Ratnasundarsuri Krut Suda Bahottari Athva Ras Manjari

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text about "Ratnasundarsuri krut Suda bahottari athva Ras Manjari":

This document discusses the Jain narrative tradition, specifically focusing on stories related to chastity (Shil) and those depicting female fidelity and infidelity. It highlights that within this tradition, numerous tales have been created as examples of Shil, with a particular emphasis on virtuous men and especially virtuous women. This has led to the compilation of story collections like Shil Deshmala Balabodh, Dharmopadeshmalavivaran, and Upadeshmalavritti.

The text then points out that these collections also include stories that portray unchaste or unfaithful women, often depicting women as naturally inclined towards immorality and deception.

The document identifies the Sanskrit text "Shuk Saptati" as a collection of such stories about female character, consisting of seventy tales narrated by a parrot (Shuk). Two versions of "Shuk Saptati" are mentioned: a "Sadharan" (Similicior) version, believed to have been authored by a Jain monk and likely based on an original Prakrit text, and a "Parikrut" (ornatoor) version by the Brahmin Chintamani, who possibly utilized the Jain version of "Panchatantra" (circa 1199 CE). The text suggests that the author of "Panchatantra" might have drawn upon an ancient version of "Shuk Saptati" for their stories about unfaithful wives. The "Sindbad Nama" collection, an anonymous work with many variations in Indian and non-Indian languages, is also noted for its similarity to "Shuk Saptati."

The author, Kanubhai Sheth, then introduces the "Suda Bahottari" or "Ras Manjari" by the medieval Gujarati poet Shaml. He clarifies that this work is preceded by "Suda Bahottari" or "Ras Manjari" (dated 1582 CE) composed by the Jain monk Ratnasundarsuri in ancient Gujarati. This earlier work, which remains unpublished and is currently being edited by the author from seven manuscripts of different periods, generally follows the "Shuk Saptati" narrative.

The text elaborates on Ratnasundarsuri's work, stating that:

• It often translates or retells the Sanskrit "Shuk Saptati" stories verbatim.
• In some instances, the stories are slightly modified or "Gujarized."
• The descriptions and narratives are often concise, sometimes making it difficult to grasp the context.

When compared to Shaml's "Suda Bahottari," Ratnasundarsuri's "Suda Bahottari" is presented as an ancient Gujarati version of the Sanskrit "Shuk Saptati" that predates Shaml's work. The document highlights that Ratnasundarsuri's version contains the original forms of some stories found in Shaml's work. Although Shaml may have incorporated stories from other collections or contemporary traditions, Ratnasundarsuri's contribution is significant as an ancient Jain scholarly rendition of "Shuk Saptati" in Gujarati, focusing on female character.