Sanskrut Ke Do Aetihasik Champoo

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about two historical Sanskrit champu works, based on the provided pages:

The text, titled "संस्कृतके दो ऐतिहासिक चम्पू" (Two Historical Champus in Sanskrit) by Dr. Baldev Upadhyay, highlights the importance of two specific champu works in Sanskrit literature for their historical value. Champus are a literary form characterized by a blend of prose and poetry. The author emphasizes that these works deserve a significant place in the enumeration of historical Sanskrit compositions.

The two champus discussed are:

1. 'वरदाम्बिका परिणय' चम्पू (Varadambika Parinaya Champu)

   • Author: Tirumalamba, the chief queen (Pattamahishi) of King Achyutaraya, a ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire.
   • Historical Context: Tirumalamba describes herself as the "beloved and trustworthy confidante of the universally sovereign king Achyutaraya, who is proficient in various arts and sciences." This clearly establishes her royal status. Achyutaraya succeeded Krishnadeva Raya in 1529 CE and ruled until 1542 CE. He is considered a ruler of ordinary caliber, and the champu reflects this, as it remains silent on any of his valorous deeds.
   • Literary Merit: The work is composed in a mixed style of prose and poetry, presented as a single, engaging chapter rather than being divided into sections like ashvasa or ucchvasa. It begins with a brief description of the Chandravamsha (Lunar dynasty) and then focuses significantly on Achyutaraya's father, King Narasimha, who established his dominance by conquering South India. The champu details the marriage of Achyutaraya to a princess named Varadambika, whom he saw in the Katyayani Devi temple. The author, with her natural and extraordinary talent, has elaborated this simple narrative with richness and detail. The work beautifully portrays the Virarasa (heroic sentiment) in the description of Narasimha and the Shrungararasa (romantic sentiment). The descriptions of the seasons are also remarkable.
   • Linguistic and Stylistic Features: This champu holds significant literary importance. It predominantly features prose over poetry. The prose is characterized by samasa-bhuyastva (frequent use of compound words), which is considered the lifeblood of prose by literary scholars. The author's descriptive ability is described as transcendental. The detailed and ornate descriptions of Achyutaraya's physical beauty, down to each limb, are highlighted as potentially unparalleled in the works of any female poet. The extensive use of long compounds, the rich arrangement of words, and the creation of new meanings contribute to the importance of this champu. Examples of beautiful metaphors and similes are provided, such as comparing a queen bathing in a lake to lightning flashing within clouds (Shloka 151) and a description of the evening resembling scattered saffron from a jewel box opened by the crescent moon (Shloka 157).

2. आनन्दरंगविजय चम्पू (Anandaranga Vijaya Champu)

   • Author: Srinivasa Kavi.
   • Subject: The champu is written about his patron, Anandaranga Pillai.
   • Historical Context: Anandaranga Pillai (1709-1761 CE) was a prominent diplomat and merchant in the 18th century, serving as the chief Indian agent for the French Governor of Pondicherry, Dupleix. He played a significant role in strengthening and expanding French rule. He was also a patron of literature. His diary, written in Tamil, was published in twelve volumes by the Madras government and provides invaluable insights into the social, economic, and political conditions of the era. Srinivasa Kavi beautifully narrates the life story of Anandaranga Pillai.
   • Structure and Content: The Anandaranga Vijaya Champu is divided into eight sections (stavakas). It was composed in 1752 CE, nine years before Anandaranga Pillai's death, and focuses on his period of ascendancy. The initial sections describe his birth, youth, and marriage. The sixth and seventh sections provide detailed accounts of the Carnatic wars of the 18th century and Anandaranga's significant contributions to them. This description reveals many new historical facts not found in conventional history. The champu is therefore crucial for understanding the historical interactions between the English and the French during that period.
   • Literary and Linguistic Features: The author has judiciously used prose and poetry to describe historical events. The style is accessible, with neither an excessive burden of long compounds nor the use of obscure words. The poet's command over the language is evident, and the style is pleasing. New topics are incorporated in an engaging manner. The text describes the grand palace Anandaranga built in Pondicherry, featuring a large clock, which was a novel feature for that era. The author uses the term 'Huna-raja' for the French ruler, noting that the term 'Huna' began to be used for foreign traders of different faiths during this period, similar to Venkatadhwari's use of it for the English in his Vishvagunadarsha Champu. The description of autumn is linked to Anandaranga's context, and the warlike descriptions are emphasized with new factual details.
   • Specific Historical Insights: The champu also sheds light on the origin of the name "Chennai." It explains that the city of Madras (or Chennai) was named after the "Chennakesava" temple located near the Madras fort. The city was originally called "Chennakesavapura," which was later shortened to "Chennapattana." This is mentioned twice in the text.

In conclusion, both the 'Varadambika Parinaya Champu' and the 'Anandaranga Vijaya Champu' are presented as historically significant literary works. The first offers insights into the Vijayanagara period and royal life through the eyes of a queen, showcasing exceptional literary skill. The second provides crucial historical details about the 18th-century Carnatic wars and the influence of European powers, as well as the life of a key historical figure. Both works are lauded for their literary merits, particularly in their prose composition, descriptive power, and innovative use of language and imagery.