Gopachal Ka Ek Vismrut Mahakavi Raidhu - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text about the poet Raidhu:

This document, titled "A Forgotten Great Poet of Gopachal - Raidhu," authored by Dr. Rajaram Jain, highlights the significant contributions of the Jain poet Raidhu to Indian literature. Gopachal (Gwalior) is identified as a crucial center for Jain spiritual and literary advancement. Raidhu, the subject of this text, is presented as a prominent literary figure who emerged during a period of political turmoil and hardship, offering solace and wisdom through his vast literary output.

Key Aspects of Raidhu's Life and Work:

His Context and Significance: Raidhu lived during a time of social and cultural upheaval, marked by political instability and conflict. He was a "loknayak" (people's leader) whose writings addressed the pain and suffering of the common populace. His literary prowess spanned multiple languages (Sanskrit, Prakrit, Apabhramsa, and Hindi) and demonstrated profound knowledge of history, culture, society, and national dharma.
Dating Raidhu: While his exact birth year is unknown, his work "Sakkosalcharia" was completed in V.S. 1496. The text suggests his birth around V.S. 1440, as he mentions his guru, Gunakirti Bhattarak, who lived around V.S. 1455, and contemporary rulers like Kirtisingh Tomar and Bhattarak Shubchandra, who were active around V.S. 1536. This indicates his active literary life extended from V.S. 1440 to at least V.S. 1536.
His Residence (Gopachal): Evidence strongly suggests Raidhu was a resident of Gopachal (Gwalior). His works contain descriptions of social and cultural contexts and vocabulary that point to his connection with the region.
Family Background: Raidhu's family lineage is traced through his grandfather, Sanghadhip Devraj, and father, Harisingh. His mother was Vijayashri. He had two brothers, Bahol and Mahanisingh. His wife was Savitri, and his son was Udayraj. He completed his work "Harivanshcharitra" on the day of Udayraj's birth.
Literary Output: Raidhu was an exceptionally prolific poet, having authored over twenty-three works in Prakrit, Apabhramsa, and Hindi. He also composed Sanskrit verses for his patrons. His literary corpus is classified into three categories:
- Charitra Literature (Biographical/Epic Narratives): This includes works like "Harivanshcharitra," "Balhaddcharitra," "Mahesarcharitra," "Jasaharacharita," "Sammati-charitra," "Tisatthi-mahapurusa-charitra," "Sirisirivalcharitra," "Santinathcharitra," "Parsvanathcharitra," "Jimandharacharita," "Sukosalcharitra," and "Dhannakumaracharita." Some of these works, like "Santinathcharitra" and "Parsvanathcharitra," are illustrated and considered important examples of medieval art.
- Achara and Siddhanta Literature (Ethical and Doctrinal Works): This category includes "Savayacharita," "Punnasava-kaha," "Sammattagunanihana-kavya," "Appasambo-kavya," and "Siddhantathasara" (in Prakrit).
- Adhyatma and Other Literature (Spiritual and Miscellaneous Works): This includes "Sodahkaran Jayamala," "Dahlakshan Jayamala," and "Barah Bhavana" (in Hindi). Many of his works remain unpublished.
Praise and Patronage: Raidhu's works are characterized by extensive "prashastis" (inscriptions or eulogies) at the beginning and end of his texts. These often provide detailed information about contemporary kings, merchants, literary figures, and socio-political conditions. He extensively praised Tomar kings like Dungar Singh and Kirtisingh, as well as others like Pratappurudhra Chauhan, highlighting their valor, patronage of arts and literature, and religious tolerance. The text notes that he was honored with a grand procession on an elephant in Gopachal upon completing "Sammattagunanihana-kavya" and similarly in Chandravadpattana for "Punnasava-kaha," indicating the high esteem in which poets were held.
Patronage of the Arts and Jainism: The Tomar kings Dungar Singh and Kirtisingh are credited with commissioning the creation of numerous Jain sculptures on Gopachal for 33 years, fostering a rich artistic environment. General Cunningham's admiration for this rock sculpture is cited. The text also mentions Raidhu's interaction with figures like Kamalasingh, a minister of King Dungar Singh, and Harisingh Sahu, who commissioned works from him.
Bhattarak Tradition: The text highlights the role of Bhattaraks (Jain monks/scholars) in fostering a literary and cultural atmosphere in Gopachal. It mentions prominent Bhattaraks like Devsengani, Vimalasen, Dharmasen, Bhavsen, Sahastrakirti (predecessors) and Gunakirti, Yashakirti, Palh Brahm, Khemchandra, and Kumarsen (contemporaries). These Bhattaraks were influential in obtaining financial support from rulers and merchants for literary activities.
Gopachal as a Cultural Hub: Raidhu's writings depict Gopachal as a vibrant center of learning and culture, comparable to heavenly cities like Swargapuri and Indrapuri. It was considered a "guru of cities" or a "learned city." The social life in Gopachal was portrayed as virtuous, with people abstaining from vices, women engaged in devotional activities, and families dedicated to charity and compassion.
Praise for Women: Raidhu's work also includes portrayals of virtuous women, such as Princess Mayanay Sundari of Ujjain from "Sirisirival-kaha," who resisted traditional practices like self-choice of husband. This suggests the poet's respect for the women of his time.
Bharat Vakya (Benedictions): Raidhu's works conclude with auspicious benedictions expressing his deep desire for the welfare of the people, the prosperity of the Jin (Jain) tradition, the adherence of monks to their vows, the eradication of suffering, and the reign of peace and prosperity.
Linguistic Contributions: The text points out that Raidhu's Apabhramsa works contain words that bear resemblance to modern Indian languages like Bundeli, Bagheli, Braj, Bhojpuri, Avadhi, and Punjabi, showcasing his linguistic versatility and contribution to the evolution of these languages.

In essence, the document establishes Raidhu as a pivotal poet of the medieval Jain tradition, whose comprehensive literary output significantly enriched Indian literature and provided invaluable insights into the socio-historical and cultural landscape of Gopachal and the surrounding regions. His extensive use of "prashastis" makes his works a treasure trove of historical and cultural information.