Chanakya Explored In Jaina Literature - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Chanakya Explored in Jaina Literature" by Nalini Joshi, based on the provided pages:

This book, "Chanakya Explored in Jaina Literature," authored by Dr. Nalini Joshi and published by Firodaya Prakashan, aims to thoroughly examine the presence and portrayal of Chanakya (also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta) within the vast body of Jain literature. The book's foreword by Dr. P.G. Lalye highlights the "astonishing event" of Kautilya's Arthashastra having significant, though often overlooked, impressions on Jain works.

Core Argument and Rationale:

Dr. Joshi challenges a misconception held by some scholars that Buddhist and Jaina literature generally despises Chanakya due to his perceived harshness and Brahmanical leanings, as seen in his Arthashastra. Her extensive research reveals the opposite: Jain literature, spanning from the 3rd century AD to the 15th century AD, demonstrates a significant degree of respect and honor towards Chanakya. This is attributed to his perceived strict governance, selfless service, detached worldview, and even his sublime death.

The book's primary rationale is to:

Uncover and analyze all Jaina sources related to Chanakya.
Highlight the numerous new details about Chanakya found in Jain texts that are absent in Brahmanic and Buddhist literature.
Refute the notion of Jaina disregard for Chanakya by presenting evidence of high regard.
Provide a Jaina perspective on influential works like the Mudrarakshasa.
Systematically document and critically examine every Jaina reference to Chanakya, ensuring original sourcing and translation.

Key Findings and Content Overview:

The book systematically explores Chanakya's presence in Jain literature through a chapter-by-chapter analysis:

Chapter 1: Introduction: Sets the stage by explaining the author's motivation, the rationale behind the exploration, and the historical context of India, including the discovery of the Arthashastra and the debate surrounding its authorship. It also touches upon the perceived decrease in the popularity of the Arthashastra in Brahmanic literature and the potential reasons for it, including the rise of Smriti literature and a possible "concealed rage" against Chanakya due to his association with Magadha's Śramanic culture and Chandragupta's perceived lower caste.
Chapter 2: Chanakya Reflected in Brahmanic Sources: Begins by examining Chanakya's portrayal in Brahmanic literature, including the Mahabharata, Puranas (Skandapurana, Matsyapurana, Vishnupurana, Vayupurana), and narrative collections like Kathasaritsagara and Brihatkatha-manjari. It notes that Brahmanic sources offer limited personal data and often highlight his shrewdness and crookedness, sometimes with a negative connotation.
Chapter 3: Interpretation of the Mudrarakshasa from the Jaina Perspective: Focuses on the famous Sanskrit play Mudrarakshasa. It argues that while scholars have touched upon Buddhist and Jaina sources, they have largely neglected the significant Jaina connections. The chapter analyzes Jaina characters within the play (Jivasiddhi Ksapanaka, Chandanadsa, Sarvarthasiddhi), Chanakya's characterization, his Brahmanical identity, the significance of his tuft of hair, his strict laws, wisdom, and his addresses to Chandragupta. It critically compares the play's portrayal with Jaina narratives, noting differences in emphasis and interpretation.
Chapter 4: Chanakya Revealed Through the Jaina Literature: This is the core of the book, presenting a detailed survey of Chanakya in both Śvetāmbara and Digambara Jain literature.
- It lists 44 references from Śvetāmbara texts, categorized by century, language, author, and the gist of the reference. These range from early mentions in Anuyogadvāra and Avashyaka-Niryukti (highlighting his pariņāmiki-buddhi) to detailed biographies in later commentaries like Parishishtaparva by Hemacandra. The references cover his birth, death, interactions with Chandragupta, his role as a kingmaker, and his wisdom in administration and wealth accumulation. The book notes that Śvetāmbara texts often depict Chanakya as a śrāvaka (lay follower) and a possessor of profound intellect and detachment.
- It lists 13 references from Digambara texts, including the early Bhagavati Aradhana (mentioning his death), Mulachara (condemning Kautilya's work), and later narrative works like Brihatkatha-kosa by Hariṣena and Nitivakyamrita by Somadevasuri. Digambara accounts often emphasize his "sublime religious death" (samādhimaraṇa), sometimes portraying him as a muni. Hariṣena's depiction is noted as particularly exhaustive for Digambara literature, though it differs in details and emphasis from the Śvetāmbara accounts.
Chapter 5: From the Window of Arthashastra: This chapter revisits the Jaina narratives through the lens of Kautilya's Arthashastra. It meticulously draws parallels between concepts, terminology, and societal aspects found in both the Arthashastra and ancient Jaina texts (particularly Ardhamāgadhī canons). Key areas of comparison include:
- Castes and Sub-castes: Similarities in the classification and mentions of various castes and inter-caste groups.
- Harem and Servants: Parallels in the descriptions of harem arrangements and the types of spies employed.
- Festivals and Deities: Similar mentions of festivals and deities, though Jaina texts often provide a more systematic and philosophical framework.
- Terminology: Common usage of words like śāsana, adhikarana, vyavahāra, pāṣanda (and its Jaina replacements), tīrtha, samgha, gaṇa, and danda, though with differing implications and contexts.
- Jaina Code of Conduct: Demonstrates how Jaina ethical rules for householders (śrāvakācāra) and monks (sādhuācāra) appear to have incorporated and adapted rules and punishments described in the Arthashastra, particularly concerning non-violence, falsehood, theft, sexual conduct, and the treatment of animals.
- Re-interpretation of Jaina Monachism: Suggests that Kautilya's emphasis on the importance of state laws and order influenced the Jaina monastic code, which also detailed strict rules for monks and nuns.
Chapter 6: Concluding Remarks: Summarizes the findings, emphasizing the twofold methodology (comparing Brahmanic/Jaina sources, then viewing Jaina literature through the Arthashastra). It reiterates the strong Magadhan connection shared by both Kautilya and Jainism, explains the prevalence of Prakrit in early Jaina narratives of Chanakya, highlights the initial differing attitudes (mithyā-śruta vs. respect for death), and discusses the varied modes of reference and portrayal of Chanakya in Śvetāmbara and Digambara traditions. It concludes that the Jaina literature provides a comprehensive and often highly respectful portrait of Chanakya, filling many gaps left by Brahmanic sources and offering a unique perspective on his personality, intellect, administration, and even his death. The book asserts that Kautilyan studies remain incomplete without considering the valuable literary contributions of the Jainas.

Overall Significance:

"Chanakya Explored in Jaina Literature" is a scholarly endeavor that aims to correct historical misconceptions, highlight the rich tapestry of Jain literary tradition, and demonstrate the profound, often subtle, interconnections between ancient Indian political thought and religious narratives. It presents Chanakya not just as a political strategist but as a figure deeply integrated into the moral and ethical discussions within Jainism, respected for his wisdom, detachment, and ideals, even when his methods were strict.