Mevad Ka Prakrit Sanskrit Evam Apbhramsa Sahitya

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Mevad ka Prakrit Sanskrit evam Apbhramsa Sahitya" by Prem Suman Jain:

This work by Prem Suman Jain explores the significant contribution of Jain scholars and poets to the literary landscape of Mewar (a region in Rajasthan, India), particularly in the Prakrit, Apabhramsa, and Sanskrit languages. Mewar is highlighted not only for its valor and patriotism but also for its rich heritage of literature, culture, and art.

Key Themes and Contributions:

• Jain Influence on Mewar's Literature: The book emphasizes that Jain followers have made substantial contributions to the creation of excellent literary works in Prakrit, Apabhramsa, and Sanskrit. The text aims to evaluate some of the prominent poets and their works composed in or related to the Mewar region.

• Prakrit Literature:

  • Early Period (5th-6th Century): Acharya Siddhasen Diwakar is recognized as the earliest literary figure from Mewar. He received the title "Diwakar" in Chittorgarh, suggesting Mewar as the center of his literary activities. His Prakrit work, "Sanmati Tarka," is considered an early Rajasthani composition and is an unparalleled text on Jain logic and philosophy. It contains 166 verses (gathas) illuminating various aspects of Jain logic.
  • 8th Century: This period saw the flourishing of Prakrit literature in Mewar with prominent scholars like Acharya Haribhadra, Elacharya, and Veersen. They not only enriched Prakrit literature themselves but also trained numerous disciples who became renowned literary figures.
    • Acharya Haribhadra: Born in Chittorgarh, he was originally a Brahmin priest who later embraced Jainism. He made significant contributions to Jain literature through his commentaries on ancient Agamas and original works. His famous Prakrit works include "Samaraichchakaha," "Ghurtakhyan," "Upadeshpad," "Dhamma Sangahani," "Yogashatak," and "Samvohaprakarana."
      • "Samaraichchakaha" is a narrative masterpiece depicting the nine lives of Prince Samaraditya, illustrating the struggles of virtuous and sinful individuals, and offering vivid portrayals of ancient Indian cultural life.
      • "Ghurtakhyan" is a unique satirical work composed in Chittorgarh, where Haribhadra refutes unnatural, unscientific, and illogical beliefs found in Puranas, Ramayana, and Mahabharata through storytelling.
      • "Upadeshpad" contains 70 Prakrit tales, often featuring moral lessons.
      • "Samvohaprakarana" (also known as Tattva Prakash) describes the nature of deities and the conduct of ascetics.
      • "Dhamma Sangahani" deals with philosophical principles.
    • Uddyotan Suri: A disciple of Haribhadra, he was a powerful Prakrit storyteller. Although his famous work "Kuvalayamalakaha" was composed in Jalor, his academic connection to Mewar is evident, and his work is considered part of the Mewar tradition of Prakrit narrative texts.
    • Elacharya: A renowned scholar from Mewar and the guru of Veersen. He was a resident of Chitrakuta (Chittorgarh). While no specific works by him are available, he is known as a respected teacher of the scriptures.
    • Veersen: Studied in Chittorgarh and received permission from his guru, Elacharya, to establish his work in Vatagram (Baroda). Veersen was a profound scholar of Sanskrit and Prakrit. He wrote the Dhavala commentary on Khandagama (70,000 verses) and began the Jayadhvala commentary on Kashayaprahrita (20,000 verses) before his demise. These commentaries are testaments to his immense talent and scholarship, covering all aspects of Jain philosophy.
  • Padmanandi (First): Contributed to Mewar's Prakrit literature with three works: "Jambudvipa-prajnapti," "Dhamma Rasayana," and "Panch Sangraha Vritti." These works suggest he was a prominent poet in Rajasthan. "Jambudvipa-prajnapti" is significant for Jain geography, detailing the dimensions of the universe. "Dhamma Rasayana" discusses the nature of Dharma and moral principles for detachment from worldly pleasures. "Panch Sangraha Vritti" is important for the theory of Karma.
  • 12th Century: Lakshmanagani composed "Suparshvanathcharitra" in Mandalgadh in 1166 VS (1109 AD). This poetic work focuses on the life of Tirthankar Suparshvanath and includes moral teachings illustrated through folk tales. While primarily in Prakrit, it also incorporates Sanskrit and Apabhramsa.
  • Khartara Gaccha Influence: Acharyas of the Khartara Gaccha had a significant presence in Mewar, producing numerous works in Prakrit, Apabhramsa, and Sanskrit.
    • Jinavallabha Suri: His area of activity included Mewar. He became an Acharya in Chittorgarh in 1167 VS (1110 AD). He authored approximately 17 Prakrit works, including "Dvadash Kule" and "Tirthankar Stuti."
    • Jindatta Suri: A prominent disciple of Jinavallabha Suri, considered a "Kalpavriksha" of Rajasthan. He wrote 10-11 Prakrit works, notably "Ganadhara Sardhashataka" and "Sandeh Dohavali," which are important for understanding the biographies of Jain Acharyas.
    • Jinhargani: Another notable Prakrit poet from Chittorgarh, he wrote "Ratnashekharikatha" in Prakrit, narrating the story of Princess Ratnavati of Simhaladvipa (identified with Singoli near Chittorgarh).

• Apabhramsa Literature:

  • Mewar had fewer Apabhramsa poets compared to Prakrit and Sanskrit. However, poets like Harisena, Dhanapala, Jindatta, and Vimalakirti are associated with Mewar.
  • Harisena and Dhammaparikkha: Harisena wrote "Dhamma Pariksha" in 1044 VS (987 AD). The preface indicates he belonged to the Dhakkad clan of Ojpur in Mewar. He moved to Achalpur and wrote this work after studying prosody and rhetoric. "Dhamma Pariksha" is significant for its comparative study of Indian religions, advocating for Jainism's superiority over Vedic traditions by logically refuting concepts like Avatarvada and Vedic rituals. The 11th canto provides a beautiful description of the Mewar region.
  • Dhanapala and Bhavissayattakaha: Dhanapala is a prominent Apabhramsa writer. Although the place of composition is not mentioned in "Bhavissayattakaha," his lineage (Dhakkad) is a well-known clan in Mewar, as evidenced by inscriptions. "Bhavissayattakaha" is a significant Apabhramsa narrative poem that glorifies the character of a common hero, Bhavissayatta, a merchant's son. It describes his wealth, the deceit of his stepbrother, his travels, and his participation in wars. The work concludes with descriptions of Bhavissayatta's past and future lives and highlights the significance of the Shrutapanchami Vrata. It's a tale of two personalities with virtuous and unvirtuous tendencies.
  • Vimalakirti and Sokhavai-vidhanakaha: Vimalakirti, a disciple of Ramakirti (who wrote an inscription in Chittorgarh in 1207 VS), was also connected to Chittorgarh. His sole available work, "Sokhavai-vidhanakaha," describes the results of observing various vows.
  • Jindatta Suri and Apabhramsa Kavyatrayi: Jindatta Suri, who succeeded his guru Jinavallabha Suri in Chittorgarh, had a broad area of influence in Rajasthan. His three Apabhramsa works, "Upadesha Rasayan Raga," "Kal Swaroop Kulak," and "Charchari," are collectively known as the Apabhramsa Kavyatrayi.
    • "Upadesha Rasayan Raga" emphasizes the necessity of a good guru for salvation and offers advice to householders.
    • "Kal Swaroop Kulak" stresses the importance of respecting Dharma and discerning good from bad gurus, aiming to guide householders towards righteous conduct.
    • "Charchari" was composed in Vyaghrapura (Bagad region) and praises Jinavallabha Suri and outlines temple rituals.

• Sanskrit Literature:

  • Sanskrit literary composition in Mewar began as early as the Gupta period, evident in the Manvar Mata inscription (547 VS). Subsequently, numerous Sanskrit eulogies and inscriptions of historical and poetic importance were written in Mewar. Independent Sanskrit poetic works flourished in the medieval period, often patronized by kings.
  • Siddhasen Diwakar: Besides his Prakrit work, he also wrote Sanskrit compositions, including twenty-one Dvatrinshikas (each 32 verses) and "Nyayavatara." "Dvatrinshikas" contain prayers and expositions of Jain philosophy. "Nyayavatara" defines concepts like paksha, sadhya, hetu from a Jain perspective and elucidates the principles of Nayavada and Anekantavada. This ancient text is crucial for understanding the integrated nature of Jain logic. Siddhasen's strong Sanskrit works in Mewar during the Gupta era established Jain logic and the tradition of Sanskrit composition in the region, making Chittorgarh a center for Jain learning for centuries.
  • Acharya Haribhadra Suri: He played a vital role in making Chittorgarh a primary center for Sanskrit literature. He authored numerous Sanskrit works on philosophy and epistemology. He was instrumental in presenting Jain Agamas with commentaries to the scholarly community. His Sanskrit works include commentaries on ancient texts and original works.
  • Jinasena: During the time of Elacharya and Veersen, Chittorgarh became a prominent Jain center. Jinasena, Veersen's principal disciple, was inspired to compose poetry in Chittorgarh. His works include "Parshvabhudaya" (a samasyapurti of Kalidasa's Meghaduta), "Adipurana" (narrating the lives of Rishabhadeva and Bharat Chakravarti, covering history, philosophy, and culture), and "Jayadhvala commentary" (completing his guru Veersen's work). While these were not written in Mewar, they were undoubtedly influenced by Mewar's literary tradition.
  • Jinavallabha Suri: A significant figure in Rajasthan, he was proficient in Sanskrit and Prakrit. He wrote his own literary works and fostered a generation of disciples who authored important texts. His Sanskrit works include "Dharma Shiksha Prakarana," "Sangha Pattaka," "Bhavarivara Stotra," "Shrungar Shataka," and "Chitrakuta Prashasti." "Shrungar Shataka" is a notable literary work, unique among Jain Acharyas' writings for its shringara (erotic) theme.
  • Jindatta Suri: A disciple of Jinavallabha Suri, he also has some Sanskrit works to his credit, such as "Veer Stuti," "Sarvajina Stuti," and "Chakreshvari Stotra."
  • Mahakavi Ashadhar: Originally from Mandalgadh (Mewar), he later settled in Dhara Nagari (Malwa) after invasions. He was a scholar of the 13th century. His Sanskrit works include "Adhyatma Rahasya," "Sagar Dharmaamrit," "Anaagar Dharmaamrit," "Jinayajna Kalpa," and "Trishashti Smriti Shastra." Ashadhar was a polymath, excelling in Jain conduct, spirituality, poetry, lexicography, and Ayurveda.
  • Bhattaraka Poets: Many Bhattaraks of the Digambara tradition traveled through Mewar, establishing libraries in places like Chittorgarh and Udaipur. They were not only propagators of religion but also accomplished poets. Prominent Bhattaraka poets from Mewar include Bhattaraka SakalKirti, Bhattaraka BhuvanKirti, Brahmjidas, Bhattaraka ShubhaChandra, and Prabhachandra. SakalKirti wrote 26 Sanskrit works, and Brahmjidas wrote 12, all noteworthy from a poetic perspective.
  • Acharya ShubhaChandra: Born around 1530-40 VS (15th century), he was a profound Sanskrit scholar. He authored 24 Sanskrit works, including accounts of Tirthankaras, Pandava stories, and Jain vow rituals.
  • 15th Century Poets: This century saw many Jain Acharyas in Mewar whose Sanskrit works enriched the literary environment.
    • Som Sundar: A prominent poet of the Tapagaccha. His Sanskrit works include "Kalyanaka Stava," "Ratnakosh," and "Upadesha Balabodha."
    • Muni Sundar: A disciple of Som Sundar, he wrote "Shantikara Stotra" in Delwada.
    • Somdev Vachak: Another influential disciple of Som Sundar, honored with the title "Kaviraj" by Maharana Kumbha. Delwada was a major center for Sanskrit literature during this era.
    • Manikya Sundar Gani: Wrote "Bhavabhavana Balabodha" in Sanskrit in 1501 VS.
    • Pratishtha Som: A distinguished poet of this era and a contemporary of Maharana Kumbha, he authored significant works like "Som Somagya Kavya" and "Guru Gunaratnakara," which contain valuable material on the social, religious, and political life of Mewar. These Sanskrit works also feature Gujarati, Mewari, and local words, making them important for linguistic studies.
  • Mahopadhyaya Charitratna Gani: In 1466 VS (1409 AD), he composed "Dana Pradipa" in Chittorgarh, a work discussing types and fruits of charity, interspersed with folk tales.
  • Jayahar Suri: His disciple Jinhargani wrote "Vastupal Charitra" in Chittorgarh in 1467 VS, a historically and poetically significant work that also includes illustrative stories.

• Sanskrit Prashastis (Eulogies/Inscriptions):

  • Mewar boasts numerous Sanskrit eulogies and inscriptions of historical and poetic value, with Jain Acharyas also contributing to this tradition.
  • Ramakirti (12th century): Wrote an inscription in Chittorgarh fort in 1207 VS.
  • Acharya Ratnaprabha Suri: Another important Jain epigraphist. His inscription in the well of Ghaghse near Chittorgarh (1322 VS) mentions the victories of Mahawal Tejsingh's father. His second inscription in Chirwa village (1330 VS) names several Acharyas of the Chetra Gaccha and describes the valor of Guhil dynasty rulers.
  • Gunabhadra Muni: Wrote an inscription for the Jain temple in Bijolia in 1226 VS, including genealogies of rulers.
  • Charitratna Gani (15th century): Composed the Mahavir Prasad Prashasti in Chittorgarh, which includes a beautiful description of Mewar, calling Chittorgarh the crown of the Mewar maiden.

Conclusion:

The book concludes by stating that Jain monks initiated literary creation in Prakrit, Apabhramsa, and Sanskrit in Mewar, and this tradition continued unbroken until the 20th century. Many monks are still engaged in such literary endeavors. Therefore, any history of Mewar's literature in any language would be incomplete without including the works of Jain poets. The author emphasizes the need for modern editing and publication of this valuable literature.