palamoli: Written by the Jain scholar Munruraiaraiyanir, this collection of proverbs offers principles of conduct and worldly wisdom.
• Tinaimalai-Nutraimbadu: Composed by Kanimoliyar, a Sangam poet, this work discusses principles of love and war and is frequently quoted by commentators.
• Elādi: Also by Kanimoliyar, this work is named after a mixture of fragrant substances and contains quatrains that discuss five or six pleasant topics.
• Nãnmanikkadigai: Authored by the Jaina scholar Vilanbinathar, this work in Venba metre presents four important moral principles in each stanza, akin to jewels.

II. Kavyas (Epic Poems):

The text then categorizes Kavyas into Mahā Kavyas (major epics) and Laghu Kavyas (minor epics):

• Mahā Kavyas:

  • Silappadikāram: Attributed to Elango Adigal, a Chera prince who became a Jaina ascetic, this epic is considered to be from around the 2nd century AD. It centers on Kannagi, a revered figure in Dravidian culture, and explores themes of righteousness, chastity, and the law of Karma. It also provides valuable insights into various arts and aspects of human life.
  • Jeevaka Cintamani: Widely regarded as the best of the Mahā Kavyas, this romantic epic by Tiruttakkadeva was composed to demonstrate that Jaina monks could also create works with "Sringara-rasa" (erotic sentiment). It is divided into 13 Ilambakas and contains 3145 stanzas.
  • Valaiyāpathi: Mentioned as a Mahā Kavya, though details are limited in this excerpt.

• Laghu Kavyas:

  • Yasodhara Kavyam: This work emphasizes the Jain principle of observing vows through mind, speech, and body, with a particular focus on Ahimsa, differentiating between "Dravya Himsã" (physical harm) and "Bhava Himsã" (mental harm). It illustrates how even mental ill-will can lead to sin.
  • Cûlamani: Composed by the Jaina author Tholamolithevar, this work is praised for its poetic excellence and resembles Cintamani. It has 12 cantos and 2131 stanzas.
  • Perunkathai: Attributed to Konguvelira, a prince, this work is inspired by Gunadhya's Brhat Kathā and focuses on the life of Prince Udayana, divided into six Kandams.
  • Nilakesi: This controversial work engages with various Indian philosophical systems and is seen as a response to the Buddhist work Kundalakesi. It discusses philosophical debates and rival faiths.

III. Purāna Kavyãs:

• Meru Mandira Puranam: Authored by Vamana Muni in the 14th century, this work is noted for its literary excellence and is based on a puranic story. It comprises 30 chapters and 1405 stanzas.
• Sri Purāņa: Written in a mixed style of Tamil and Sanskrit, this work is based on Jain texts like Mahāpurāna and deals with the lives of 63 prominent personalities, including Tirthankaras and other significant figures of the present era. The author references Jain scholars like Jinasenacharya and Gunabhadra. The text also notes the existence of Periyapuranam by Sekkizar, which it suggests might have been influenced by Jain Purana traditions.

IV. Prosody and Grammatical Literature:

• Yãpparungalakkârikai and Yãpparungala-Vrutti: These works on Tamil prosody by Amritasagara are considered authoritative in metres and poetic composition.
• Neminatham: This grammar work by Gunavira Pandita aims to provide a concise account of Tamil grammar. It is placed in the early centuries of the Christian era and consists of two chapters: Eluttadikaram and Solladikaram.
• Nannul: This highly popular grammar work by Bavanandimuni is second only to Tolkāppiyam in esteem. It has two parts, Eluttadikaram and Solladikaram, with a fine commentary by Mailainathar.
• Agapporulvilakkam: Written by Narkaviraja Nambi, this work expounds on the chapter on Porul Ilakkanam in Tolkāppiyam, focusing on the psychology of love and related experiences.

V. Tamil Lexicography:

The document mentions three important works on Tamil lexicography:

• Divākara nighantu (by Divākara Muni)
• Pingala nighantu (by Pingala Muni)
• Cudamani nighantu (by Mandalapurusa)

VI. Miscellaneous Works:

• Tirunarrantādi: By Avirodhi Alvar, this devotional work of 100 verses is addressed to Lord Neminatha and employs the "Antādi" poetic form.
• Tirukkalambagam: By Udicidera, this work is described as a mixed poetic composition in diverse metres, with devotional and philosophical content that also discusses rival faiths.

Conclusion:

The author concludes by emphasizing that Jain contributions to Tamil literature are extensive, extending beyond Kavyas, Grammar, and Prosody to include scientific texts on Mathematics, Astronomy, Medicine, and Metallurgy. The author, S. Krishna Chand Chordia, is recognized for his academic achievements in Jainology and his role in establishing a Jainology department at the University of Madras.

In essence, the book "A Brief Account of Jaina Tamil Literature" meticulously showcases the deep and lasting impact of Jain scholars and their philosophical principles on the development and richness of Tamil literary heritage, covering a broad spectrum of genres and intellectual pursuits.