Chitrakavyani

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Chitrakavyani" based on the provided pages:

Chitrakavyani: A Collection of Illustrative Verses

"Chitrakavyani" is a compilation of 71 subhashita verses, meaning verses that are wise, instructive, and beautifully composed. The title itself, "Chitrakavyani," translates to "Illustrative or Picture Poetry," which is fitting as the collection primarily features verses that are characterized by puzzles (samasyas), riddles (prahelika), and wordplay (shlesha), creating vivid imagery and intellectual challenges for the reader.

Content and Structure:

The collection begins with a verse that praises Shri Krishna, cleverly incorporating the names of various food items and birds within its text. Each verse is accompanied by a simple explanation. Following this introductory praise, the book presents a Sanskrit samasya and a Prakrit subhashita.

The main body of the work is then organized thematically, presenting verses related to various types of poetic puzzles and figures of speech. The text outlines a specific order of these themes and the number of verses dedicated to each, though the exact numbering for some categories is omitted in the provided excerpt. These categories include:

• Antarlapika (Internal Riddle)
• Bahirlapika (External Riddle)
• Kartrugupta (Hidden Agent)
• Karmagupta (Hidden Object)
• Karana Gupta (Hidden Instrument)
• Sampradana Gupta (Hidden Recipient)
• Apadaan Gupta (Hidden Ablative)
• Sambandha Gupta (Hidden Relation)
• Adhikaran Gupta (Hidden Locative)
• Sambodhana Gupta (Hidden Vocative)
• Kriyagupta (Hidden Verb)
• Kartru-Sambandha-Adhikaran Gupta (Hidden Agent-Relation-Locative)
• Matrachyutaka (Letter Omission)
• Bindugupta (Hidden Dot/Bindu)
• Bindumajali (Possibly a type of Bindu composition)
• Diyamanaakshara (Given Letter)
• Hiyamanaakshara (Withdrawn Letter)
• Apahuti (Concealment)
• Kathitapahnutti (Stated Concealment)
• Gatapratyagata (Gone and Returned)
• Prahelika (Riddle)
• Arthiprahelika (Riddle with a specific query)
• Duraanvayijati (Remote Connection Verse)
• Bhavagudha (Hidden Meaning)
• Samasya (Puzzle)
• Padatrayarupa Samasya (Three-Line Puzzle)
• Shlesha (Pun/Double Meaning)

The document lists a total of 67 such verses, with a mention of some verses having their authors specified by the compiler. It also notes that 25 of these verses are found in the Subhashitaratnabhandagar (Su.R.Bha.) with minor variations. The compiler has also indicated the original sources for some verses in commentaries, such as Sharngadhar Paddhati and Bhoja Prabandha. The compiler has also provided solutions for some of the samasya verses and noted the answers for others based on Su.R.Bha.

Manuscript and Compilation:

The text mentions a manuscript of 9 pages with legible handwriting. The inscription at the end indicates it was written on Sunday, the 11th day of the bright half of Ashvin in the year 1776 of the Vikram era. While the compiler's name is not explicitly stated, the opening salutation to Shri Gautamaswami suggests that a Jain scholar (either a monk or a householder) compiled this collection.

Examples of Verse Types:

The provided pages offer several examples of the verses and their explanations:

• Page 3: The initial verse praising Krishna is explained, detailing how each word is subtly used to describe Krishna's attributes.
• Page 4: Another verse describing Krishna is presented.
• Page 5: An example of an Antarlapika (internal riddle) is given, followed by a Bahirlapika (external riddle). A complex riddle involving letters to form a mantra is also explained.
• Page 6: Examples of Kartrugupta, Karmagupta, Karanagupta, Sampradanagupta, Apadaanagupta, Sambandha Gupta, and Adhikaran Gupta are presented, with explanations of the hidden elements.
• Page 7 & 8: Further examples of Sambodhana Gupta, Kriyagupta (with multiple examples), Kartru-Sambandha-Adhikaran Gupta, Matrachyutaka, and Bindugupta are shown.
• Page 9: Examples of Diyamanaakshara (where letters are added to form a word/meaning) and Hiyamanaakshara (where letters are omitted) are provided.
• Page 10: Apahuti (concealment) and Kathitaapahnutti (stated concealment) verses are presented.
• Page 11: An example of Gatapratyagata (gone and returned) and several Prahelika (riddle) verses are included, along with an Arthiprahelika.
• Page 12: Duraanvayijati (remote connection verse) is shown.
• Page 13-16: This section is dedicated to Bhavagudha (hidden meaning) and Samasya (puzzles), followed by Shlesha (puns). These examples demonstrate the intricate wordplay, layered meanings, and thematic depth characteristic of this genre. The Shlesha section is particularly extensive, showcasing how a single verse can have multiple interpretations and allusions.

Overall Significance:

"Chitrakavyani" is a valuable collection for scholars and enthusiasts of classical Indian poetry, particularly those interested in Jain literature and the intricate art of chitra-kavya. It showcases the linguistic prowess and creative ingenuity of ancient and medieval Indian poets, demonstrating how profound meanings and delightful wordplay can be woven into verses, often with religious and philosophical undertones. The compiler's efforts to preserve and explain these verses make this collection a significant contribution to the study of Indian poetics and the Jain tradition.