Sanskrut Jain Vyakaran Parampara - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sanskrut Jain Vyakaran Parampara" by Geharilal Sharma, focusing on the development and contributions of Jain scholars to Sanskrit grammar:

Overview:

The book "Sanskrut Jain Vyakaran Parampara" (The Tradition of Sanskrit Jain Grammar) by Dr. Geharilal Sharma explores the deep-rooted history of grammatical studies in India, with a specific focus on the significant contributions made by Jain scholars to the field of Sanskrit grammar. While Sanskrit grammar is traditionally associated with figures like Panini, Sharma highlights that Jain Acharyas (learned monks/scholars) introduced numerous innovations and created a rich tradition of grammatical works.

Early Mentions of Grammar in Jain Agamas:

The text begins by acknowledging that early Jain Agamas, written in Prakrit, contain references to grammatical principles. Examples cited include:

Acharanga Sutra: Mentions concepts like singular, dual, plural, feminine, masculine, neuter genders, and tenses (present, past, future), and speech (vocalizations).
Sthananga Sutra: Details eight cases (karanas) with examples.
Anuyogadvara Sutra: Offers extensive discussions on grammar, including nouns, compounds, verbs, and the eight cases.

Despite these mentions, no independent grammatical treatise written in Prakrit is available today. All extant Prakrit grammars were written in Sanskrit.

The Jain Sanskrit Grammar Tradition:

The core of the book delves into the history of Sanskrit grammar composition within the Jain tradition. It's challenging to pinpoint the exact starting point, but the earliest available work is Jainendra Vyakarana by Acharya Devnandi. However, evidence suggests that grammatical works predated Devnandi. Similar to how Panini's grammar references earlier grammarians, Jain grammatical texts also mention earlier Acharyas and their works, including:

Shabdaprabhrita (Saddapahuda): Believed to have been composed in Sanskrit and is considered a part of earlier texts. Tradition links it to the fourteen Purvas, which are attributed to the lineage of Parshvanatha, predating Mahavira by about 250 years, suggesting an 8th century BCE origin. Siddhasenagani states that grammatical science originated from the Shabdaprabhrita within the Purvas.
Aindra Vyakarana: This grammar holds a significant place in Jain tradition. It is attributed to Lord Mahavira himself, who reportedly composed a grammar for Indra. The text mentions that it was later made public by Upadhyaya Lekhacharya. While it was once mistakenly identified with Jainendra Vyakarana, they are distinct. Aindra Vyakarana is believed to have been composed around 560 BCE but is currently unavailable.
Kshapanaka Vyakarana: Evidence from various texts indicates that a grammarian named Kshapanaka also authored a grammar. The "Tantrapadipa" and Kalidasa's "Jyotirvidabharana" mention Kshapanaka. Citations suggest that Kshapanaka may have also written works on Nyaya (logic) and Vritti (commentaries), but none of his other works are extant.

The book emphasizes the importance of this "Jain grammatical trinity" (Jainendra, Aindra, and Kshapanaka) as foundational to later Jain grammatical works.

Key Jain Sanskrit Grammars and Their Commentaries:

The book then details significant Jain Sanskrit grammars and their associated commentaries, providing an overview of their origins, authors, and characteristics:

Jainendra Vyakarana (by Acharya Devnandi/Pujyapada):
- Considered the earliest available original Jain Sanskrit grammar.
- Authored by Devnandi, also known as Pujyapada or Jainendrabuddhi, a distinguished Digambara Acharya.
- His time is estimated between the 4th and 6th centuries CE.
- It has five chapters, hence also called "Panchadhyayi."
- Its structure is influenced by Panini's Ashtadhyayi, with concise definitions (alpakshari).
- A unique feature is its "anekshesh" (multi-plural) composition instead of "ekashesh" (single-plural).
- The text aims for brevity and avoids Vedic usages where possible, making it somewhat complex for beginners.
- Commentaries: Includes works like the Svopajña Nyasa (by Devnandi himself), Mahavritti (by Abhaynandi, the oldest commentary), Shabdambhojabhasrakara Nyasa (by Prabhachandra), and Panchavastu Tika (attributed to Shrutakirti).
Shakatayana Vyakarana (by Palyakirti):
- Initially mistaken for the grammar mentioned by Panini as "Shakatayana," but later identified as the work of Palyakirti, an eminent Yapiyaniya Sangha Acharya.
- Palyakirti is known as "Shakatayana" in the Jain grammatical tradition due to his fame, possibly inheriting the title of the pre-Paninian grammarian.
- He flourished during the reign of King Amoghavarsha (9th century CE), so his work is likely from the latter half of the 9th century.
- It follows Panini's structural approach but has distinct features in chapter division, presentation, and changes in pratya-har formulas.
- Commentaries: Includes Amoghavritti (a comprehensive commentary, possibly by Shakatayana himself), Chintamanivritti (by Yakshavarma, a condensed version of Amoghavritti), Prakriya Sangraha (by Abhayachandra), and Ganaratnamahodadhi (by Vardhamana Suri, a collection and explanation of ganas).
Panchagranthi Vyakarana (also known as Buddhisagara Vyakarana):
- Authored by Shvetambara Acharya Buddhisagara Suri in 1080 CE.
- It is the earliest available grammar by a Shvetambara Acharya.
- Written to address the perceived lack of grammatical and Prama-lakshana works in the Jain tradition.
- It is a prose-verse composition of approximately 7000 verses.
Siddhahemachandra Shabdanushasana (by Hemachandrasuri):
- A highly popular and comprehensive grammar authored by Hemachandrasuri at the request of King Siddharaja Jayasimha of Gujarat.
- Composed around 1145 CE.
- Its popularity led to over 62-63 commentaries.
- Hemachandrasuri himself wrote extensive supporting texts like vrittis, Unadi-patha, Gana-patha, Dhatu-patha, and Linganushasana.
- The grammar has eight chapters, with the first seven for Sanskrit and the last for Prakrit.
- It aims for simplicity and clarity, avoiding complexities found in earlier grammars.
- Commentaries: Hemachandrasuri authored several, including Svopajña Laghuvritti, Svopajña Madhyamavritti, Rahasyavritti, Brihadvritti (Tattvaprakasika), and Brihannayasa (Shabdamaharṇavanyasa). Numerous other commentaries by later scholars are also mentioned.
Deepaka Vyakarana (by Bhadresvarasuri):
- Authored by the Shvetambara Acharya Bhadresvarasuri, likely in the 12th or 13th century CE.
- Also attributed to him are Linganushasana and Dhatu-patha.
Shabdanushasana (Mushtivyakaran) (by Malayagiri):
- Authored by Acharya Malayagiri, a contemporary of Hemachandrasuri, in the 13th century CE.
- The name "Mushtivyakaran" is also associated with it.
- It includes its own commentary (Svopajña Vritti).
Shabdarnava Vyakarana (by Sahajakirti Gani):
- Composed by Sahajakirti Gani, a disciple of Vachak Ratnasara of the Khartaragachha.
- Dated around 1680 CE.
- Classified into ten sections.
Bhixu Shabdanushasana (by Muni Chauthamalji):
- A modern and comprehensive Sanskrit grammar, inspired by Acharya Kalugani of the Terapanth Dharmasangh.
- Authored by Muni Chauthamalji under the guidance of Acharya Kalugani.
- Completed between 1980-1988 CE.
- It incorporates material from various earlier grammars and aims for completeness.
- The work includes the grammar rules, a commentary (Laghu and Brihat Vritti), Dhatu-patha, Gana-patha, Unadi, Linganushasana, Nyaya Darpan, and Karika Sangraha Vritti.

Other Notable Jain Grammars:

The book also briefly mentions other Jain grammars like:

Shabdarnava: By Acharya Gunannandi (around 1000 CE), with modifications to Jainendra Vyakarana's rules.
Premalabha Vyakarana: By Muni Premalabha (1283 CE).
Vidyananda Vyakarana: By Vidyananda Suri (1312 CE), but not available.
Nutan Vyakarana: By Jayasimha (around 1440 CE).
Balabodha Vyakarana: By Merutunga Suri (1444 CE).
Shabdabhushana Vyakarana: By Danavijaya (around 1770 CE).
Prayogamukha Vyakarana: Author unknown, a 34-page manuscript.

Jain Acharyas' Commentaries on Non-Jain Sanskrit Grammars:

Beyond composing their own grammars, Jain Acharyas also wrote commentaries on prominent non-Jain Sanskrit grammars, demonstrating their broad scholarly engagement:

On Panini's Grammar:
- Vyakarana Siddhanta Sudhanidhi: By Vishveshvarasuri, covering the first three chapters.
- Shabdavatara Nyasa: By Pujyapada Devnandi (lost).
- Prakriya Manjari: A commentary on Kashikavritti by Muni Vidyasagara.
- Kriyakalapa: By Jinadevasuri.
On Katantra Grammar:
- Katantra Deepaka: By Muni Harsha.
- Katantra Rupamaala: By Munishvara Bhavasena.
- Katantra Vistara: A detailed commentary by Vardhamana.
- Katantra Panjikodyota: By Trivikrama.
- Katantrottaram: By Vijayananda.
- Katantrabhooshanam: By Dharmaghosh Suri.
- Katantra Vibhramatika: By Jinaprabhasuri.
- Kriyakalapa: By Jinadevasuri.
- Chatushka Vyavahara Dundika: By Dharmaprabhasuri.
- Durgapadabodha: By Jinishvarasuri.
- Durgaprakasha Tiika: By Jinaprabhasuri.
- Daurgasiṅhī Vritti: By Pradyumnasuri.
- Balabodha: By Merutunga Suri and Harikalsha Upadhyaya.
- Vrittitrayanibandha: By Rajashekharsuri.
On Sarasvata Grammar:
- Subodhika: By Bhattaraka Acharya Chandrakirti.
- Kriyachandrika: By Guna Ratna.
- Kriyachandrika: By Meghavijaya.
- Deepika: By Megharatna.
- Dhatutaringiṇi: By Harshakirti Suri.
- Nyayaratnavali: By Dayaratna Muni.
- Panchasandhitika: By Muni Somashila.
- Prakriyavritti: By Muni Vishalakirti.
- Bhashatika: By Muni Anandnidhi.
- Yashonandini: By Muni Yashonandi.
- Ruparatnamala: By Muni Nayasundara.
- Vidvachintamani: By Muni Vinayasagara Suri.
- Shabdaprakriyasadhani: By Acharya Vijayrajendra Suri.
- Shabdarthachandrika: By Hansvijaygaiṇi.
- Sarasvatatika: By Muni Satyaprabodha.
- Sarasvatatika: By Deva Chandra.
- Sarasvatatika (Dhansagari): By Muni Dhansagara.
- Sarasvatrupamaala: By Padmasundara Gaini.
- Sarasvatamandanam: By Mandana.
- Sarasvatavritti: By Upadhyaya Bhanuchandra.
On Siddhanta Chandrika Grammar:
- Anitkarika Svopajña Vritti: By Harshakirti Suri.
- Subodhini: By Sadananda Gaini.
- Anitkarikavachuri: By Muni Kshamaṇikya.
- Siddhantachandrika Vritti: By Jnana Tilaka.
- Bhudhatuvritti: By Kshamakalyana Muni.
- Siddhantachandrika Tika: By Acharya Jinaratnasuri.
- Subodhini: By Rupachandra.

"Auttik" Grammars:

The text also highlights "Auttik" grammars, which were designed to teach Sanskrit through Gujarati. Examples include:

Mugdhabodha Auttik: By Kulamandana Suri.
Vakya Prakasha: By Udayavardhana.
Uktiratnakara: By Sadhu Sundara Muni.
Uktipratyaya: By Muni Dhirasundara.
Uktivyakarana: Author unknown.

Conclusion:

Dr. Geharilal Sharma's "Sanskrut Jain Vyakaran Parampara" meticulously details the extensive and invaluable contributions of Jain scholars to the field of Sanskrit grammar. It showcases their development of original grammatical works, their insightful commentaries on existing grammars, and their innovative approaches to linguistic study, solidifying their significant place in the history of Indian scholarship.