Prakrit Katha Sahitya Ka Mahattva - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Prakrit katha Sahitya ka Mahattva" by Dr. Udaychandra Jain:

The article "The Importance of Prakrit Narrative Literature" by Dr. Udaychandra Jain highlights the significant role and multifaceted nature of Prakrit narrative literature in the development of Indian literary traditions.

Core Argument: The author asserts that the popularity of Prakrit literature is largely due to its excellent narrative or story literature. This genre has a natural appeal to humans because it effectively expresses life's truths, possesses artistic beauty, and evokes universal emotions and curiosity. By moving beyond limited perspectives, embracing this ancient literature allows us to see novelty even in the past, recognizing that present cultural and religious thoughts are rooted in antiquity and our heritage.

Function of Narrative Literature: Narrative literature is identified as a crucial medium for transforming the human heart. While ancient texts like the Upanishads, Vedas, and Puranas contain profound narratives, Prakrit narrative literature has made a distinct and significant contribution to the evolution of storytelling.

Prakrit Narrative Literature: Its Scope and Significance: Prakrit narrative literature is characterized by its versatility and richness.

Jain Agamic Tradition: Jain Agama texts are replete with stories and narratives. Works like Nayadhammakaha, Uvasagadasao, Antagad, Anuttaraupapatik, and Viyagasutta are entirely narrative-driven. Other texts like Thanamga and Suyagadamga discuss principles through metaphors and narratives, which are considered influential and vital for human development.
Historical Span: Prakrit narrative literature flourished significantly from the 4th to the 17th century CE. The sheer volume of this literature is so vast that 100 years of research would be insufficient.
Content: It encompasses a wide range of subjects including society, culture, civilization, politics, mantras, tantras, and Ayurveda. It also features a significant number of love stories and portrays profound, heart-stirring ideas.
Superiority to Other Genres: Jain Prakrit narrative literature is considered richer than other narrative traditions. It not only depicts the lives of Tirthankaras, ascetics, and Shalaakapurushas but also uses narratives to purify the soul. These religious stories often start with exciting plots, gradually transitioning from sorrowful to joyful atmospheres, demonstrating a comprehensive view of past, present, and future causes. The narratives also incorporate social, religious, historical, political, and natural descriptions, providing insight into the characteristics of their times.

Classification of Prakrit Narrative Literature: The literature can be classified in various ways:

By Poetry Type:
- Mahakavyas (Epics): Works like Paumchariya, Jambusiri-pasanaha-chariya, Mahavir-chariya, Supasanaha-chariya, Sudamshana-chariya, and Kumarapal-charit are full of epic qualities. They utilize regional and vernacular words, reflecting the culture and lifestyle of the regions where they were composed.
- Khandakavyas (Lesser Epics/Narratives): Major Khandakavyas include Samaraichchaha, Nanasamvatsara-kaha, Akkhana-manikosa, Kumarpal-pratibodha, Paia-kaha-sangaha, Malayasundari-kaha, Siribala-kaha, Kambodo, Lilavati, Setubandha, and Vasudevahindi.
- Muktaka Kavyas (Lyrics): Gaha Sattasai is a prominent example. These narratives emphasize renunciation, penance, spiritual practices, and detachment, which are considered vital for life.
By Subject Matter:
- Four Purusharthas (Objectives of Life): Narratives are categorized based on Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth/purpose), Kama (desire/love), and Moksha (liberation). The Dashavaikalika Sutra mentions Arthakaha, Kamakaha, Dharmakaha, and Mishrita Katha (mixed tales).
- Artha Katha (Stories of Purpose/Wealth): These describe Vidyā (knowledge), Shilpa (crafts), and Upaya (methods) related to sustenance, trade, agriculture, and service.
- Kama Katha (Stories of Love/Desire): These depict the affection between lovers, detailing the reasons for love as described in the commentary on the Dashavaikalika Sutra (sight, love, affection, trust, and intimacy). They often feature detailed descriptions of beauty, adornments, and attire.
- Dharma Katha (Stories of Righteousness): These highlight the importance of substance, place, time, pilgrimage, attitude, and their fruits. They specifically elaborate on the ten virtues (Dharma) like forgiveness, humility, straightforwardness, truthfulness, purity, restraint, penance, renunciation, non-possession, and chastity. They also illustrate the states of the soul. Vīrasenacharya mentions four types of Dharma Kathas: Akshipini, Vikshipini, Samvedani, and Nivedani.
By Characters and Characterization:
- Divya (Divine): Narratives featuring divine beings.
- Divya-manushi (Divine-Human): Narratives involving both divine and human characters, often creating idealized and beloved stories.
- Manushi (Human): Narratives solely based on human characters, showcasing complete humanity.
- Lilavati is highlighted for its Divya-manushi narratives, while Samaraichchaha also mentions all three categories and gives special importance to divine character stories.
By Style and Language:
- Kautuhala Kavi classified them into Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Mixed.
- Udyotana Suri in Kuvalayamala categorized them into five types based on structure: Sakalakatha (complete narrative), Khandakatha (fragmentary narrative), Ullapakatha (narrative of heroic deeds), Paribhashakatha (humorous/satirical stories), and Sankirnakatha (mixed narratives). Sakalakatha is considered most important for achieving desired results, characterized by epic qualities, a predominant rasa (Shringar, Vira, or Shanta), and an ideal hero. Khandakatha has a shorter plot focusing on a single narrative. Ullapakatha highlights heroic actions. Paribhashakatha is full of humor and satire. Sankirnakatha mixes various elements to arouse curiosity.

Perspective of Scholars on Prakrit Narrative Literature:

Dr. Nemichandra Shastry considers Prakrit tales to be the primitive form of folk tales.
Gunaadhya's Brihatkatha is called an encyclopedia of folk tales.
Prakrit narrative literature aims to create impactful stories that can bring about a turning point in life.
While Pali literature also has rich narratives, its focus is limited to rebirth and the path to Bodhisattva. Prakrit literature, however, extensively explores relationships across multiple lifetimes and deeply presents theoretical concepts. It evolves with love stories and folk tales, skillfully portraying characters and conveying moral, theoretical, and religious ideas.
Dr. Jagdishchandra Jain states that storytelling has been humanity's way of entertaining since before the advent of writing.
Professor Hertle observes that the art of storytelling is distinctive in Prakrit tales, accurately reflecting the customs of various Indian communities. These stories are not only sources of common people's education but also a history of Indian civilization.
Winternitz notes the vastness of Prakrit narrative literature, emphasizing its importance not just for comparative literature scholars but also for understanding the real lives of ordinary people. The language and subject matter of these stories have much in common with the common tongue, depicting the lives of various social strata, not just kings and priests, but also common individuals.
Many other scholars like Dr. Satyavrata, Dr. Jacobi, Dr. C.H. Tan, Hertel, Bühler, and Tessitori have contributed significantly to this field.
Professor Shrichand Jain highlights unique aspects of Jain narratives that have been adopted by artists worldwide.
Dr. Hazariprasad Dwivedi in "Adikāl of Hindi Literature" points out that Jain narratives uncover the fundamental principles of Jain culture, indicating an ancient tradition influencing Indian life for millennia.

Conclusion: The author concludes that all contemporary narrative literature, regardless of language, owes its initial contribution to Prakrit narrative literature. Therefore, it is essential to consider this literature as a foundational element in the development of narrative traditions.

In essence, the article powerfully advocates for the profound significance, diverse scope, and lasting influence of Prakrit narrative literature, underscoring its role in shaping not only Jain literary heritage but also the broader landscape of Indian storytelling and cultural understanding.