Mahavira Charita Bhasha

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mahavira Charita Bhasha" by Lala Sitaram, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Mahavira Charita Bhasha (The Life of Mahavira in Vernacular) Author: Lala Sitaram Publisher: National Press Prayag Year of Publication: 1922 CE (as indicated on page 7)

Overall Summary:

"Mahavira Charita Bhasha" is a vernacular (Hindi) translation and adaptation of the Sanskrit play Mahaviracharita by the renowned classical Indian poet Bhavabhuti. The book is presented as part of the "Ancient Drama Series" or "National Drama Series" (as implied by "Ancient Drama Series" on page 7 and the publisher's location). Lala Sitaram, the translator, aims to make this classic work accessible to a wider audience by rendering it into a simpler, understandable Hindi language.

Key Content and Themes:

• Focus on Lord Mahavira: While the title suggests Mahavira, the initial pages and the translated text clearly indicate it's a retelling of the Ramayana, specifically the early life of Lord Rama, as depicted in Bhavabhuti's Mahaviracharita. The title "Mahavira Charita Bhasha" likely refers to the fact that Rama is considered a virtuous and heroic figure, akin to a Mahavira (great hero) in the context of ethical and righteous conduct. The text follows Bhavabhuti's play, which recounts the early events of Rama's life, including his upbringing, meeting with Vishwamitra, the destruction of demons, his marriage to Sita, and his initial challenges.
• Bhavabhuti's Original Work: The book acknowledges Bhavabhuti as the original author of the Sanskrit play. Lala Sitaram's contribution is the translation into Hindi.
• Accessibility through Vernacular Language: A primary goal of this translation is to present the epic narrative in a language easily understood by the common people, moving away from the more complex Sanskrit.
• Narrative Structure: The text is a dramatic play, as evidenced by the inclusion of characters, dialogues, stage directions (implied by character actions and scene descriptions), and the division into acts and scenes.
• Key Characters and Events (as depicted in the translated excerpts):
  • Rama and Lakshmana: The central protagonists, depicted as virtuous princes.
  • Sita and Urmila: The principal female characters, daughters of King Janaka.
  • Vishwamitra: The sage who guides Rama and Lakshmana.
  • King Janaka: Sita's father.
  • King Dasharatha: Rama's father.
  • Kaikeyi, Kausalya, Sumitra: Dasharatha's wives.
  • Tataki: A demoness.
  • Ravana: The antagonist (mentioned in relation to future conflicts).
  • Parashurama: A prominent warrior-sage who clashes with Rama.
  • Shurpanakha: Ravana's sister, whose actions lead to further conflict.
  • Hanuman, Sugriva, Vibhishana, Vali: Characters from the later parts of the Ramayana, appearing in the translated segments, indicating the scope of the adaptation.
  • Key Events: The abduction of Sita by Ravana (implied and discussed), the battle with demons like Tataki, the confrontation with Parashurama, the journey to Mithila, the archery contest, and the preparations for and depiction of the wedding. The text also touches upon the exile of Rama and the events leading up to it.
• Literary and Philosophical Aspects: The translation aims to preserve the poetic beauty and philosophical undertones of Bhavabhuti's original work, which is known for its exquisite language and deep understanding of human emotions and dharma. The dialogues reflect the cultural and ethical values of the time.
• Educational and Research Value: The book is presented under a "Fair Use Declaration" by The Free Indological Collection (TFIC), emphasizing its availability for educational and research purposes. It aims to make rare or less accessible texts available to a wider audience, particularly those who may not have access to original Sanskrit texts or specialized libraries.
• Historical Context: The publication date of 1922 places it within a period when there was a significant movement to translate and popularize classical Indian literature for broader Indian readership.

Translator's Introduction and Purpose (Implied):

Lala Sitaram, through his translation, likely sought to:

• Promote righteous conduct and heroic ideals: By presenting the life of Rama, a paragon of virtue.
• Educate the public on classical literature: Making a celebrated Sanskrit drama accessible in their mother tongue.
• Preserve and disseminate Indian cultural heritage: Through the translation of ancient texts.

In essence, "Mahavira Charita Bhasha" is a significant effort to bridge the gap between classical Sanskrit drama and the Hindi-speaking public, offering a well-translated and accessible version of Bhavabhuti's renowned work on the heroic life of Lord Rama. The title may be a metaphorical reference to Rama's status as a great hero, rather than a direct biography of Lord Mahavira, the Jain Tirthankara.