Ek Navin Natakni Uplabdhi - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Ek Navin Natakni Uplabdhi" by Ambalal Premchand Shah:

This document, an essay by Ambalal Premchand Shah, discusses the discovery and significance of a Sanskrit drama titled 'Rajimati Prabandha' (રાજીમતી પ્રાધ). The author aims to introduce the playwright and his works, shedding light on this previously lesser-known drama.

The Playwright: Yashaschandra

Discovery: The essay begins by introducing 'Rajimati Prabandha', a Sanskrit drama recently discovered in a Jain library.
Author: The author of this play is identified as Yashaschandra (યશશ્ચન્દ્ર), who was active in the 12th century.
Previous Work: Scholars are already familiar with Yashaschandra's other historical drama, 'Mudritakumudachandra Prakaran' (મુદ્રિતકુમુદચન્દ્રપ્રકરણ), which was published in Veer Samvat 2432 (approximately 1876 AD).
'Rajimati Prabandha' Theme: This second play by Yashaschandra depicts the events concerning Lord Neminath and Rajimati.
Literary Standing: Even with these two relatively short plays, Yashaschandra emerges as a distinguished mahakavi (great poet).
Devotion and Connections: He was a devoted follower of the learned Acharya Vadi Shri Devsuriji (વાદી શ્રી દેવસૂરિ) and a staunch Jain. He was also closely associated with the blind great poet Shripal (શ્રીપાલ), who presided over the learned assembly of Maharaja Siddharaj Jaisingh. Yashaschandra mentions Shripal with respect but doesn't elaborate on his own position in the assembly.

Yashaschandra's Lineage and Literary Heritage

Father and Grandfather: Yashaschandra was the son of Padmachandra (પદ્મચંદ્ર), who was the son of the learned Dhanadeva (ધનદેવ). This lineage points to a family with a strong tradition of scholarship and poetry.
Inherited Talent: Yashaschandra himself states in 'Mudritakumudachandra Prakaran' that his poetic talent was inherited from his father and grandfather, indicating a family tradition of literary excellence.
Dhanadeva (Grandfather): Although learned, Dhanadeva was also a high official in the court of the King of Shakambhari. He played a significant role in the kingdom's progress from the king's childhood, and his residence was frequently visited by many great feudatories, suggesting his importance. No specific literary works of Dhanadeva are known.
Padmachandra (Father): While Yashaschandra doesn't explicitly mention his father Padmachandra holding any state office, it can be inferred that he might have been associated with administrative roles, possibly even a chief official in the king of Shakambhari's assembly. He is described as a great scholar and poet whose witty sayings were keenly listened to by learned men. No specific works of Padmachandra are known.

Yashaschandra's Literary Output

Prose and Poetry: Yashaschandra was a prolific writer who composed many prose works (prabandha-granthas). His poetry was highly anticipated by scholars.
Major Works: He himself states that he composed two epic poems (mahakavyas) and four dramas (natakas). 'Mudritakumudachandra Prakaran' is one published drama, and 'Rajimati Prabandha' is the second newly revealed drama. The other two dramas and two epic poems are yet to be discovered. It's unknown if he wrote other works.

Comparison with Contemporary Scholars and Poets

Contribution to Knowledge and Politics: Both of Yashaschandra's plays highlight the contributions of himself and his ancestors to both learning and politics.
Parallel to Shripal's Family: His contributions can be compared to those of his contemporary, the great poet Shripal, and Shripal's son, Siddhpal (સિદ્ધપાલ), who was a poet and minister, recognized as prominent among poets and philanthropists. Similarly, Shripal's grandson, Vijaypal (વિજયપાલ), the author of 'Draupadi Swayamvar Natak', also made significant contributions to learning and politics.
Generational Tradition: The essay notes a tradition of learned lay Jains contributing to knowledge and state affairs, spanning from Dhanadeva and Padmachandra about three-quarters of a century before Shripal, down to Vijaypal. This period (approximately 200-250 years) saw prominent Jain scholars like Dhanadeva, Padmachandra, Yashaschandra, Shripal, Siddhpal, and Vijaypal.
Intellectual Landscape of the 12th Century: Yashaschandra lived during a vibrant intellectual era in Jainism. The literary world was illuminated by figures like the philosopher Vadi Shri Devsuriji, grammarian Acharya Hemchandrasuri (આ. હેમચંદ્રસૂરિ), independent playwrights like Ramachandrasuri and Gunachandrasuri, gifted poets like Devchandrasuri, insightful philosopher-poets like Ratnaprabhasuri and Bhadreshwarsuri, sharp scholars like Manikyachandrasuri, formidable debaters like Suracharya, and serious scriptural scholars like Abhaydevasuri. In this context, Yashaschandra, though a young and lay scholar, shone brightly like a star in a corner, yet his own humility meant he didn't elaborate much on his achievements.

Details of 'Mudritakumudachandra Prakaran'

Historical Debate: This drama recounts a significant historical debate in 1181 VS (1124 AD) between the Shvetambara Acharya Vadi Shri Devsuriji and the Digambara Acharya Shri Kumudchandra (શ્રી કુમુદચંદ્ર) in the court of Maharaja Siddharaj Jaisingh.
Outcome: The play depicts the victory of the Shvetambara side and the defeat of the Digambara side in this sectarian debate.
Contemporary Insights: The play provides contemporary insights through the dialogue of its characters, offering a realistic portrayal of Maharaja Siddharaj Jaisingh's court. It highlights the influential personality of the blind poet-king Shripal, the unparalleled scholarship, poetic talent, and philosophical genius of Vadi Shri Devsuriji, the eloquence of Devsuriji's disciples (Shri Manikyachandra, Shri Vijaysen, and Shri Ashachandra), the intolerance of Shri Kumudchandrasuri, the cunning intellect of the Gujara minister Gangil, the king's love for justice, and his ambition for national conquest.
Historical Accuracy: Most of the characters in this play are historical, making it a significant source for historical facts of the period, setting it apart from other dramas.
Dating: Based on this, it's established that Yashaschandra was active around 1181 VS and thereafter.

Details of 'Rajimati Prabandha'

Fictional and Religious Theme: 'Rajimati Prabandha' is a five-act play based on a well-known mythological narrative.
Central Theme: The story revolves around "awakening" (prabodh) for renunciation of the world from a tragic event, and through that, "enlightening" (prabandh) Rajimati. Therefore, it's natural that no specific historical details are found in this play.
Mythological Narrative:
- Shri Krishna and Lord Neminath were born into the Yadava clan, whose presence was centered around Mathura. When Mathura faced trouble, the clan migrated to Dwarka. Shri Krishna's father, Vasudeva, and Lord Neminath's father, Samudravijaya, were brothers.
- Lord Neminath was naturally inclined towards renunciation from birth. When he came of age, his parents, Samudravijaya and Shivadevi, considered his marriage. Neminath initially refused.
- On one occasion, a cowherd girl from Mathura came to Shri Krishna. Concerned that the palace women like Rukmini would mock her demeanor, Shri Krishna felt a bit awkward. Lord Neminath, however, found the girl's natural behavior very appealing.
- This led to Samudravijaya, Shri Krishna, and others discussing suitable brides for Neminath. Satyabhama proposed Ramati, daughter of Ugrasen, as a suitable match. A wise man was sent to see her. Balabhadra praised Ramati's beauty, youth, and age to Neminath. Shri Krishna also gave his assent. Neminath reluctantly agreed.
- When Neminath arrived at Ugrasen's palace with the wedding procession, he heard the piteous cries of animals. He saw the animals confined in a pen and asked, "What is this?" He was told, "These animals are for the hospitality (feasting) of your wedding guests." Lord Neminath immediately released all the animals and refused to marry. His elders, including Samudravijaya, Vasudeva, Shri Krishna, Balabhadra, and Shivadevi, rebuked him.
- Ugrasen and Dharini were filled with remorse.
- Finally, a sorrowful Rajimati came to meet Lord Neminath. Lord Neminath announced his decision to his father and gave Rajimati a sermon on renunciation. Rajimati, pleased, requested Lord Neminath to spread the glory of the Tirthas.
- Both achieved spiritual liberation through their spiritual practice on Girnar.

Literary and Linguistic Excellence

Poetic Skill: The composition of the plays demands high-level literary and artistic skill. Both works reveal Yashaschandra's mastery of the Vaidarbhi style of composition.
Nine Rasas: The plays offer the enjoyment of the nine rasas (emotions) through various situations.
Scholarly Expertise: He appears to be an unparalleled scholar in grammar, literature, prosody, Kesh (likely referring to subtle poetic elements or stylistic features), Tish (likely referring to astrology or esoteric knowledge), and Chudamanishastra (a branch of Jain philosophy or literature).
Language Proficiency: His command over Sanskrit and Prakrit languages is evident. He also demonstrates profound knowledge of Jain rituals and principles.
Reputation: Truly, the poet Yashaschandra is destined to earn good fame through his two plays.

Linguistic Significance: Prakrit and Apabhramsha

Mahaarashtrian Prakrit: In 'Rajimati Prabandha', Yashaschandra includes a descriptive passage in Mahaarashtrian Prakrit, which provides a glimpse into the Prakrit-Apabhramsha of the 12th century. This passage is highly important from a linguistic perspective.
Apabhramsha Sample: The play also offers a sample of 12th-century Apabhramsha language, with verses quoted in Gujarati script.

Unanswered Questions and Hopes

Official Position: It remains unclear whether Yashaschandra held any official position in any kingdom.
Other Virtuous Deeds: What other good deeds did he perform?
Relationship with Shripal: Was there any familial relationship between the poet Shripal and Yashaschandra?
Lost Works: It's hoped that if his two lost epic poems were found, these questions could be answered.
Familiarity with Patan: Yashaschandra was clearly familiar with Patan. The 'Mudritakumudachandra Natak' suggests a close association with Maharaja Siddharaj Jaisingh and the poet Shripal.
Admiration for Devsuriji: His works also indicate that he was a great admirer of the scholarly genius of Vadi Shri Devsuriji.
Future Discoveries: The author expresses hope for further discoveries that could provide more material to clarify these points.

Prior Mention

The essay concludes by noting that the 'Rajimati Prabandha' was first briefly mentioned by Shri Chimanlal Dalal in his article "Gujarat's Sanskrit Drama Literature" published in 'Vasant', Vol. 14 (during Samvat 1971-72).