Jain Katha Sahitya Me Pratibimbit Dharmik Jivan

This document is a D.Phil. thesis submitted to Allahabad University, authored by Vijaya Mishra (Tripathi) and supervised by Dr. Pushpa Tiwari. The title of the thesis is "Jain Katha Sahitya me Pratibimbit Dharmik Jivan" (Religious Life as Reflected in Jaina Katha Literature). The catalog link provided is for a Jain educational resource.

The thesis is structured into six chapters:

• Chapter 1: Jain Kathaon ka Aitihasik Parichay (Historical Introduction to Jain Katha Literature)

  • This chapter discusses the ancient tradition of storytelling and its presence in Vedic literature, epic poems like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
  • It then focuses on the emergence and development of Buddhist and Jain narrative literature, citing examples like Jataka tales and Panchatantra.
  • The chapter details the origin of Prakrit narratives in Jain canonical texts (Agamas), their language (Ardha Magadhi, also called Arsha Prakrit), and how religious teachings were conveyed through stories.
  • It presents a chronological classification of Jain Prakrit Katha literature by critics like Nemichandra Shastri, dividing it into periods based on the influence of authors like Haribhadra.
  • The evolution of stories from complex and rare to simple and accessible is discussed.
  • Key works and their features from the Agamic and Commentary periods are highlighted, including Niyukti literature, Bhashya, and Churni texts.
  • The significant role of commentaries in understanding Agamic literature is emphasized, with prominent commentators like Haribhadrasuri and Shilankasuri mentioned.
  • The chapter identifies Haribhadra's era as a golden age for Jain Prakrit Katha development, noting the integration of content and form.
  • It discusses the dating of Haribhadra and his key works like Samaraichchaha and Dhurta Khyana.
  • The post-Haribhadra period saw further development in various categories of Prakrit narratives, including works like Kuvalayamala.
  • The chapter concludes by outlining the scope and characteristics of Prakrit Katha literature from the 5th to the 17th century, including its various narrative forms and literary devices.

• Chapter 2: Jain Katha-Sahitya ki Samajik evam Arthik Prishthbhumi (Social and Economic Background of Jain Katha Literature)

  • This extensive chapter is divided into two sections: Social Conditions and Economic Conditions.
  • Social Conditions:
    • It begins by describing the utopian state of society during the time of the first Jain Tirthankara, Rishabha, and the subsequent decline leading to social disorder.
    • The chapter analyzes the caste system as reflected in Jain texts, noting the prominence of Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras, and the mention of various 'non-Aryan' groups.
    • Detailed descriptions are provided for each Varna, including their roles, societal standing, rituals, and even instances of criticism or paradox within the narratives (e.g., Brahmins being described as ignorant or corrupt, yet sometimes holding respected positions).
    • It discusses the status of untouchable castes like Chandals and others living outside the settlements, their occupations, and societal restrictions.
    • The impact of Vedic social norms on Jain thought is explored, noting how Jain Acharyas, while adhering to core Jain principles, also reflected and sometimes adapted to the prevalent social structures.
    • The chapter delves into marriage customs, including Gandharva, Rakshasa, and arranged marriages, and the societal norms surrounding them. It discusses the practice of polygamy among royalty and the ideal of monogamy.
    • The position of women in society is analyzed, covering their roles as daughters, wives, and mothers, as well as the presence of courtesans and ascetics.
    • Various social institutions like family structures (joint families), festivals (birth celebrations, coronations, Indra Mahotsava, etc.), and funeral rites are described.
    • The chapter also touches upon the influence of other religious and philosophical traditions on Jain narratives, such as Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Tantric practices, and the adoption of deities and rituals from these traditions. It explores the philosophical underpinnings of various schools like Sankhya, Mimamsa, Vedanta, and Nyaya-Vaisheshika as depicted in the literature.
  • Economic Conditions:
    • This section focuses on the economic aspects of the society depicted in Jain Katha literature.
    • It highlights the importance of wealth ('artha') in human life, as portrayed by authors like Haribhadra.
    • The chapter details various means of livelihood, including agriculture, trade, crafts, and even less reputable professions.
    • It elaborates on the prominence of trade, both internal and external, with references to maritime voyages to distant lands, trade routes, and port cities like Soparaka, Pratishthana, and Vijayapuri.
    • The use of various weights and measures, currencies, and the practices of guilds and merchant organizations are discussed.
    • The chapter also mentions the presence of various forms of entertainment, including music, dance, and theatrical performances, often associated with festivals and royal courts.

• Chapter 3: Jain Katha-Sahitya mein Pratibimbit Dharmik Jivan (Religious Life Reflected in Jain Katha Literature)

  • This chapter is the core of the thesis, focusing on the religious life as depicted in Jain narratives.
  • It begins by discussing the prevalent religious practices and beliefs of the time, referencing the Bhagavad Gita's concept of faith being aligned with one's nature (Sattvic, Rajasic, Tamasic).
  • The chapter explores the worship of various deities, including Vedic gods, Yakshas, Nagas, spirits, and also other deities that found their way into Jain narratives, indicating a syncretic religious landscape.
  • It discusses the concept of Tirthankaras, the Jain monastic tradition (Shramanas), their principles of renunciation, and the rules governing their conduct.
  • The chapter details the religious practices of lay followers (Shravakas), including their vows (anuvratas), observances like fasting (upavasa), and the rituals associated with worship.
  • It covers the importance of pilgrimages, rituals, and charitable giving.
  • The concept of karma and rebirth, central to Jain philosophy, is explained as it appears in the narratives.
  • The thesis discusses the philosophical schools influencing Jain thought, including Sankhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, Vedanta, and Nyaya-Vaisheshika, as presented in the Katha literature.
  • It examines the Jain concept of 'Anekantavada' (the doctrine of manifold aspects) and 'Syadvada' (the doctrine of conditional predication) as reflected in the stories.
  • The chapter also touches upon the influence of other religious traditions, like Shaivism and Vaishnavism, and how their deities and practices were sometimes incorporated or alluded to in Jain narratives.

• Chapter 4: Murtishilp aur Sthapatya (Sculpture and Architecture)

  • This chapter analyzes how Jain sculpture and architecture are reflected in Jain Katha literature.
  • It discusses the construction and decoration of temples, including the materials used (marble, various gems, gold) and architectural features like toranas (arches), shikharas (spires), and gavakshas (windows).
  • The chapter details the iconography of Jain deities, including Tirthankara images, their postures (Kayotsarga, Padmasana), and the accompanying Yaksha and Yakshini figures, which evolved over time.
  • It discusses the influence of Hindu art and architecture on Jain art, noting the adoption of certain deities and motifs.
  • The chapter provides examples of specific architectural sites and sculptures mentioned or alluded to in the texts, such as those found in Mathura, Ellora, Khajuraho, and Mount Abu.
  • The practice of depicting scenes from the lives of Tirthankaras and the influence of Tantric practices on Jain art are also discussed.

• Chapter 5: Upasamhar (Conclusion)

  • This concluding chapter summarizes the main findings of the thesis.
  • It reiterates the significant role of Jain Katha literature in preserving and disseminating Jain religious principles, social values, and philosophical ideas.
  • The chapter highlights the unique contribution of Jain storytellers in adapting popular narratives for religious propagation.
  • It emphasizes the realism and detail with which Jain Katha literature portrays the lives of people from various social strata, contributing to a nuanced understanding of ancient Indian society and culture.
  • The thesis concludes by asserting the importance of Jain Katha literature as a valuable source for studying Indian history, religion, philosophy, art, and architecture, particularly its reflections of Jain religious life.

• Chapter 6: Sandarbh Granth Suchi (Bibliography)

  • This chapter lists the primary Jain texts, secondary scholarly works, and research journals consulted for the thesis.

In essence, the thesis provides a comprehensive analysis of how Jain religious life, philosophy, social structures, economic activities, and artistic expressions were embedded and propagated through the rich tradition of Jain Katha literature, primarily focusing on Prakrit narratives.