Paumsiri Chariu - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Paumsiri Chariu," based on the provided pages:

Title: Paumsiri Chariu (पउमसिरीचरिउ), also known as Padmashri Charita (पद्मश्री चरित)

Author: Dhahil Kavi (दिव्यदृष्टिकवि-धाहिलविरचित)

Publisher: Singhi Jain Shastra Shiksha Pith, Mumbai, published through Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mumbai.

Publication Year: Vikram Samvat 2005 (1948 AD).

Series: Singhi Jain Granth Mala (सिंघी जैन ग्रन्थ माला), Number 24.

Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/002783/1

Overview:

The "Paumsiri Chariu" is a significant work written in the Apabhramsha language by the poet Dhahil Kavi. This text is part of the "Singhi Jain Granth Mala" series, dedicated to preserving and publishing ancient Jain literature. The series was established in memory of Shri Dalchandji Singhi by his son Shri Bahadur Singhji Singhi, and is overseen by Acharya Jinvijay Muni. The text was edited by Madhusudan Chimanlal Modi and Prof. Harivallabh Chunilal Bhayani, prominent scholars in Prakrit, Apabhramsha, and Gujarati languages.

Key Themes and Content:

The "Paumsiri Chariu" is a narrative poem, a biography or life-story, likely of a Jain figure named Padmashri, although the provided content focuses more on the historical and linguistic context of its publication and the introduction to the Apabhramsha language. The text itself, judging by the chapter titles ("Pratham Sandhi," "Dwitiya Sandhi," etc.), appears to be structured into sections or cantos.

Linguistic and Historical Significance:

Apabhramsha Language: The "Kimchit Prastavik" (किंचित् प्रास्ताविक) section, written by Acharya Jinvijay Muni, provides a detailed history of the publication of Apabhramsha literature. It highlights Apabhramsha as the mother language of modern Indo-Aryan languages like Gujarati, Marathi, Hindi, Punjabi, Sindhi, Bengali, and others. The introduction emphasizes the importance of Apabhramsha in understanding the evolution of Indian languages, referencing the grammatical works of Acharya Hemchandrasuri. It also discusses the perception of Apabhramsha as a "corrupt" or " Prakrit" language by earlier scholars and how European scholars played a crucial role in recognizing its unique literary value.
Jain Manuscript Heritage: The text underscores the rich heritage of Jain literature preserved in various manuscript libraries across India, particularly in Gujarat and Rajasthan. It mentions the discovery of numerous Apabhramsha works within these libraries, countering earlier assumptions of the language's scarcity.
Scholarly Contributions: The introduction acknowledges the significant efforts of scholars like Hermann Jacobi (German), Chimanlal Dahyabhai Dalal, Dr. Pandurang Gune, Pt. Nathuram Premi, and the editors Madhusudan Modi and Harivallabh Bhayani in bringing Apabhramsha literature, including this work, to light.
Dating and Context: Dhahil Kavi is estimated to have lived around the 10th century AD, based on his lineage and linguistic style. The manuscript itself is dated to the late 12th century Vikram era.
Manuscript Condition: The surviving manuscript is a single palm-leaf copy, described as being in a fragile condition with some writing being faint or damaged, necessitating significant scholarly effort for decipherment and editing.

Structural Elements:

The book is divided into several sections:

Kimchit Prastavik (किंचित् प्रास्ताविक): An introductory essay by Acharya Jinvijay Muni on the history of Apabhramsha literature.
Prastavik Vaktavya (प्रास्ताविक वक्तव्य): An introductory statement by Madhusudan Modi, detailing his personal journey in discovering and preparing the text for publication.
Prasangik Bhumika (प्रासङ्गिक भूमिका): An essay by Harivallabh Bhayani discussing the nature of Apabhramsha, its relationship with modern languages, and the specific characteristics of the Apabhramsha used in "Paumsiri Chariu."
Padmashri Charit Sar (पद्मश्री चरित सार): A summary of the narrative content of the text, likely an overview of the life story being narrated.
Tippan (टिप्पण): Scholarly annotations and commentary on specific words, verses, and linguistic peculiarities found in the text.
Paumsiri Chariu - Mool Granth (पउमसिरि चरिउ - मूळग्रंथ): The actual Apabhramsha text itself, divided into four "Sandhis" (sections).
Shabdakosh (शब्दकोश): A glossary providing Apabhramsha words with their Sanskrit equivalents and sometimes Gujarati meanings.

Narrative Summary (from the Sandhi sections):

The narrative, as glimpsed through the translated sections, appears to be a moralistic tale typical of Jain literature, focusing on themes of karma, reincarnation, virtuous conduct, and the consequences of actions.

First Sandhi: Introduces the poet Dhahil, invokes deities, and sets the scene in a prosperous region of ancient India. It introduces a wealthy merchant family, Dhanasri, Dhanadatta, and Dhanavaha, and their virtuous daughter Dhanashri. A pivotal moment occurs when Dhanashri's husband dies, and she contemplates renouncing worldly life. She encounters the sage Dharmaghosha, who imparts teachings on true Jain Dharma, emphasizing non-violence, truth, restraint, and devotion to the Jinatirthankaras. The moral lessons highlight the importance of righteous living and the transient nature of worldly pleasures.
Second Sandhi: Describes the reincarnation of the characters in different lives and locations. Padmashri, the daughter of the merchant Shankh, is born in Hastinapur. She encounters Samudradatta, the son of the merchant Ashokadatta, and they fall in love. The narrative details their courtship, the exchange of gifts, and the eventual arrangement of their marriage, highlighting the social customs and romantic elements of the era.
Third Sandhi: Focuses on the married life of Padmashri and Samudradatta, their enjoyment of worldly pleasures, and the eventual separation due to Samudradatta's journey. Padmashri's deep longing and sorrow upon his departure are described. A mysterious event occurs involving a magical jewel and a potential deception, leading Samudradatta to wrongly suspect Padmashri.
Fourth Sandhi: Continues the story of Samudradatta's misunderstanding and his subsequent return to his hometown. Padmashri, misunderstood and falsely accused, seeks solace and guidance from a Jain nun (Ganini). She receives teachings on karma, virtues, and the path to liberation. The story concludes with Padmashri achieving spiritual realization (Keval Gyan) through ascetic practices and her ultimate journey towards liberation, emphasizing the triumph of virtue and spiritual discipline.

Overall Contribution:

The "Paumsiri Chariu" is valuable not only for its narrative content but also as a significant specimen of Apabhramsha literature, providing insights into the language's structure, vocabulary, and literary conventions during a transitional period in Indian linguistic history. The meticulous editing and extensive scholarly apparatus accompanying the publication make it an important resource for researchers and enthusiasts of Jainism and Indian linguistics.