Jaina Literature In Tamil

The book "Jaina Literature in Tamil" by A. Chakravarti, with an introduction, footnotes, appendix, and index by K. V. Ramesh, published by Bharatiya Jnanpith, is a comprehensive study of the significant contributions of Jainism to Tamil literature and culture. The revised edition aims to make this valuable research accessible to a wider audience, marking the 2500th Nirvāṇa Mahotsava of Bhagavān Mahāvīra.

The work delves into the historical presence and influence of Jainism in the Tamil country, tracing its origins, growth, and eventual decline. It highlights the deep impact of Jaina scholars, poets, and authors on various aspects of Tamil literary tradition, including philosophy, ethics, grammar, prosody, lexicon, and poetry.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and content covered in the book:

1. Introduction and Cultural Context:

• Jaina Contributions: The book emphasizes that Jaina scholars played a pioneering role in enriching not only Prakrit and Sanskrit literature but also Tamil and Kannada languages.
• Adaptation of Local Languages: Jainas readily adopted regional languages for their doctrinal preachings, contributing significantly to the literary development of languages like Tamil and Kannada in South India.
• Historical Background of Jainism in Tamil Nadu: The book provides a detailed historical account of Jainism's advent in Tamil Nadu, mentioning its presence as early as the 3rd century BCE. It discusses the evidence from natural caverns and inscriptions, highlighting the patronage Jainism received from dynasties like the Pallavas and Pandyas.
• Sargam Age and Jaina Influence: The work explores the significant presence of Jainism during the Sangam age and the post-Sangam period, with many ethical and literary works being attributed to Jaina authors.
• Decline of Jainism: The book addresses the opposition Jainism faced from Saivite and Vaishnavite faiths, particularly during the 7th and 8th centuries CE, which led to a decline in its popularity and influence. However, it notes that Jainism retained its intellectual vitality, as evidenced by later literary and grammatical works.

2. Survey of Jaina Literature in Tamil: The book systematically categorizes and analyzes various literary genres influenced by Jainism:

• Didactic Literature:

  • Tirukkural: Attributed to a Jaina author (possibly Kundakundācārya, also known as Elācāriya), this ethical masterpiece is deeply rooted in the doctrine of Ahimsa. The book argues for its Jaina origins based on internal evidence and its citation as scripture by Jaina commentators.
  • Nāladiyār: Another significant didactic work, traditionally believed to be composed by Jaina monks, it complements Tirukkural in shaping Tamil ethical and social philosophy.
  • Minor Didactic Works: Several other works included in the "Eighteen Minor Poems" (Padinen-kilkkanakku) like Aranericcāram, Palamoli, and Sirupañcamūlam are also discussed as likely Jaina contributions.

• Kavya Literature:

  • Major Kavyas (Aimperunkāppiyangal): The book focuses on three out of the five major Tamil epics attributed to Jaina authors:
    • Silappadikāram: This epic is considered a landmark in Tamil literature and chronology. Its author, Prince Ilangōvadigal, was a Jaina ascetic. The work highlights Jaina doctrines and influences.
    • Jivaka Cintamani: Considered the greatest of the Tamil kāvyas, it is a romantic epic by the Jaina poet Tiruttakkadēva, showcasing Jaina philosophical and ethical principles.
    • Valaiyapati and Kundalakesi: These major kāvyas, though largely lost, are discussed as Jaina and Buddhist works respectively, with Nilakēsi serving as a Jaina refutation of Kundalakesi.
  • Minor Kavyas (Ain-jirukkāppiyangal): The book details the following minor kāvyas attributed to Jaina authors:
    • Yaśōdhara Kāvya: This work critiques ritualism involving animal sacrifice, even with substitutes, and promotes Jaina principles.
    • Cūļāmaņi: Composed by Tolāmolittēvar, it is a significant work noted for its poetic excellence and Jaina narrative.
    • Nilakēsi: A philosophical and controversial work, it refutes Buddhist and other philosophical systems, strongly advocating for the doctrine of Ahimsa.
  • Perunkathai: This work, based on Guṇādhya's Brhatkatha, narrates the life of Prince Udayana and is attributed to the Jaina author Konguvēl.
  • Mērumandira Purāṇam: Authored by Vāmana-muni (also the commentator of Nilakēsi), this work uses a Purāņic story to expound Jaina philosophical doctrines.

• Works on Prosody and Grammar:

  • Yapparungalakkārikai and Yāpparungalavirutti: These works on Tamil prosody by Amṛtasāgara are discussed as significant Jaina contributions.
  • Neminātham: A concise Tamil grammar by Guņavīra-pandita, attributed to a Jaina author.
  • Nannūl: This highly popular grammar by Bhavānandi-muni, a Jaina scholar, is considered foundational for later Tamil grammatical studies.
  • Agapporuļviļakkam: This work on Tamil grammar and poetic sentiment is also attributed to a Jaina author.

• Tamil Lexicons:

  • The book mentions three important Jaina contributions to Tamil lexicography: Divākara-nighantu, Pingala-nighantu, and Cūļāmaņi-nighantu, noting their significance in understanding classical Tamil literature.

• Miscellaneous Works:

  • Tirunārrantādi: A devotional work by Avirōdhi Āļvār, a convert to Jainism.
  • Tirukkalambagam: A devotional and philosophical work by the Jaina author Udīcidēva.
  • Encuvaḍi and Jinēndramalai: Works related to mathematics and astrology, respectively, are also mentioned as Jaina contributions.

3. Appendix: Jaina Epigraphs in Tamil:

• The appendix is a crucial part of the revised edition, compiling the texts of eighty-five Jaina inscriptions in Tamil.
• These epigraphs provide invaluable historical evidence for the prevalence, chronology, and regional distribution of Jainism in Tamil Nadu, particularly highlighting the Madurai-Tirunelveli region's importance.
• The appendix includes detailed notes on the inscriptions, their provenance, dynasties, and dates, along with explanations of Jaina terminology and concepts.

4. Index:

• An exhaustive index is provided to help readers navigate the rich content of the book, covering authors, works, deities, geographical locations, and Jaina terminology.

Overall Significance: "Jaina Literature in Tamil" is a seminal work that meticulously documents and analyzes the profound and lasting impact of Jainism on Tamil language, literature, and culture. It demonstrates how Jaina philosophy, ethics, and literary traditions were interwoven with the fabric of Tamil society, leaving an indelible mark that continues to be appreciated. The revised edition, with its updated scholarship and comprehensive appendix of inscriptions, serves as an essential resource for scholars and students of Jainism, Tamil literature, and South Indian history.