Pajjunnchariu

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Pajjunnchariu" by Sinh Mahakavi, as edited and translated by Dr. Vidyavati Jain and published by Bharatiya Gyanpith.

Book Title: Pajjunnchariu (The Life of Praadyumna) Author: Sinh Mahakavi Editor/Translator: Dr. Vidyavati Jain Publisher: Bharatiya Gyanpith Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/090322/1

Overview:

"Pajjunnchariu" is a critical edition, Hindi translation, and scholarly study of an Apabhramsha poem by Mahakavi Sinh. The text focuses on the life and deeds of Praadyumna, the son of Lord Krishna and Satyabhama, as interpreted within the Jain tradition. This work is significant as it is considered the first independent epic poem in Apabhramsha literature on the theme of Praadyumna's life. It draws upon established Jain Puranic narratives and enriches them with poetic embellishments and a unique linguistic style.

Key Aspects and Content:

1. Discovery and Publication: Dr. Vidyavati Jain encountered the manuscript of "Pajjunnchariu" in the Ayame Shastra Bhandar, Jaipur, in 1972. Deeply impressed, she resolved to undertake its revival despite the challenges. After years of dedicated research, translation, and editing, the work was published by Bharatiya Gyanpith.

2. Structure of the Research Work: The published research comprises three main sections:

   • The Original Text (Moolpath): This section presents the edited Apabhramsha text based on available manuscripts.
   • Hindi Translation (Hindi Anuvaad): A faithful translation of the original text into Hindi, aiming to preserve the author's intent and maintain flow.
   • Critical Study (Sameekshatmak Adhyayan): An in-depth analysis covering various facets of the text.

3. Critical Study - Key Areas Covered:

   • Introduction to Manuscripts: Detailed description of the available handwritten manuscripts of "Pajjunnchariu."
   • Dating the Work: Analysis of internal and external evidence to determine the probable period of composition, estimated to be the late 12th or early 13th century Vikrami era.
   • Authorship and Redaction: Identification of Mahakavi Siddha as the original author and Mahakavi Sinh as the redeemer or redactor, who completed the work based on divine orders after the original text was damaged.
   • Author Biography (Siddha and Sinh): Information about the original poet Siddha (son of Pampaiya and Devana, a devotee of Saraswati) and the redactor Sinh (son of Budh Ralhan and Jinpati, hailing from Gujarat).
   • Literary Context: Discussion of the trends in Apabhramsha literature, including Prabandha Kavya, spiritual poetry, romantic poetry, Buddhist Dohas, and heroic couplets. It also explores the contribution of Apabhramsha literature to Hindi poetry.
   • Thematic Analysis of Pajjunnchariu: Examination of its sources, tradition, and development, its subject matter, and a comparative study with other available Praadyumna Charitas.
   • Poetical Analysis: In-depth study of its epic qualities, descriptions of objects, themes of Rasa (emotion), Alankaras (figures of speech), Chhanda (meter), language, style, characterization, imagery, and narrative conventions.
   • Social, Political, and Economic Life: Detailed analysis of the social structure (caste system, rituals, marriage customs, status of women), political landscape (kings, feudatories, warfare, weaponry), economic activities (agriculture, trade, small-scale industries, mining, currency, taxation), and cultural aspects (music, dance, festivals, sports, food, religious beliefs, philosophy, superstitions, folk customs).
   • Geographical References: Comparative study of geographical references within the text, including natural features (islands, mountains, rivers, forests, plants, animals) and political geography (countries, cities, villages).
   • Influence and Legacy: Assessment of the influence of Apabhramsha poetry on Hindi literature, including stylistic elements, narrative techniques, and the continuation of themes.
   • Kathanak Roodhiyan (Narrative Tropes): Identification and analysis of recurring narrative devices used in the poem and their prevalence in later Hindi literature.
   • Characterization: Detailed analysis of the main characters, including Praadyumna (the heroic protagonist), Krishna (portrayed positively), Balabhadra, Narada (the divine messenger), Kalasavara (the foster father), Rupini (Praadyumna's mother), Satyabhama (Praadyumna's stepmother), and Kankamala (Kalapavara's wife).
   • Didactic Elements: Discussion of the moral teachings, philosophical principles (Jainism), and ethical conduct presented in the poem.
   • Language and Style: Examination of the linguistic features of the Apabhramsha used, including its interaction with Sanskrit and Prakrit, and the unique characteristics of Sinh Mahakavi's poetic expression.
   • Conclusion: Summary of the work's significance in Apabhramsha and Jain literature.

Significance:

• "Pajjunnchariu" is the first known independent epic poem in Apabhramsha literature detailing the life of Praadyumna.
• It offers valuable insights into the social, political, economic, and cultural life of India during the 12th-13th centuries.
• The work showcases the linguistic richness and poetic artistry of Mahakavi Sinh, highlighting the evolution of Apabhramsha towards early Hindi.
• It serves as a crucial link in the transmission of Jain Puranic narratives and their adaptation into vernacular literature.
• The critical edition and translation by Dr. Vidyavati Jain make this important text accessible to scholars and enthusiasts.

Overall Contribution:

The "Pajjunnchariu" is a significant contribution to the study of Apabhramsha literature, Jain narrative traditions, and the cultural history of medieval India. It demonstrates the sophisticated literary traditions within Jainism and the vibrant evolution of language and storytelling in ancient India.