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Kuttanimatam

Added to library: September 2, 2025

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First page of Kuttanimatam

Summary

This comprehensive summary synthesizes the information gleaned from the provided Jain text, focusing on the Kuttanimatam and its context within this digitized Jain manuscript collection.

Book Title: Kuttanimatam (also known as Shambhalimataam)

Author(s): Damodar Gupta Kavi (Chief Minister of King Jayapida of Kashmir), Sukhram Sharma (Editor/Commentator)

Publisher: Dharmasukhram

Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/034538/1

Estimated Period of Composition: Around A.D. 755-786.

Summary of the Text:

The provided text represents a digitized version of the Kuttanimatam, a didactic poem authored by Damodar Gupta, a minister in the court of King Jayapida of Kashmir. The edition includes a new commentary titled Rasa-Dipika by Tanasukharam Manassukharam Tripathi, and was published in Bombay in A.D. 1924 by Dharmasukhram Tripathi. The publication is dedicated to personal and private use, as indicated by the Jain Education International disclaimer.

Key Aspects and Content:

  1. Title and Meaning: The poem is known as Kuttanimatam, meaning "Advice of a Procuress." It is also referred toThe summary below synthesizes the information from the provided Jain text, focusing on the Kuttanimatam and its context within this digitized Jain manuscript collection.

    Book Title: Kuttanimatam (also known as Shambhalimataam)

    Author(s): Damodar Gupta Kavi (Chief Minister of King Jayapida of Kashmir), Sukhram Sharma (Editor/Commentator)

    Publisher: Dharmasukhram

    Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/034538/1

    Estimated Period of Composition: Around A.D. 755-786.

    Summary of the Text:

    The provided text represents a digitized version of the Kuttanimatam, a didactic poem authored by Damodar Gupta, a minister in the court of King Jayapida of Kashmir. The edition includes a new commentary titled Rasa-Dipika by Tanasukharam Manassukharam Tripathi, and was published in Bombay in A.D. 1924 by Dharmasukhram Tripathi. The publication is dedicated to personal and private use, as indicated by the Jain Education International disclaimer.

    Key Aspects and Content:

    1. Title and Meaning: The poem is known as Kuttanimatam, meaning "Advice of a Procuress." It is also referred to as Shambhalimataam, where "Sambali" and "Kuttani" are synonymous terms for a procuress, and "Matam" signifies advice or counsel. The title aptly reflects the poem's content, which vividly portrays the cunning advice given by a procuress to a destitute dancing girl seeking lovers.

    2. Author and Historical Context: Damodar Gupta served as the Chief Minister to King Jayapida of Kashmir. Kalhana's Rajatarangini mentions Damodar Gupta as a contemporary poet and minister. The poem is believed to have been composed during the period when Kashmir's political and social climate was marked by moral decline, with kings and nobles indulging in sensual pleasures. The poem's content suggests it was written in a time when sensual vices were prevalent and public morality was low in Kashmir.

    3. Editor and Commentary: The edition was meticulously edited by Tanasukharam Manassukharam Tripathi, who also wrote a new commentary, Rasa-Dipika. The foreword, written by Tanasukharam's son Dharmasukharam, details his father's passion for the poem and his extensive scholarly work. Tanasukharam's life was dedicated to rescuing rare Sanskrit works, and his commentary is noted for its depth, extensive research, explanations of figures of speech, and references to technical terms from various shastras, including music and dramaturgy. Unfortunately, Tanasukharam did not live to complete the introduction for this specific volume.

    4. Manuscripts and Textual Basis: The present edition is based on transcripts of two old manuscripts and one paper manuscript, as well as an incomplete edition published in the Kavyamala series. A complete manuscript, originally from Nepal and written in Nevari script, is housed in the Asiatic Society of Bengal. Other manuscripts include a palm-leaf manuscript from Patan, Gujarat, and another from the Shantinatha Temple Bhandar at Cambay, which had previously been noted by Dr. Peterson.

    5. Poem's Story and Themes: The Kuttanimatam narrates the story of Malati, a dancing girl in Varanasi, who, unable to attract lovers, seeks the advice of an old procuress named Vikarala. Vikarala provides detailed, cunning advice to Malati on how to ensnare men, illustrated with various stories, such as that of Harlata and Manjari. The poem explores themes of love, seduction, social customs, and the moral landscape of the time.

    6. Author's Aim: Damodar Gupta's apparent aim was to expose the practices of the vicious elements of society by vividly depicting their methods with sarcastic humor. The poem serves as a warning to unwary young men, aiming to save them from ruin by revealing the deceptive arts employed by courtezans and procuresses.

    7. Editor's Aim and Sociological Value: The editor, Tanasukharam, aimed to make this ancient Sanskrit poem accessible to a wider audience by providing a commentary. From a sociological perspective, the poem is considered valuable for its description of social customs, state of religion, literature, and politics in 8th-century India, particularly Kashmir. It also references ancient writers on music, dramaturgy, and the science of love. The editor defends the poem's publication, noting that such treatises on the science of love were common in the East and that they provide material for studying social development.

    8. Poetical Merit: The Kuttanimatam is praised for its classical Sanskrit, simple yet beautiful language, vivid descriptions, and well-drawn characters. It is considered a Dhwani-Kavya, containing suggested meanings, and a Nidarshana-Katha as it provides moral instruction through practical consequences.

    9. Structure and Content Breakdown: The text includes a detailed table of contents outlining the poem's progression, from the invocation and description of Varanasi to Malati's visit to Vikarala, Vikarala's advice, the stories of Harlata and Manjari, and the author's concluding remarks. The sheer detail in the table of contents highlights the poem's narrative richness and the thoroughness of the commentary.

    10. Jain Context: While the poem itself is not a Jain text, its inclusion in this collection edited by individuals associated with Jain scholarship (Jainqq.org, Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar) suggests a broader interest in classical Indian literature and its preservation within certain academic or religious circles that extend beyond strict sectarian boundaries. The title page and copyright information explicitly mention "JAIN EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL FOR PRIVATE AND PERSONAL USE ONLY," indicating the source of digitization and distribution.

In essence, the Kuttanimatam is a significant work of Sanskrit literature that offers insights into ancient Indian society, morals, and the art of poetry, presented through the narrative of a procuress's guidance. This specific edition is notable for its scholarly commentary and its preservation efforts, making it accessible to modern readers.