Ramcharit Samabandhi Rajasthani Jain Sahitya

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Ramcharit Sambandhi Rajasthani Jain Sahitya" by Agarchand Nahta, based on the provided pages:

The book "Ramcharit Sambandhi Rajasthani Jain Sahitya" by Agarchand Nahta explores the rich tradition of Jain literature in Rajasthani and Hindi that focuses on the life and story of Rama.

Jain Perspective on Rama: The text begins by establishing the Jain understanding of Rama and his lineage. According to Jain scriptures, Rama is considered the eighth Baladeva, and his brother Lakshmana is the eighth Vasudeva. Ravana is identified as a Prativāsudeva. They are all included among the sixty-three illustrious figures (Shalaka Purushas). The name 'Paum' (Prajñāpana) is found in texts like the Samavāyānga Sūtra for Rama. Consequently, ancient Jain texts related to Rama's story are often titled "Paumachariya" (Padyacharitra), Padmacharita, or Padmapurana.

Early Jain Rama Narratives:

• Paumachariya by Vimalasūri: This Prakrit narrative poem is recognized as the earliest work that depicts the Rama story from a Jain perspective. It marks the beginning of original narrative poems in Prakrit. It is stated to have been composed in the year 530 of the era of Mahavira's Nirvana.
• Paumachariya by Svayambhu: The tradition of narrative poems in Apabhramsa also commences with the Rama story. Svayambhu's "Paumachariya" is considered the first significant epic in Apabhramsa, with its composition dated to the 8th century CE. Both the Prakrit and Apabhramsa versions of the Rama narrative have been published, including their Hindi translations.
• Padmacharita by Acharya Raviṣeṇa: Based on the Prakrit "Paumachariya," Acharya Raviṣeṇa composed the Sanskrit "Padmacharita" in 1147 CE (Vikram Samvat 1203). This work has also been published.

The text mentions that the Rama story is also woven into other significant Jain works like "Chuppanna Mahapurushacharitam," "Trishashthi Shalaka Purushacharitam," and "Mahapurana." The "Vasudevahindi," a narrative work from the 5th century, also contains a brief account of Rama's story. In essence, Jain literature extensively features the Rama narrative.

Focus of the Book: This particular work by Agarchand Nahta focuses on the Jain compositions related to Rama's life found in Rajasthani and Hindi literature. It notes that while there are both Jain and non-Jain traditions of Rama stories, Jain works hold significant antiquity and prominence.

Rajasthani Jain Rama Literature: The tradition of Rajasthani literature on Rama's life began in the 16th century and continued for approximately 400 years, up to the 20th century. These works are found in both prose and poetry and can be categorized as Jain and non-Jain. The author emphasizes the antiquity and importance of the Jain compositions. Some Rajasthani Jain works prioritize Sita's life, while others focus on Rama's. Some present detailed life stories, while others offer brief accounts of specific episodes.

Key Rajasthani Jain Rama Works Mentioned:

The book then meticulously lists and describes several Rajasthani Jain works related to Rama, providing details such as the author, approximate date of composition, manuscript locations, and thematic focus. These include:

• Ramcharit Kavya by Brahmacharī Jindasa (Samvat 1508) - Considered the earliest Rajasthani Rama epic.
• Ram-Sita-Ras by Jindasa Gunakīrti.
• Padmacharita by Upadhyaya Vinayasāgara (Samvat 1604).
• Pingal Shiromani by Kushalabh - Contains Rama's story as examples in this Marwari language verse compilation.
• Sita Chaupai by Samayadhavaja (Samvat 1611) - Focuses on Sita's life (327 verses).
• Sita Prabandha (346 verses) - Composed in 1628.
• Sitacharita by Hemaratna (likely composed around 1636-1645) - A seven-chapter work.
• Ram-Sita-Ras by Nagarasri (Samvat 1646).
• Lav Kush Ras by Rajsagara (Samvat 1672) - Narrates the story of Rama's sons, Lav and Kush (505 verses).
• Lav Kush Chhappaya by Mahichandra.
• Sita Viraha Lekh by Amarchand (Samvat 1671) - Describes Sita's separation in 61 verses through a letter.
• Sita-Rama Chaupai by Mahakavi Samayasundara - A significant work, likely composed between 1673 and 1683, with nine cantos.
• Ramayash Rasayan by Muni Keshraj (Samvat 1883) - A four-part work with 62 sections, popular in Sthanakvasi and Terapanthi communities.
• Ramachandra Charitra by Trivikrama Kavi (Samvat 1696) - A large work in 135 sections, based on "Trishashthi Shalaka Purusha Charitra."
• Ramayana by Charitradharma and Vidyakushal (Samvat 1721) - Uniquely composed according to Valmiki's Ramayana rather than Jain texts.
• Sita Alochana by Kushal Kavi (18th century) - 63 verses of Sita's self-reflection during her exile.
• Sita Haran Chauḍhaliya by Daulatkīrti (Samvat 1784) - Depicts the abduction of Sita in 46 verses.
• Ramachandra Pākhyāna by Dharmavijaya - A brief narration of Rama's story in 55 chhappayas.
• Sitacharita in Hindi by Rayachand (Samvat 1713) - A Digambara work.
• Sita Haran by Jaya Sagar (Samvat 1732) - A Gujarati-mixed Rajasthani work by a Digambara author.
• Dhalmanjari-Ramaras by Sugnanāgara Kavi (Samvat 1822) - Possibly the largest Rajasthani Jain Rama work.
• Sita Chaupai by Chetanavijaya (Samvat 1851).
• Ramacharit by Stha. Rish Chauthmal (Samvat 1862) - Some verses are borrowed from Samayasundara's "Sita-Rama Chaupai."
• Rāmaraso-Lakhmana-Sita Vanavasa Chaupai by Rishi Shivalal (Samvat 1882).

20th Century Works: The text briefly mentions 20th-century works like "Ram-Sita-Dhaliya" by Rishabhvijaya, "Shukla Jain Ramayana" by Muni Shuklachandji, "Saral Jain Ramayana" by Kasturchandji, and "Adarsh Jain Ramayana" by Chauthmalji. It also notes the existence of numerous shorter devotional songs and prose "Balavabodha" texts that briefly touch upon Sita's life, but these are not elaborated upon.

An Incomplete Manuscript: The author mentions possessing an incomplete ancient manuscript of a "Sitacharita" in prose, possibly from the late 16th or early 17th century, which he intends to discuss further. Another similar brief "Sitacharita" in prose is noted in Muni Jinavijaya's collection.

Conclusion: The book concludes by stating that the provided summary covers the known Rajasthani-Gujarati and Hindi works related to the Rama story, with the possibility of discovering more through further research.

In essence, this extract from Agarchand Nahta's work provides a scholarly overview and catalogue of Jain literary contributions to the Rama narrative specifically within the Rajasthani and Hindi languages, tracing its historical development and highlighting key authors and texts.