Natikanukari Shadbhashamayam Patram - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Natikanukari Shadbhashamayam Patram" by Vinaysagar, based on the provided pages:

This document presents a detailed introduction and analysis of a unique Jain text titled "Natikanukari Shadbhashamayam Patram" (A Letter in Six Languages Following the Style of a Short Play), authored by Mahopadhyaya Rupchandra (also known as Ramvijay Upadhyay) and dedicated to Anandram, the chief minister of Vikramnagar (Bikaner).

The Text and Its Significance:

Uniqueness: The letter is remarkable for being written in six languages, a testament to the multilingual capabilities of Jain scholars in the 18th century. This practice of using multiple languages in a personal letter is considered unprecedented for an individual.
Structure: It's structured like a short play (Natika), depicting a celestial assembly.
Purpose: Written in Vikram Samvat 1787 (1730 CE), the letter was intended to entertain Anandram and enlighten him about the glories of Vikramnagar (Bikaner), its rulers, and its chief minister.
Original Manuscript: The original handwritten copy is preserved in the manuscript museum of Prachyavidya Pratishthan, Jodhpur, cataloged as number 29606. It is a two-page document penned by Rupchandra Upadhyay himself, adding to its historical and scholarly value.

The Author: Mahopadhyaya Rupchandra:

Lineage: He belonged to the Kharatar Gachchha, specifically the Khemkirti sub-branch, and was a disciple of Vachak Dayasingh Gani.
Birth and Renunciation: His birth name was Rupau or Rupchand. Born in 1744 VS (1687 CE), he received initiation in 1756 VS (1700 CE) from Jinachandra Suri in Sojhat. His initiation name was Ramvijay, but he remained more famously known as Rupchandra.
Intellectual Prowess: Rupchandra was a preeminent scholar and literary figure of his time. He was the guru of the Gachchha leader Jinlabh Suri and the learned Kshamakalyan Upadhyaya.
Travels: He participated in the 1821 VS (1764 CE) pilgrimage to Abu with 85 ascetics.
Demise: He passed away in Pali in 1834 VS (1777 CE) at the age of 90. His sandals (charan-paduka) are enshrined in Pali.
Major Works: His notable works include:
- Sanskrit: Gautamiya Mahakavya (with a Sanskrit commentary by Kshamakalyan Upadhyaya), Gunmala Prakaran, Chaturvimsati Jinastuti Panchashika, Siddhantachandrika "Subodhini" Vritti (Purvardha), Sadhvachar Tvishika, and the very letter in question, Shadbhashamay Patra.
- Balavbodh (Commentaries): Commentaries on works like Bhartrihari-Shatakatraya, Amaru-Shataka, Samaysara, Kalpa-Sutra, and Hemavyakarana. He also wrote commentaries on Bhaktamar, Kalyanmandir, Navatattva, and Sannipatkalika.
- Miscellaneous Compositions: Abu Yatra Stavana, Phalaudi Parshva Stavana, Alpabahutva Stavana, Sahasrakuta Stavana, and many other minor works.
Disciples: His lineage of disciples was also known for its scholarly tradition.

The Recipient: Anandram:

Position: Anandram was a prominent official (Pradhan) in Vikramnagar (Bikaner) during the reign of Maharaja Sujansingh. He served as a key figure in the administration.
Historical Context: Dr. Gaurishankar Hirachand Ojha's "History of Bikaner State" provides significant details about Anandram. He served under Maharaja Anupsingh as a Nazir and later as a minister (Musahib) to Maharaja Sujansingh and Maharaja Sujansingh.
Death: He was assassinated in Bikaner on the night of March 11, 1733 (Magshar Krishna 8, 1789 VS). The motive was apparently a political rivalry with Yuvaraj Jorawarsingh, who wished to replace him with his own favored person.
Intellectual Capacity: The fact that Rupchandra addressed him in six languages indicates that Anandram was not only a political figure but also an accomplished scholar, proficient in Sanskrit, Prakrit, Sauraseni, Magadhi, and Paishachi.
Services: Anandram was a trusted advisor and administrator who served all three rulers: Anupsingh, Sujansingh, and Jorawarsingh.

Summary of the Letter's Content (The "Play"):

The letter opens with a celestial scene. Saraswati is asked to commence a performance to entertain the gods. Jupiter and other gods who have visited the mortal world return and begin describing the beauty and prosperity of Maru-mandal, specifically Vikrampur (Bikaner). They praise the valor and religious activities of the Suryavanshi rulers Maharaja Anupsingh, Maharaja Sujansingh, and Yuvaraj Jorawarsingh, as well as the welfare of the people.

At the request of Urvashi, Saraswati continues the narrative, describing the actions of the king, the chief minister, and others in various languages: Prakrit, Sauraseni, Magadhi, and Paishachi. The Sun God (Surya) is praised, and the Moon God (Chandra) elaborates on the virtues of Maharaja Sujansingh and the lineage of Anupsingh.

The divine assembly then focuses on the chief minister, Anandram. The descriptions of Anandram are given in different languages, each highlighting his qualities.

Sauraseni: Describes Anandram as handsome, divine, and incomparable.
Magadhi: Praises his righteousness, his role in aiding the king with financial policies and upholding Dharma.
Paishachi: Describes his wisdom, his dedication to wealth management, and his role in maintaining order and prosperity.
The Cheek (Cheti): Further praises Anandram as the jewel of the administration, like gold to wealth, and a protector of his people. The description of Vikramnagar highlights its pious inhabitants, charitable acts, virtuous women, adherence to Dharma, and grand festivals.

The letter concludes with the divine beings showering blessings upon the king, the prince, and Anandram, wishing them a long and prosperous reign and continuous spiritual progress. The letter is dated Margashirsha Krishna Tritiya, 1787 VS.

Conclusion of the Analysis:

The document emphasizes the historical and literary importance of this six-language letter as a unique example of Jain scholarship and multilingual communication in the 18th century, demonstrating the intellectual depth and creative expression of scholars like Rupchandra.