Rajasthani Sahitya Ko Jain Sant Kaviyo Ki Den

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The book "Rajasthani Sahitya ko Jain Sant Kaviyo ki Den" (The Contribution of Jain Monk Poets to Rajasthani Literature) by Dr. Narendra Bhanavat, highlights the significant and multifaceted role of Jain monk poets in shaping and enriching Rajasthani literature and culture. Rajasthan, a land of valor and spirituality, has historically embraced various religions, with Jainism holding a prominent place.

Historical Presence and Influence of Jainism in Rajasthan:

• Jainism's presence in Rajasthan dates back to the 5th century BCE, evidenced by inscriptions mentioning Lord Mahavir and places like Madhyamika near Chittor.
• Emperor Ashoka's grandson, King Samprati, played a crucial role in promoting Jainism, establishing numerous temples in the region.
• Archaeological findings from sites like Mathura's Kankali Tila, Basantgarh, Osiyan, and Ayad confirm the widespread presence and influence of Jainism across Rajasthan from early centuries.
• Jainism had a profound impact on the rulers and populace, with influential Jain merchants and scholars serving in high positions, contributing to governance, art, and culture. Notable patrons include rulers of Mewar, Marwar, and Bikaner, who supported Jain acharyas and scholars.

Divisions within Jainism and their Impact:

• The text briefly touches upon the historical division of Jainism into Digambara and Shvetambara sects, followed by further sub-sects and Gachhas (religious orders) like Khartargachha and Tapagachha.
• It also mentions the emergence of the Sthanakavasi and Terapanth traditions, which distinguish themselves by not believing in idol worship, emphasizing austerity and ethical conduct.

The Nature and Philosophy of Jain Monk Poets:

• Jain monks dedicated their lives to ahimsa (non-violence), self-control, penance, renunciation, and public welfare. They lived a life of extreme detachment, renouncing material possessions and living on alms.
• Their primary goal was to inspire people towards a pure and virtuous life through their teachings and daily conduct.
• Their writings were not mere literary exercises but aimed at spiritual upliftment and moral awakening, seeking to guide people towards conquering their inner vices.
• They skillfully employed local dialects, folklore, and popular beliefs to make their profound philosophical and ethical messages accessible to the common people. This blend of scriptural knowledge, simplicity, and connection to everyday life is a rare and valuable characteristic of their literature.
• Despite their strict adherence to religious discipline, Jain monk poets were sensitive to the pulse of their times, embracing a broad, humanistic perspective. Their nomadic lifestyle, moving from village to village, kept them connected to the realities of life, infusing their literature with freshness and intimacy.

Contribution to Rajasthani Literature:

• Jain monks contributed significantly to Rajasthani literature in both poetry and prose, utilizing Sanskrit, Prakrit, Apabhramsha, Rajasthani, and Hindi.
• Poetry: They created a diverse range of poetic forms beyond traditional epics and lyrics.
  • Charit Kavya (Biographical Poetry): Narrated the lives of Jain Tirthankaras, acharyas, and other great figures, often in a narrative style divided into sections. Forms like Ras, Raso, Chaupai, and Dhal are included here.
  • Ritu Kavya (Seasonal Poetry): Focused on seasons and festivals, with examples like Phagu (spring festival), Dhamal (celebratory joy), Barahmasa (yearning over twelve months), and Dhaval and Mangal (wedding songs).
  • Neeti Kavya (Didactic Poetry): Conveyed moral teachings on topics like renunciation of vices, importance of penance, vows, purity of thought, charity, and self-control, often using forms like Samvad, Kakka, Bavani, and Barahkhadi.
  • Stuti Kavya (Praise Poetry): Celebrated Jain Tirthankaras, acharyas, and saints through forms like Stuti, Stavan, Sojjhay, and Vinti.
• Prose: Jain scholars were prolific in prose, contributing both original works and commentaries.
  • Historical Prose: Included Guravali (genealogies of gurus), Pattavali (succession of acharyas), Vanshavali (family lineages), and historical notes.
  • Artistic Prose: Developed forms like Vachanika, Dadaveya, and Varnak Granth, characterized by rhythmic prose and alliteration.
  • Commentarial Prose: Extensive commentaries (Churni, Avachurni, Tabba, Balavbodh, and Vachanika) were written on religious texts, explaining complex doctrines in an accessible manner, sometimes using stories to illustrate points.

Key Characteristics of Jain Poetry:

• Artistic Innovation: Jain poets created numerous new poetic forms and fused traditional Indian meters with local folk tunes and rhythms, adapting them for devotional and didactic purposes. They also skillfully incorporated popular melodies from ghazals and films.
• Language: They used Rajasthani in its natural, unadorned form, prioritizing clarity and effectiveness over ostentatious ornamentation. Their language was characterized by a familial warmth and inclusivity, drawing from diverse linguistic influences.
• Themes and Philosophy: While the primary emphasis was on shantarasa (the sentiment of peace and detachment), their works also explored other sentiments, including poignant depictions of separation (vipralambha shringar), always subservient to the overarching spiritual message. Their poetry aimed to awaken the soul rather than merely entertain the senses.
• Narrative Focus: The narratives often featured protagonists who, despite having access to worldly pleasures, renounced them due to inherent virtues or specific circumstances. These characters faced numerous trials and tribulations, both external and internal, which ultimately strengthened their spiritual resolve and led them to enlightenment and liberation.
• Inclusivity and Syncretism: Jain poets demonstrated remarkable intellectual generosity, incorporating elements from other traditions, including figures like Rama and Krishna (viewed as great men, with Rama in the Baladeva category and Krishna in the Vasudeva category), and even presenting figures like Ravana in a more nuanced light as a Prativallabha. They also wrote extensive and appreciative commentaries on non-Jain works and preserved valuable ancient non-Jain manuscripts, demonstrating a commitment to preserving national heritage.
• Allegory and Symbolism: They excelled in using grand allegories and symbolic representations (Sangrupak) to explain complex philosophical concepts, making them easily understandable to the masses. Examples include the "conscious king," "spiritual Diwali," and "mind gardener."

Contribution to Literature Preservation:

• Beyond creation, Jain monks and nuns also played a crucial role in copying and preserving countless valuable and rare manuscripts, both Jain and non-Jain, saving them from oblivion. This selfless act of literary preservation and dissemination underscores their dedication to knowledge and cultural heritage.

In conclusion, the book emphasizes that Jain monk poets were not just religious figures but also profound scholars, sensitive artists, and dedicated cultural custodians. Their contribution to Rajasthani literature is characterized by its moral depth, artistic innovation, linguistic accessibility, and a deep connection to the spiritual and cultural fabric of Rajasthan, making them indispensable to the region's literary heritage.