Prachin Gujarati Sahityama Vrutta Rachna

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prachin Gujarati Sahityama Vrutta Rachna" by Bhogilal Jaychand Sandesara:

Book Title: Prachin Gujarati Sahityama Vrutta Rachna (वृत्त रचना in Ancient Gujarati Literature) Author: Bhogilal Jaychand Sandesara Publisher: Gujarat Vernacular Society, Ahmedabad Year of Publication: 1941 (V.S. 1997)

Overview:

This book, "Prachin Gujarati Sahityama Vrutta Rachna," by Bhogilal Jaychand Sandesara, is a scholarly exploration of the use of metrical compositions (vritta rachna) in ancient Gujarati literature. The author meticulously traces the evolution and application of various metrical forms, drawing connections from earlier Prakrit and Apabhramsha traditions to their manifestation in Old Gujarati literature, spanning from the 14th to the 19th centuries. The book highlights the historical significance of these metrical structures in understanding the development of Gujarati poetry and its linguistic nuances.

Key Themes and Chapters:

The book is structured to provide a historical and analytical perspective on metrical composition in Gujarati literature. The core of the book is divided into chapters that examine the presence of metrical forms in different periods and literary traditions:

1. Introduction (Bel): Sandesara begins by stating his interest in metrical compositions in ancient Gujarati literature, sparked by his work on "Suktamala" and "Rupsundar Katha." He notes that while his initial thoughts were presented in a brief essay at the Oriental Conference in 1933, this book is an expanded and updated study incorporating new research and discoveries over the subsequent seven to eight years. He emphasizes the importance of providing a comprehensive overview of metrical compositions, as many remain unpublished or scattered.

2. Metrical Compositions in Prakrit Literature: The author establishes the lineage of Gujarati metrical forms by tracing their origins in Prakrit literature. He mentions the extensive use of Anushtubh, Triushtubh, and Vaitaliya in Jain sutras like "Achārānga" and "Sūtakṛutānga." He notes that Gatha is the most prevalent meter in Jain literature, but Anushtubh and Upajātī are also found in many sutras. He also points to Buddhist literature and the Pali Pitaka for examples of early metrical usage. The text details the wide variety of metrical forms used in Prakrit poetry, citing works like Vimalasūri's "Paumachariya" and mentioning meters such as Shardula, Mālinī, Vasantatilakā, Sragdharā, etc.

3. Metrical Compositions in Apabhramsha Literature: Building upon the Prakrit foundation, Sandesara discusses the metrical usage in Apabhramsha literature. He corrects the notion that metrical forms were absent in Apabhramsha, referencing Dr. Guṇe's initial observations and Dip. B. Keshavlal Dhruv's refutation. The text highlights works like "Bhaviṣyattaṇahā" by Dhanpala (11th century) which uses meters like Mandara, Somaraji, Bhujangaprayāta, etc. He also refers to examples in Hemachandra's grammar and "Prākr̥tapigala," noting the influence of Apabhramsha on metrical compositions.

4. Metrical Compositions in Ancient Gujarati Literature (Chronologically): This is the most substantial part of the book, detailing the usage of metrical forms across different centuries:

   • 14th Century: The earliest example cited is from Mētuṅgāchārya's "Prabandhachintāmaṇi" (c. 1305 CE), a humorous description of a scholarly family.
   • 15th Century: Shridhar Vyās's "Raṇamalla Chhand" (c. 1400-1425 CE) is presented as a significant early work using meters like Panchachāmar and Bhujangaprayāta alongside mātrāmeḷ (syllable-timed) meters. Shriharsha Suri's "Abudāchalavinati" is noted for its extensive use of Kuṭavilambita. Shālisūri's "Virāṭaparva" (c. 1462 CE) is lauded for its diverse metrical usage (Swāgatā, Kuṭavilambita, Upajātī, Mālinī, Vasantatilakā, etc.) and poetic quality. Sāmasundarasūri's "Rangasāgar Nemikāg" is mentioned for its seven Shardūlavikriḍita verses. Bhima's "Sadaya Vat'saprabandha" (c. 1489 CE) is noted for its use of Chāmar.
   • 16th Century: Dhanadeva-gaṇi's "Surangābhidhān Nemīnāthfāg" is mentioned for Shardūlavikriḍita. Kēshavadāsa's "Kr̥uṣṇalīlā" (c. 1487 CE) is highlighted for its extensive use of Shardūlavikriḍita, Bhujangaprayāta, and Toṭaka. Vīrasiṁha's "Uṣāharaṇa" (c. 1500 CE) is cited for its blend of meters. Viṣṇudāsa Bhima's works are noted for Bhujangaprayāta. Shāntisūri's "Sāgara Datta Rāya" (c. 1500 CE) is mentioned for Bhujangaprayāta. Ishvarasūri's "Lalitāṅgacharita" is noted for Indravajā, Upaendravajā, Agrini, Nārācha, and Kuṭavilambita. Lāvaṇyasamaẏa's "Chaturviṁśati Jinastuti" (late 16th century) is noted for Mālinī. Jnāna Kavi's translation of "Bilhaṇapañchāśikā" features Sanskrit-mixed Mālinī. Bhanumeru's "Stambhanapārśvanāthastuti" is noted for its Kuṭavilambita.
   • 17th Century: Anonymous "Bhavānichhand" is cited for Bhujangaprayāta. Vāsaṇudāsa's "Rādhārāsa" uses Shardūla. Lakṣhmīdāsa's "Amṛutaraspachisī" is in Mālinī, and his "Rāmarakṣāstuti" is in Bhujangaprayāta. Gopālabhaṭṭa's "Phūlācharitra" uses various meters including Bhujangi, Shālinī, Mālinī, Upajātī, and Kuṭavilambita.
   • 18th Century: Mādhava's "Rūpasundarakathā" (c. 1706 CE) is considered a masterpiece, showcasing excellent command over meters like Bhujangaprayāta, Rathoddhatā, Swāgatā, Srapiṇī, Shālinī, Mālinī, Shardūlavikriḍita, Vasantatilakā, Māndākrāntā, Śikharini, Indravajrā, Vaṁśastha, Upajātī, Kuṭavilambita, and Sragdharā. Kähāna's "Kr̥uṣṇastuti-aṣṭak" is in Bhujangaprayāta.
   • 19th Century: Jīvarāma Bhaṭṭa's "Jīvarāja Śēṭhanī Musāphari" (c. 1800 CE) is noted for its use of the Nandarāga meter. Vasanajī's "Sūryachhand" and "Hanumānajī" are in Bhujangaprayāta. Vasantadāsa's "Kāshīmāhātmyan" is also in Bhujangaprayāta. Kālithāsa's "Pr̥ahhlādākhyāna" has a section in Toṭaka. Mīṭhu's translation of Shankara's "Saundaryalahari" into "Śrīlaharī" is noted for its consistent use of Śikharini.

5. The Place of Metrical Compositions in Ancient Gujarati Literature: Sandesara concludes by reflecting on the relatively limited prevalence of metrical compositions compared to mātrāmeḷ (syllable-timed) meters like dohā, chopaī, chappa, and ākhyānas. He attributes this to the lower accessibility of such complex metrical forms to the general public and the greater need for musical accompaniment for other forms. He contrasts this with Marathi literature, where metrical compositions were more widespread and popular. However, he also highlights the linguistic value of studying these metrical works, as they offer insights into pronunciation and the evolution of the Gujarati language.

6. Vṛuttabandha and Pronunciation: This section delves into the linguistic aspect, explaining how the strict rules of Sanskrit meters can reveal nuances of pronunciation in older Gujarati texts, even when scribal errors or variations exist. Sandesara provides examples of how metrical analysis can help reconstruct earlier pronunciations.

7. Conclusion: The author reiterates that metrical compositions in Gujarati literature are not an accidental occurrence but a continuation of a long-standing tradition originating in Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Apabhramsha. While they didn't achieve the same level of popular appeal as other forms in ancient Gujarat, they represent a significant, albeit less widespread, aspect of poetic expression. He concludes by mentioning the recent revival of metrical compositions in modern Gujarati poetry.

Key Contributions of the Book:

• Historical Documentation: The book provides a crucial historical overview of metrical composition in Gujarati literature, documenting numerous previously obscure or unpublished works.
• Linguistic Insights: It offers valuable insights into the linguistic evolution of Gujarati by analyzing the strictures of metrical forms and their impact on pronunciation.
• Comparative Literature: It draws connections to Prakrit, Apabhramsha, and even Marathi literary traditions, providing a broader context for Gujarati literary development.
• Scholarly Rigor: Sandesara's meticulous research, referencing various manuscripts and scholarly opinions, makes this a foundational text for the study of Gujarati prosody.

In essence, "Prachin Gujarati Sahityama Vrutta Rachna" is a definitive study that illuminates a significant but often overlooked aspect of ancient Gujarati literary heritage, demonstrating the sophisticated understanding and application of metrical art by poets of the era.