Jindutta Charit

This document is a detailed academic study and publication of the "Jinadatt Charit," an ancient Hindi poetic work attributed to Kavi Rajsingh. The publication is presented by Jain Education International and aims to bring this significant literary piece to a wider audience.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects of the text:

1. Overview of the Work:

• Title: Jinadatt Charit (जिणदत्त-चरित)
• Author: Kavi Rajsingh (कविवर राजसिंह)
• Editors: Dr. Mataprasad Gupta, Dr. Kasturchand Kasliwal
• Publisher: Gendilal Shah, Jaipur
• Nature: It is described as an "Adikalin Hindi Kavya" (आदिकालिक हिन्दी काव्य), meaning an early period Hindi poem. It is a "Prabandh Kavya" (प्रबन्ध काव्य), a narrative poem with a structured story.
• Significance: The publication highlights its importance in Hindi literary history, particularly for shedding light on early Jain literature in Hindi. It follows the earlier publication of "Pradyumna Charit" by the same department.

2. Discovery and Manuscript:

• The sole manuscript of "Jinadatt Charit" was found by Dr. Kasliwal in a collection of handwritten texts at the Jain Mandir Patodhi in Jaipur.
• The manuscript is contained within a larger "gutka" (गुटका - a small collection of manuscripts) and occupies the first 13 leaves.
• The manuscript's script is generally clear, with variations in thickness. It is written on paper.
• The "Jinadatt Charit" itself was written in Samvat 1752 (approx. 1695 AD), specifically on Kartik Shukla Paksha 5, Friday.
• The scribe was Mahanand, son of Pushkarmal, resident of Palw, who dedicated it as a gift on the occasion of the "Panchami Vrat" (Panchami Vrat - a Jain religious observance).

3. Poet's Introduction and Background:

• Lineage: Kavi Rajsingh belonged to the Jaiswal (जैसवाल) caste, with the Gotra (गोत्र) of Patail (पाटल).
• Family: His father was Pachouliya Matai (पचऊलीया प्रमइ) or Pate (पाते), and his mother was Siriya (सिरीया). He expresses deep gratitude to his mother for raising him with great compassion.
• Name: The poet's name was Ralh (रल्ह), but "Rajsingh" or "Raisinh" also appear in some verses, suggesting these were alternate names or perhaps his formal name while Ralh was his popular name.

4. Composition Period:

• The poet explicitly mentions the completion date of the work: Samvat 1354 (Samvat 1267 AD), Bhadra Shukla Panchami, Thursday. This places it firmly in the early period of Hindi literature.
• The political context at the time was the rule of Alauddin Khilji.

5. Content and Narrative (Story Summary): The "Jinadatt Charit" narrates the life story of Jinadatt, a wealthy merchant's son from Vasantpur. Key events include:

• Birth and Upbringing: Jinadatt is born to the wealthy Seth Jivdev and Jivanjama. He receives a good education, learning scriptures, philosophy, grammar, and various arts.
• Challenges and Temptations: Despite his upbringing, Jinadatt is initially drawn into gambling and associating with courtesans, though he remains untouched by their influence. His father's concern leads him to seek out Jinadatt.
• Encounter with the Statue: Jinadatt sees a beautiful statue of a woman in a garden, which inspires him to seek a bride of similar beauty. He learns it is Vimalamati, the daughter of Seth Vimalset of Champapur.
• Marriage: A grand procession is sent to Champapur, and Jinadatt marries Vimalamati.
• Gambling Debt and Loss: Jinadatt encounters gamblers again and loses 11 crore (crore) rupees. To repay the debt, he has to sell Vimalamati's jewelry.
• Foreign Journey and Business: He decides to go abroad to earn money. He travels with Sagardatt and a caravan of 12,000 bullocks.
• Adventures at Singhal Dwip: During his travels, he reaches Singhal Dwip, where he encounters Emperor Dhanvahan. The king's daughter, Shrimati, is afflicted by a curse where anyone who guards her at night dies. Jinadatt bravely volunteers to guard her.
• Defeating the Serpent: Jinadatt discovers a serpent in Shrimati's mouth. He cleverly defeats it by using a skull and staying hidden.
• Marriage to Shrimati: Impressed by Jinadatt's bravery, the king marries his daughter Shrimati to him.
• Betrayal by Sagardatt: Sagardatt becomes infatuated with Shrimati. He throws Jinadatt into the sea, attempting to take Shrimati himself.
• Survival and Arrival at Rathnapur: Jinadatt survives and reaches Rathnapur, a city of Vidyadharas (celestial beings). He is welcomed and marries Shringarmati, the king's daughter, receiving 16 divine skills as dowry.
• Return to Champapur and Transformation: Jinadatt returns to Champapur with Shringarmati. He temporarily disguises himself as a dwarf to perform various magical feats, including bringing Vimalamati and Shrimati to the assembly and even making a stone statue laugh.
• Reunion and Recognition: He reveals his true identity and marries all three wives.
• Encounter with Chandrashekhar: Jinadatt returns to his homeland, Vasantpur, with a large army. King Chandrashekhar, mistaking him for an invader, prepares for battle. Jinadatt, however, seeks only his parents, Jivdev and Jivanjama. The reunion is emotional, and Jinadatt eventually takes over the kingdom after Chandrashekhar's death.
• Spiritual Path: Jinadatt, along with his four wives, takes Jain diksha (monkhood) after hearing the teachings of a monk. He attains the eighth heaven.
• Author's Blessing: The poem concludes with the author's blessing that those who listen to, recite, write, or have this poem written will gain wealth, prosperity, and merit.

6. Literary Analysis:

• Language: The language of "Jinadatt Charit" is considered "Old Hindi" (पुरानी हिन्दी), bridging the gap between Apabhramsa and modern Hindi. It contains a significant number of Apabhramsa and Rajasthani words, alongside early Hindi vocabulary.
• Genre: It's classified as a "Romanchak Charit" (रोमाञ्चक चरित), a heroic narrative, with a "dhirodatt" (धीरोदात्त) hero. The poem exhibits characteristics of a Mahakavya (महाकाव्य - epic poem) due to its structured narrative, hero's journey, and religious themes, although it lacks extensive descriptions and complex verse structures found in some epics.
• Themes: Key themes include dharma (righteousness), karma (action and consequence), devotion, bravery, worldly desires, renunciation, and the attainment of salvation.
• Literary Devices: The poem employs various narrative techniques, including divine intervention, magical powers (Vidyas), and symbolic events.
• Rasa (Emotions): The dominant rasa is Shanta (शान्तरस - peace/serenity), reflecting the hero's eventual spiritual path. Veer (वीर रस - heroism) is evident during Jinadatt's adventures and the confrontation with Chandrashekhar. Shringar (श्रृंगार रस - love/romance) is present in descriptions of beauty and marital relationships.

7. Jain Context:

• The story of Jinadatt is a popular legend within Jain tradition, found in Prakrit, Sanskrit, Apabhramsa, and Hindi literature. The text references "Abhidhan Rajendra Kosh" for the origins of the story.
• The narrative highlights Jain principles like the importance of good conduct, the consequences of actions, and the ultimate goal of spiritual liberation through asceticism.
• The description of Vasantpur emphasizes a society that upholds dharma, respects guests, and maintains moral order.

8. Glossary and Orthographic Notes:

• A comprehensive glossary (शब्दकोष) is provided, explaining the meaning of various words, particularly those from Apabhramsa and early Hindi.
• The editors also provide "artha-sanshodhan" (अर्थ-संशोधन), meaning-corrections or suggestions for refining the interpretation of certain verses and words due to the age and style of the manuscript. This shows a commitment to scholarly accuracy.

In essence, "Jinadatt Charit" is presented as a valuable contribution to the study of early Hindi literature and Jain cultural heritage, offering insights into the narrative traditions, linguistic evolution, and spiritual values of the period.