Chanakya Vishayi Navin Kahi

This document is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Chanakya vishayi Navin Kahi" (Something New About Chanakya) by Dr. Nalini Joshi. The book, published by Jainvidya Adhyapan evam Sanshodhan Samstha in July 2015, is the result of extensive research into Jain literature to uncover new perspectives on Chanakya.

The book is structured into several chapters, aiming to present a holistic view of Chanakya as depicted in Jain texts, juxtaposing it with traditional Brahmanical perspectives and historical context.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects covered in the text:

Book Details:

• Title: Chanakya vishayi Navin Kahi (Something New About Chanakya)
• Author/Editor: Dr. Nalini Joshi (with writing contributions from Dr. Kaumudi Baldota and Dr. Anita Bothra)
• Publisher: Sanmati-Teerth Prakashan, Jainvidya Adhyapan Evam Sanshodhan Sanstha, Pune.
• Publication Date: July 2015
• Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/009390/1

Core Objective:

The primary goal of the book is to explore and present the findings of research into Jain literature concerning Chanakya, revealing a multifaceted and often contrasting portrayal of this historical figure compared to traditional accounts.

Key Themes and Chapters:

1. Introduction (Bhumika): The author recounts her initial encounter with numerous references to "Kodalla," "Kodilla," "Kodallaya," "Chanakka," and "Chanikka" in Jain Prakrit texts, sparking the idea to research Chanakya's presence in Jain literature. She highlights the discovery of numerous references from the 3rd-4th century to the 15th-16th century CE across both Shvetambara and Digambara traditions, noting the influence of Harisena's "Chanakya Muni Katha" in Digambara literature.

2. Historical Background and Kautiliya Arthashastra: This chapter delves into the historical context of ancient India, discussing the reliance on literary sources for history, the importance of foreign accounts (like Megasthenes and Xuanzang), and the discovery of the Kautiliya Arthashastra manuscript in 1909. It addresses scholarly debates about the authorship and dating of the Arthashastra and asserts that the core content is indeed by Kautilya (Chanakya). It also examines the declining popularity of the Arthashastra in Brahmanical tradition due to the rise of Smritis and contrasts it with its preservation in Jain literature.

3. Chanakya in Brahmanical Tradition: This chapter focuses on how Chanakya is portrayed in Brahmanical (Hindu) literature, including mentions in the Mahabharata (though deemed a later interpolation), Puranas (distinguishing between the king Chanakya and the minister Chanakya), Kathasaritsagara, Brihatkatha Manjari, and the play Mudrarakshasa. It highlights the focus on Chanakya's Brahmanical identity, his ritualistic practices, and the gradual negative portrayal in later Brahmanical texts, particularly the association of "Kautilya" with "Kutila" (cunning/deceitful). It also analyzes the Mudrarakshasa, noting its unique political nature and the introduction of Jain characters like Jivasiddhi Kshapanaka and Chandanadasa, suggesting a subtle Jain influence or awareness within this supposedly Brahmanical work.

4. Chanakya's Complete Life Story (Based on Jain References): This is a pivotal chapter that reconstructs Chanakya's biography based on various Jain narratives. It covers:

   • Early Life and Prophecy: Vishnu Gupta's birth with teeth and prophecies of him becoming a king or a king-maker ("Bimbalantarit Raja").
   • Education and Marriage: His upbringing in Chanakpur, rigorous education in Patliputra, earning the name "Chanakya," and his marriage to Yashomati.
   • Journey to Patliputra and Minister Kavi's Role: Chanakya's visit to his aunt's home in Patliputra, his encounter with Nand's minister Kavi, and the development of Kavi's plan for revenge against Nanda. It details Kavi's suffering in prison and his eventual return to power.
   • Chanakya's Humiliation and Vow: The incident in Nanda's banquet hall where Chanakya is insulted and takes a vow to destroy the Nand dynasty, untying his Shikha (tuft of hair).
   • Search for a Suitable King: Chanakya's quest to find a worthy successor to Nanda, his encounter with Mayurpcoshaka and the prophecy of his daughter giving birth to Chandragupta.
   • Chandragupta's Rise: Chanakya's strategic manipulation of events, the "King" game played by young Chandragupta, and his eventual acceptance of Chanakya's tutelage.
   • Military Campaigns and Political Maneuvering: The initial failed assault on Patliputra, the chase by Nanda's soldiers, Chanakya's clever escape tactics, and the fateful incident involving the poisoned food given to Chandragupta and its consequence on Queen Dharini and the birth of Bindusara.
   • The Cleverness of the Old Woman: An anecdote highlighting the importance of strategic thinking, influencing Chanakya's later military plans.
   • Alliance with King Parvataka and Conquest of Magadha: Chanakya's alliance with King Parvataka, the detailed planning for conquering Magadha, and the eventual victory over Nanda.
   • Parvataka's Demise and Chandragupta's Coronation: Chanakya's strategic elimination of Parvataka through a poison-infused bride, securing sole power for Chandragupta, and his coronation as Emperor of Magadha.
   • Chanakya's Administrative Reforms: His efforts in stabilizing the kingdom, revenue generation through various means (including the dicing game and taxing the wealthy), and establishing a strong army.
   • The Twelve-Year Famine and Handling of Ascetics: Chanakya's response to a severe famine, his interactions with Jain ascetics (Kshullakas) and their spiritual powers, and his decision to provide for ascetics during hardships.
   • Testing Ascetics and Patronage of Jainism: Chanakya's testing of different ascetic groups, his recognition of the superior conduct of Jain monks, and the pivotal role in the first compilation of Ardhamagadhi Agamas during Chandragupta's reign, signifying a pro-Jain leaning of the Mauryan court.
   • Chanakya's Death: The narrative of Chanakya's dignified death, his decision to renounce worldly life due to political circumstances and personal affronts, and his final act of strategic planning even in death, leading to the downfall of his adversary Subandhu.

5. External References (Katha-bahya Sandarbh): This extensive chapter meticulously lists and analyzes various references to Chanakya and Kautiliya Arthashastra found in different Jain texts, categorized by Shvetambara and Digambara traditions. It includes:

   • Shvetambara References: Detailed analysis of references in Anuyogadvara, Nishitha Churni, Pind Niyukti, Dharmadasa Gani's Upadeshamala, Nemichandra's Kūvalayamālā, Hemachandra's Parishishtaparva, and others. It discusses the varying portrayals, the integration of Arthashastra's concepts, and the Jain tendency to "Jainize" figures.
   • Digambara References: Examination of early references in Bhagavati Aradhana, Mulachara, Tilokaprajñapti, Brihatkathakosha by Harisena, Nitisangraha by Somadeva Suri, and others. It highlights the Digambara focus on Chanakya's spiritual renunciation and mastery of ancient Jain lore.

6. Jain Literature Through the Lens of Arthashastra: This section explores the interconnections between Jain literature and the Arthashastra, examining:

   • Story Seeds from Arthashastra in Jain Literature: How Jain authors adapted and reinterpreted concepts and narratives from the Arthashastra, often weaving them into their own philosophical framework.
   • Socio-Cultural Parallels: Identifying shared socio-cultural elements, terminology (like 'Sangha,' 'Gana,' 'Adhikaran,' 'Tirtha,' 'Vrisha'), administrative structures, and practices described in both Arthashastra and Ardhamagadhi Agama texts.
   • Jain Ethics and Arthashastra: A comparative analysis of Jain ethical principles (like Ahimsa, Apariha, Satya) with Arthashastra's political and economic pragmatism, highlighting how Jain scholars integrated or adapted Arthashastric ideas into their moral codes.
   • The "Shravaka" Chanakya and "Chanakya Muni": Discussing the Shvetambara portrayal of Chanakya as a devoted lay follower (Shravaka) and the Digambara depiction of him as a renunciate monk (Muni) who achieved spiritual liberation.

7. Conclusion (Upasamhar): This chapter summarizes the findings, emphasizing the diverse portrayal of Chanakya in Jain traditions. It highlights the unique contribution of Jain literature in preserving and reinterpreting Chanakya's life, often presenting a more nuanced and sometimes contradictory image than Brahmanical sources. The author underscores the importance of studying Jain texts to gain a complete understanding of India's cultural and historical landscape.

Overall Significance:

Dr. Nalini Joshi's work is a significant contribution to the field of Jain studies and Indian history. It challenges conventional interpretations of Chanakya by bringing to light a wealth of Jain textual evidence, demonstrating the pervasive influence of Jain thought and narrative across various domains of ancient Indian society. The book suggests that while Chanakya's Brahmanical origins are undeniable, his deep engagement with Jain principles and his strategic interaction with the Jain community left an indelible mark on Jain literature, offering a fresh and compelling perspective on this enigmatic historical figure.