Lakshanik Sahitya Jain History Series 5

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Book Title: Lakshanik Sahitya Jain History Series 5 Author: Ambalal P Shah Publisher: 108 Jain Tirth Darshan Bhavan Trust

Overall Scope: This volume, "Lakshanik Sahitya" (Characteristic Literature), is the fifth part of a larger series on the history of Jain literature. It delves into the significant contributions of Jain authors to various fields of classical and scientific literature beyond the core Jain scriptures (Agamas) and philosophy.

Key Themes and Content:

• Focus on Diverse Contributions: The book highlights that Jain scholars and ascetics (Acharyas) did not limit their literary output to religious or philosophical texts. They made significant contributions to a wide array of subjects, including:

  • Linguistic and Literary Sciences: Grammar (Vyakaran), Lexicography (Kosh), Rhetoric (Alankar), Prosody (Chhand).
  • Scientific and Technical Disciplines: Mathematics (Ganit), Astronomy/Astrology (Jyotish), Divination (Shakun, Nimitta), Science of Omens (Samudrik, Rammal), Ayurveda (Vaidyak), Economics (Arthashastra), Ethics (Nitishastra), Architecture (Shilpashastra), Gemology (Ratnashastra), and Metallurgy (Mudrashastra, Dhatuvigyan).
  • Fine Arts: Music (Sangeet), Drama (Natya), and Painting (Kala).

• Historical Context: The series aims to showcase the breadth and depth of Jain literature throughout history, demonstrating how Jain scholars engaged with and contributed to the broader intellectual landscape of India. The volume specifically focuses on "Lakshanik Sahitya," which refers to literature that describes characteristics, classifications, and scientific principles.

• Methodology: The book systematically explores various subjects, listing prominent Jain authors and their significant works within each domain. It provides details about the content, sometimes the approximate time period, and the impact of these works.

• Grammar (Vyakaran) - Chapter 1 (Pages 38-74):

  • This is a substantial section, indicating the immense importance Jain scholars placed on grammar for understanding scriptures and for linguistic purity.
  • It discusses the definition and purpose of grammar, emphasizing its role in preserving language and preventing corruption.
  • It traces the evolution of Jain grammar, mentioning foundational figures like Devenandi (author of Jainendra Vyakarana, considered the first original Jain grammar) and Shakatayana (author of Shabdānushasana, revised by Palyakirti).
  • It extensively lists numerous Jain grammarians and their works, including commentaries, sub-commentaries, and independent grammars, demonstrating a rich tradition in this field. Key figures like Buddhishagisuri, Hemachandrasuri, and Abhaynandi are highlighted for their significant contributions.
  • Hemachandrasuri's Siddha-Hema-Shabdānushasana is presented as a monumental work, integrating Sanskrit and Prakrit grammar, and is considered a comprehensive and influential text in Indian linguistics. Its detailed structure and scholarly commentary are emphasized.

• Lexicography (Kosh) - Chapter 2 (Pages 77-96):

  • Jain authors recognized the need for dictionaries (Kosh) to understand the meanings of words, especially those that are 'Rūḍh' (conventional) or 'Yogārūḍh' (having both literal and conventional meanings), which are not covered by grammar alone.
  • Dhanpal (10th century CE) is recognized for his "Pāiyalacchī Nām Mālā," an important early Jain Prakrit lexicon.
  • Hemachandrasuri's Abhidhāna Cintāmaṇi is presented as a major work, meticulously organized into six sections, covering divine beings, humans, animals, plants, and general terms. Its comprehensiveness and scholarly annotations are noted.
  • The chapter lists many other Jain Kosh authors and their works, showcasing a tradition of linguistic scholarship aimed at clarifying meanings and enriching vocabulary.

• Rhetoric (Alankar) - Chapter 3 (Pages 97-130):

  • This section highlights Jain contributions to the study of poetic embellishments and literary criticism.
  • It begins by discussing the evolution of Alankar Shastra, mentioning ancient Indian traditions and the concept of 'Bhushan' (ornamentation).
  • Hemachandrasuri's Kāvyānuśāsana is presented as a highly significant work, integrating grammar, rasa (sentiment), and alankar. Its systematic approach and commentary are praised. The text is noted for its educational focus and its concise yet comprehensive coverage of literary principles, including aspects of dramaturgy.
  • The influence of Jain scholars on broader Indian literary criticism is implied, as they engaged with and commented on works by non-Jain authors like Vāgbhaṭa.
  • Numerous Jain authors and their works related to Alankar Shastra are listed, demonstrating a rich tradition in literary criticism.

• Prosody (Chhand) - Chapter 4 (Pages 130-152):

  • Jain scholars made considerable contributions to the science of meter (Chhandashastra).
  • Hemachandrasuri's Chandō'nuśāsana is highlighted as a comprehensive work covering Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Apabhramsha meters, noted for its innovation in classifying meters and its detailed analysis.
  • The chapter discusses various other Jain authors and their works on prosody, including Jayakirti (author of Chandō'nuśāsana, a significant work on meters, especially Prakrit and Apabhramsha), Virahānk (author of Vṛttajātisamuścaya), and Nanditāḍhya (author of Gāthālakṣaṇa).
  • The meticulous nature of these works, including their metrical structure, classification, and sometimes the origin of meters, is emphasized.

• Drama (Natya) - Chapter 5 (Pages 153-155):

  • Jain scholars contributed to the understanding and practice of drama, particularly in relation to Jain religious narratives.
  • Ramachandrasuri and Gunachandragani are mentioned for their work "Nāṭya Darpaṇa," which discusses various dramatic forms (Rupakas) and principles of acting, sentiment, and rasa. This work is noted for its engagement with and commentary on earlier dramatic traditions like Bharata's Nāṭyaśāstra and Dhananjaya's Daśarūpaka.

• Music (Sangeet) - Chapter 6 (Pages 156-158):

  • While Jain literature is not primarily known for extensive independent treatises on music theory in the same way as grammar or poetics, the volume acknowledges contributions and mentions works like Abhaychandra's Sangīta Samaya Sāra and Sudhakalasuri's Sangītopaniṣat-Sārōddhāra. These works indicate an engagement with the principles of music within the Jain tradition.

• Arts (Kala) - Chapter 7 (Page 159):

  • This brief section mentions Dhanpal's Paiyalacchī Nām Mālā which also contains information relevant to the arts, and Thakkara Pheru's Vāstu Sāra which touches upon architectural principles. The mention of Chitravarṇa Saṅgraha suggests an interest in painting techniques.

• Mathematics (Ganit) - Chapter 8 (Pages 160-166):

  • Jain contributions to mathematics are highlighted, particularly the work of Mahaviracharya (9th century CE) and his Ganita Sāra Saṅgraha.
  • Mahaviracharya's work is praised for its comprehensiveness, its innovative approach to concepts like fractions and equations, and its early exploration of topics like negative numbers and zero. He is considered a significant mathematician comparable to Brahmagupta and Bhaskara II.
  • Thakkara Pheru (14th century CE) is noted for his Ganita Sāra Kaumudī, which draws heavily on Bhaskara II's Lilavati but also includes original contributions related to revenue calculation and local economic practices.
  • The significant contributions of Jain scholars to Indian mathematics, particularly in areas like number systems, algebra, and geometry, are emphasized.

• Jyotish (Astrology/Astronomy) - Chapter 9 (Pages 167-196):

  • This is another extensive chapter, showcasing Jain engagement with astronomical calculations and astrological predictions.
  • Works like Narasimha's Janmasūtra, Narachandrasuri's Jyotiḥsāra, and Mahendrasuri's Yantrarāja are discussed, highlighting their importance in astrological and astronomical studies.
  • The influence of Persian and Arabic traditions is noted in some works, indicating cross-cultural exchange in scientific knowledge.
  • Meghavijaya's Varṣaprobodha and Narasimha's Janmasūtra are presented as significant contributions to predictive astrology.

• Shakun & Nimitta (Divination & Omens) - Chapters 10 & 11 (Pages 197-208):

  • Jain scholars compiled extensive literature on interpreting signs and omens for predictive purposes.
  • Works like Shakunarahasya (by Jindattasuri), Shakunashastra, Pippilikajna (related to ant behavior), and Shvanashakunaadhyaya (related to dog behavior) are listed.
  • The text discusses how Jain texts often classify omens based on various natural phenomena and their purported effects on human life and events.

• Sāmudrika (Palmistry & Physiognomy) - Chapter 12 (Pages 214-218):

  • This section covers Jain works on the interpretation of physical characteristics, particularly palmistry and physiognomy.
  • Angavijja (though its Jain origin is inferred), Karalaksana (possibly by Vābhata), Samudrika, Samudrika Tilaka (by Durlabharaja), and Hasta Sanjeevan are mentioned. These works illustrate the Jain interest in understanding human destiny through physical signs.

• Rammal (Art of Dice or Fortune-Telling) - Chapter 13 (Pages 219-220):

  • The chapter notes that 'Rammal' is an Arabic term, indicating the transmission of this knowledge from Islamic traditions. Jain scholars compiled works like Rammal Shastra and Rammal Vidya based on these external influences, demonstrating their ability to integrate external knowledge systems.

• Lakshan (Characteristics/Omens) - Chapter 14 (Pages 221-221):

  • This chapter briefly mentions Lakshanmala, Lakshansangraha, Lakshya-Lakshana-vichar, Lakshana, Lakshana-avachuri, and Lakshanapankitikatha, indicating Jain scholarly work on general characteristics and omens.

• Āy (Numerology/Divination) - Chapter 15 (Pages 222-224):

  • This chapter discusses Ayanaṇa Tila (likely related to astrological calculations of positions) and Aya-sabhāva, showcasing Jain engagement with numerological and predictive systems.

• Arthaśāstra (Economics & Politics) - Chapter 16 (Pages 237-241):

  • While not a primary focus of Jain scholarly tradition, the book notes the existence of Jain works related to economics and political science. The mention of Arthaśāstra by Jain authors suggests an engagement with statecraft and economic principles, possibly influenced by Kautilya's work but potentially with a Jain ethical overlay.

• Nītiśāstra (Ethics & Political Science) - Chapter 17 (Pages 239-241):

  • Somadevasuri's Nīti Vākyāmṛta (10th century CE) is highlighted as a significant Jain contribution to political and ethical philosophy, comparable to Kautilya's Arthaśāstra, but with a distinct Jain perspective on dharma and conduct.
  • The work is praised for its comprehensive coverage of statecraft, ethics, and societal organization, and its accessibility.

• Śilpaśāstra (Architecture & Sculpture) - Chapter 18 (Pages 242-242):

  • Jain scholars contributed to architectural treatises, as seen in Thakkara Pheru's Vāstu Sāra, which deals with architectural principles.

• Ratnaśāstra (Gemology) - Chapter 19 (Pages 243-246):

  • The book details Jain works on gemology, most notably Thakkara Pheru's Ratna Parīkṣā. This work is lauded for its practical descriptions of gems, their origins, characteristics, uses, and market value, reflecting the economic realities of medieval India. It also includes descriptions of Persian gems, indicating broader trade connections.

• Dhatu-vijñāna (Metallurgy) - Chapter 20 (Pages 249-250):

  • Jain scholars like Thakkara Pheru also explored the properties and uses of metals, as evident in works like Dhatutpatti and Dhatuvāda Prakaraṇa, contributing to the understanding of material sciences.

• Prāṇi-vijñāna (Zoology) - Chapter 21 (Pages 250-252):

  • The volume highlights Hansadeva's Mriga-Pakshi Shastra, a detailed zoological work describing various animals and birds, their characteristics, behaviors, lifespans, and classifications. It provides a rich glimpse into the Jain approach to understanding the natural world.

Key Takeaways:

• Intellectual Breadth of Jain Scholars: The primary message of this volume is the remarkable intellectual breadth and multidisciplinary engagement of Jain scholars throughout history. They were not confined to religious doctrines but actively participated in and enriched various secular and scientific fields.
• Preservation and Development of Knowledge: Jain literature series demonstrates how Jain tradition played a crucial role in preserving and developing classical Indian knowledge systems across diverse disciplines.
• Cultural Heritage: The detailed listing of works and authors underscores the rich and multifaceted cultural heritage of the Jain community, contributing significantly to the broader Indian intellectual tradition.
• Scholarly Tradition: The text illustrates a strong tradition of scholarship within Jainism, marked by meticulous research, commentary, and the systematic organization of knowledge.

In essence, "Lakshanik Sahitya" serves as a testament to the Jain community's extensive contributions to the diverse tapestry of Indian literature and knowledge, extending far beyond the immediate realm of religious texts.