Jain Kumar Sambhava Ka Adhyayan

The book "Jain Kumar Sambhava ka Adhyayan" by Shyam Bahadur Dixit, published by Allahabad University, is a scholarly study of the Jain epic poem "Jain Kumar Sambhava" composed by Mahakavi Jayashekhar Suri. The study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of this significant Jain literary work.

Here's a breakdown of the book's content, based on the provided chapter titles and descriptions:

Overall Scope: The book undertakes a detailed literary and critical examination of "Jain Kumar Sambhava," exploring its various facets from its Mahakavyatva (epic quality) to its influence on later works.

Key Areas of Study (Chapters):

1. Mahakavyatva of Jain Kumar Sambhava (The Epic Quality of Jain Kumar Sambhava):

   • This chapter delves into the definition and characteristics of a Mahakavya (epic poem).
   • It discusses the nature of poetry, its features, and the criteria that qualify a work as an epic.
   • The chapter specifically analyzes how "Jain Kumar Sambhava" meets these epic standards. It also touches upon the concept of the poet (Kavi) and their role.

2. Life, Works, and Context of Jayashekhar Suri (Life and Works of the Author of Jain Kumar Sambhava and the Circumstances and Inspirations of Jain Poetry of that Period):

   • This chapter focuses on the biography of Mahakavi Jayashekhar Suri, the author of "Jain Kumar Sambhava."
   • It enumerates his various literary contributions and works.
   • Crucially, it examines the political, social, religious, and literary conditions of the era in which Jain poetry was being produced, identifying the key inspirations behind its creation.

3. Origin and Influence on the Narrative of Jain Kumar Sambhava (The Origin of the Story of Jain Kumar Sambhava, its Plot, and its Influences):

   • This chapter investigates the sources from which the narrative of "Jain Kumar Sambhava" was drawn.
   • It details the plot of the epic, likely in a chapter-wise summary.
   • The chapter also explores any potential influences on the composition of the work.

4. Character Analysis (Analysis of Characters in Jain Kumar Sambhava):

   • This chapter provides an in-depth study of the prominent characters in the epic.
   • It focuses on the protagonist, Rishabadeva (Lord Rishabhanatha), and his character portrayal.
   • It also analyzes the contributions of the heroines, Sumangala and Sunanda, as well as supporting characters like Indra and his wife Sachi (or Angabhuta and Angabhuta Nayika Sachi, as mentioned).

5. Aesthetics of Jain Kumar Sambhava (Rasa, Chhanda, Alankara, Guna, and Dosha in Jain Kumar Sambhava):

   • This chapter examines the aesthetic elements of the poem.
   • It analyzes the dominant rasa (sentiment), primarily Shringara (erotic sentiment) and secondary rasas like Vatsalya (parental affection), Hasya (humor), Bhayanaka (terror), and Shanta (peace).
   • The chapter discusses the seventeen types of chhandas (meters) employed in the epic.
   • It also evaluates the presence of gunas (qualities like Madhurya and Prasad) and doshas (defects or flaws) in the poetry.

6. Artistic Aspects of Jain Kumar Sambhava (Critical Review of Jain Kumar Sambhava from an Artistic Perspective):

   • This chapter offers a critical review of the poem based on its language, expression of emotions (bhava), imagination, and adherence to tradition.

7. Comparative Study of Jain Kumar Sambhava and Kalidasa's Kumar Sambhava (Comparative Study of Jayashekhar Suri's Jain Kumar Sambhava and Kalidasa's Kumar Sambhava):

   • This is a significant chapter that draws parallels and distinctions between the Jain epic and Kalidasa's renowned Sanskrit epic.
   • The comparison covers aspects like plot, language, style, qualities, embellishments (alankara), aesthetic appeal, depiction of nature, rasa, meter, and ornaments.

8. Jain Kumar Sambhava as a Source of Inspiration (Jain Kumar Sambhava as a Source of Inspiration):

   • This chapter explores the influence of "Jain Kumar Sambhava" on subsequent literary works.
   • It highlights how the epic served as a source of inspiration for later poets and their compositions.

9. Concluding Remarks and Appendices (Concluding Remarks and Appendices):

   • This final chapter likely summarizes the findings of the research.
   • It may also include a collection of significant aphorisms (Suktis) from the text, providing a concluding thought.

Key Themes and Contributions:

• Mahakavyatva: The study establishes "Jain Kumar Sambhava" as a genuine Mahakavya.
• Author and Context: It provides valuable insights into Jayashekhar Suri's life and the socio-historical and religious milieu that shaped Jain poetry.
• Narrative Sources: The research identifies the literary and religious texts that influenced the epic's storyline.
• Aesthetic Analysis: It offers a detailed breakdown of the poem's literary merits, including its portrayal of emotions, metrical structure, and use of rhetorical devices.
• Comparative Literature: The chapter comparing it with Kalidasa's "Kumar Sambhava" is crucial for understanding its place within the broader tradition of Indian epic poetry, highlighting both influences and distinct Jain characteristics.
• Inspirational Value: The study acknowledges the epic's role in inspiring later works.

In essence, "Jain Kumar Sambhava ka Adhyayan" is a meticulous academic work that seeks to bring a significant Jain epic to the forefront of literary scholarship, examining its artistic qualities, historical context, and comparative significance within Indian literature.