Karnatak Sahitya Ki Prachin Parampara

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Karnatak Sahitya ki Prachin Parampara" by Vardhaman Parshwanath Shastri, focusing on its key points:

The text, "Karnatak Sahitya ki Prachin Parampara" (The Ancient Tradition of Kannada Literature), authored by Vardhaman Parshwanath Shastri, highlights the significant and ancient contribution of Jain scholars and poets to the development of Kannada literature. The author emphasizes that the province of Karnataka has been a vital center for the preservation of Jain culture and literature, a fact evident even today in its archaeological, literary, and architectural marvels like the statue of Bahubali and temples of Belur and Mudbidri.

Key Arguments and Points:

• Jain Origin of Kannada Literature: The author strongly asserts that the credit for the creation and preservation of Jain literature in Karnataka primarily belongs to Jain authors. This is not just due to its antiquity but also its subject matter and profoundness, positioning Jain literature as the foremost in Karnataka. This is further supported by the inclusion of Jain literary works in university curricula and the high praise they receive from impartial, non-Jain scholars.

• Ancient Roots and Early Authors: While traditional narratives suggest that Brahmi, daughter of Lord Adinath, created the Kannada script, the text focuses on the historical antiquity of the literature. It points to the existence of Jain authors in Karnataka during the ancient Acharya era. The author argues that the tradition of Kannada literature can be traced back very far, even predating the commonly accepted timeline.

• Royal Patronage: Jain poets received significant royal patronage from dynasties like the Ganga, Pallava, and Rashtrakuta. This support was crucial for their literary output and contributed to the flourishing of the arts and administration in their kingdoms.

• Early Literary Works and Authors:

  • The text mentions Nripa Tunga, a Rashtrakuta ruler of the 9th century, who composed Kavirajamarga. This work indicates the existence of earlier Kannada literature, including specific types of "Have Kannada" poetry and mentions of poets like Shrivijaya, Kavi Parmeshwar, Panditchandra, and Lokpal.
  • Mahakavi Pampa is presented as a foundational figure. His works, Adipurana and Pampacharitra (composed around 641 CE), are in Champu style (a mix of prose and poetry) and are considered the originators of this form in Kannada literature. Pampa, though from a Vedic background, embraced Jainism, and his works reflect this influence. Adipurana retells the story of Lord Adi Prabhu, blending literary beauty with religious and philosophical teachings. Pampacharitra, based on the Mahabharata, is noted for its praise of his patron King Arikersari. Pampa is revered as the "Adikavi" (first poet) in Kannada literature, highly respected by both Jain and non-Jain scholars.
  • Following Pampa, Kavi Ponna (around 650 CE) is mentioned for his works, including Shantinathpurana and the lost Bhuvanekaramabhyudaya. He also composed the devotional text Jinaksharamala. Ponna held titles like "Kavicakravarti" (Emperor of Poets) and "Ubhaya Bhasha Kavi Chakravarti" (Emperor of Poets in Two Languages).
  • Kavi Ranna (around 663 CE), a Jain Vaishya, is also highlighted for his significant contributions despite his humble origins. His known works include Ajitnath Tirthankar Purana, while others like Parshurama Charitra and Chakreshvara Charitra are lost.
  • Pampa, Ranna, and Ponna are collectively known as the "Rattatraya" (Trio of Gems) of Kannada poetry, underscoring their immense importance.
  • Chamundaraya, a general from 661-684 CE, composed the prose work Chamundaraya Purana, detailing the lives of the 24 Tirthankaras.
  • Mention is made of other authors around the 11th century like Namadheya (author of Dharmamrita) and Nemichandra (author of Lilavati Prabandha).

• Diverse Literary Forms and Subjects: The text emphasizes that Jain poets created both prose and poetry in Kannada. They composed Puranas (accounts of Tirthankaras), biographies, devotional works, and even works on grammar, rhetoric, and lexicography.

• Notable Later Authors and Works:

  • Janna (between 1170-1235 CE) is credited with Yashodharacharitra, a work comparable in stature to "Yashastilaka Champu" in Sanskrit literature. He also received the title "Kavicakra" (Wheel of Poets).
  • Hastimalla (around 1260 CE) composed an Adipurana in prose and was a master of both Kannada and Sanskrit.
  • Nagachandra (12th century) wrote a Ramayana in the Jain tradition, following Ravisena's Padmacharita, and referred to himself as "Abhinav Pampa." He also composed Mallinatha Purana.
  • In the 14th century, Bhaskara wrote Jivandharacharitra, and Bommarasa composed Sanatkumara Charitra and Jivandharacharitra.
  • The 16th century saw Mangaras composing works like Samayaktva Kaumudi and Shripala Charitra, and Sakakavi writing Bharat and Doddane composing Chandraprabha Charitra.
  • Mahakavi Ratnakara Varni is highly lauded for his spiritual and vast work Bharateshvara Vaibhava (around 1557 CE), comprising ten thousand Sangatya verses. This work, divided into five parts, narrates the daily life of Bharateshvara, son of Adinath, and is celebrated for its poetic prowess and spiritual depth. Its translation into Hindi and publication has garnered significant attention, with plans for other languages. Ratnakara Varni also contributed Ratnakara Shataka, Aparajina Shataka, and Triloka Shataka.
  • The Sangatya meter became popular in later periods, with poets like Bahubali Kavi, Payanavrati, Panchala, Chandra Kavi, Parani Pandita, Nemi Pandita, Chidananda, Padmanabha, Payana Kavi, Ananta Kavi, Dharani Pandita, and Vahanav contributing works in this style.
  • Charu Pandita and Devachandra wrote historical works like Bhavya-jana-chintamani and Rajavali Katha, respectively.

• Works on Other Subjects: The text also briefly mentions Jain authors' contributions to other fields, including:

  • Literary Criticism and Grammar: Nripa Tunga's Kavirajamarga, Nagavarma's Chandodadhi and Kannada Bhasbushana, Bhatta Kalkala's Shabdaanusashana, Keshiraja's Maledarpana, and Sabba's Rasratnakara.
  • Lexicography: Devottama's Nanartha Ratnakara and Shringara Kavi's Karnatasamjeevana.
  • Medicine (Vaidyak): Kalyanakaraka (Somnath), Hastyaayurveda (Shivamaradeva), Balagraha Chikitsa (Devendramuni), Madana Tilaka (Chandraraja), and Smara Tantra (Janna).
  • Astrology and Palmistry (Jyotish and Samudrika): Shridharacharya's Jatakatilaka, Chamundaraya's Lokoppakaraka, Jayabhandhunandana's Shupasastra, and Arhadadas's Shakunashastra.

Conclusion:

The author concludes by reiterating the immense and multifaceted contributions of Jain poets to the rich tapestry of Kannada literature, spanning centuries and various genres. He expresses pride in this heritage but also urges the Jain community to actively preserve and promote it, rather than merely living on the legacy of the past. The success of this tradition, he states, is a matter of pride for the Jain community, and its sustenance depends on their present-day efforts.