Shodhkholni Pagdandi Par

This document is a detailed table of contents and excerpt from the Gujarati book "Shodhkholni Pagdandi Par" (On the Research Track) by Harivallabh Bhayani, published by Shardaben Chimanbhai Educational Research Centre. The book is a collection of research articles focusing on Sanskrit, Prakrit, Apabhramsa, Old Gujarati, and Folk Literature.

The book, as indicated by the table of contents, delves into various aspects of Indian classical and medieval literature and linguistics, with a particular emphasis on Jain and Gujarati traditions.

Here's a breakdown of the key areas covered in the provided text:

Book Information:

• Title: Shodhkholni Pagdandi Par (On the Research Track)
• Author: Harivallabh Bhayani
• Publisher: Shardaben Chimanbhai Educational Research Centre, Ahmedabad
• First Edition: 1997
• Key Themes: Research writings on Sanskrit, Prakrit, Apabhramsa, Old Gujarati, and Folk Literature.

Content Highlights (based on the excerpt):

1. Ancient Literature:

   • Charudattacharitra and Krishnanveshan: A comparative analysis of the narrative device of inferring events from traces (like footprints) as seen in the story of Charudatta and the search for Krishna. It draws parallels from Buddhist Jataka tales, Jain literature (Vasudevahindi), Sanskrit literature (Brihatkatha), and Puranic literature (Vishnupurana and Bhagavatapurana). The text provides detailed excerpts from Vasudevahindi and Vishnupurana illustrating this narrative technique.
   • Kalidasa's "Kavikarma" (Poetic Craft): An exploration of Kalidasa's skill in handling seemingly unpoetic material, particularly the list of kings in the 18th canto of Raghuvamsha, demonstrating how he infuses poetic elements into genealogical accounts through etymological explanations and wordplay.
   • One-Act Upaupakas in Sanskrit Literature: Discusses Sanskrit one-act plays, contrasting them with modern one-act plays and highlighting the unique characteristics of Sanskrit dramatic forms. It lists several one-act types like Vithi, Prahasana, Bhana, etc.
   • Refinement of a Sanskrit Literary Gem: Focuses on Devachandra Ganini's "Chandralekhavijaya-prakarana," a Prakarana-type Rupaka from the Solanki and Vaghela eras in Gujarat, emphasizing its scholarly nature and the challenges of its unique manuscript. It also touches upon the broader tradition of Sanskrit drama in Gujarat during that period.
   • Prabuddha Rauhineya - A Sanskrit Stage: Highlights the exceptional event of the Sanskrit play "Prabuddha Rauhineya," composed by Jain muni Rambhadra in the 12th century, being staged in its original Sanskrit language and traditional style in Ahmedabad. It discusses the rich history of Sanskrit drama in Gujarat and the neglect it suffered over centuries, making this revival a significant cultural moment.
   • Sonal Mansingh's New Dance Presentation: "Draupadi": An analysis of Sonal Mansingh's dance-drama "Draupadi," exploring its innovative blend of dance and drama, the collaboration between artists, and her personal interpretation of Draupadi's character as a cosmic feminine force. It also delves into the Mahabharata's significance and the evolving interpretations of characters like Draupadi.
   • Bertolt Brecht's New Theatre Method: Vefremdungseffekt (Alienation Effect): Discusses Brecht's theatrical theories, focusing on the concept of alienation effect, which aims to create critical distance rather than emotional identification in the audience. It contrasts this with Aristotelian catharsis and explores how this technique can be applied to theatre.

2. Medieval Devotion:

   • Sant-Bhakt-Sahitya: An overview of papers presented at an international conference on medieval Indian devotional literature. It covers various regions and languages (Marathi, Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Sindhi) and discusses themes like naam-sankirtan, devotional practices, literary styles, and the socio-economic context of devotional movements. It notes the influence of Islam (Sufi traditions) and the inter-play between different religious traditions.
   • Krishna Bhakti in Gujarat: A historical examination of the spread of Krishna worship in Gujarat, tracing its roots before the arrival of Vallabhacharya and how the Pushtimarg tradition influenced local practices. It highlights the integration of local traditions into the Pushtimarg and the Gujarati Vaishnavas' unique devotional expressions. It also touches upon the popularity of Gita Govinda and Bilvamangala's works in Gujarat.
   • A Song of Gorakhnath: Discusses a poem attributed to Gorakhnath found in Subhashilagan's "Vikramadityacharitra," questioning its authenticity and analyzing its content which criticizes outward religious observances without inner realization.
   • Glimpse of a Religious-Spiritual Triveni: Examines two rare medieval Gujarati compositions that reflect the confluence of Islamic (Sufi), Nath-Yogi, and Shakta-Tantric traditions, along with Nirguna Bhakti. These compositions, dated around the early 16th century, showcase the blend of Persian-Arabic vocabulary and Indian philosophical concepts.
   • A Song of Narsinh Mehta: Analyzes a well-known poem attributed to Narsinh Mehta, focusing on textual variations and the evolution of its meaning across different traditions.

3. Folk Literature:

   • Two Folk Tales:
     • Saubhagya Sundari: A story about female nature and chastity, narrated from "Vikramcharitra," tracing its parallels in Jain, Sanskrit, and Pali literature, including its presence in "Sumugga Jataka."
     • Daneshwari King Chandrashekhar and Vir Vikram: Explores variations of a story where a king's generosity is tested, found in Vikramcharitra, Sursil, Prabandhkosh, and Dharmapariksha. It highlights how the narrative adapts to different cultural contexts.
   • Four Fools: Discusses the recurring motif of four fools in folk narratives, tracing its origins in Amitagati's "Dharmapariksha" (11th century) and its presence in later Gujarati literature.
   • Hodd Joshi, the Village Genius: Examines the story of Hodd Joshi, a seemingly foolish yet wise village character, whose pronouncements, though nonsensical on the surface, often prove to be correct. It links this to similar folk motifs in Hindi and other Indian traditions.
   • Saving from the Killer by Accidentally Hearing: Analyzes a narrative motif where a hidden person is saved from a killer by overhearing a seemingly unrelated statement that unintentionally reveals their presence or provides a clue. This is traced in Jain tales and cross-referenced with Aarne-Thompson's folktale motif index.
   • General Words, Maimed Interpretation: Discusses how common words are interpreted in a clever, often humorous, way to create a narrative effect, citing examples from medieval Gujarati stories.
   • "Ghri Chorive, Ghri Chorive Swaha": An analysis of a humorous anecdote about a father instructing his son in chanting Sanskrit mantras during a wedding, which turns into a comical sequence of stealing ghee. It traces the roots of this humorous practice back to medieval times.

4. Doha Literature:

   • Ancient Tradition of Doha Literature: Traces the history and evolution of the Doha meter from Apabhramsa to modern Indian languages. It highlights its significance as a characteristic meter of Apabhramsa and its widespread use in various literary genres.
   • Unpublished Doha Literature of Devchand: Introduces Doha literature compiled by Devchand, focusing on its collection and the efforts to preserve it. It includes examples of anyokti (indirect sayings) using natural elements like bees, trees, and clouds.
   • Dohas of Jamal: Presents Dohas attributed to Jamal, exploring their themes and linguistic features.
   • Dohas of Anand-Karm Anand: Features Dohas attributed to Anand and Karm Anand, focusing on their messages and style.
   • Dohas of Nagda: Presents Dohas attributed to Nagda, noting the challenges in deciphering their meaning due to textual corruption.
   • Sadeevatsa-Vira-Prabandh's Prakrit Gathas: Analyzes the Prakrit verses within the Old Gujarati poem "Sadeevatsa-Vira-Prabandh," discussing their linguistic features, potential sources, and attempts at reconstruction and translation. It highlights the significance of these Prakrit verses in understanding medieval Gujarati literature and its broader Indian connections.

5. Medieval Poetry:

   • A Song of Gorakhnath: Discusses a poem attributed to Gorakhnath, analyzing its language, style, and authenticity, and comparing it to other Sant-Bhakt literature.
   • Narsinh Mehta's Song: An analysis of a famous song attributed to Narsinh Mehta, focusing on its textual variations and the historical context of Krishna bhakti in Gujarat.

6. Shatna's Strength and the Mango Tree:

   • This section discusses a folk tale about the power of truth, where a mango tree miraculously fruits due to the truthful statements of the Pandavas and Draupadi, and its comparison with a similar motif in the Jataka tales. It highlights the recurrence of the "truth-telling" motif in Indian folklore.

7. Some Devi Names:

   • This section delves into the etymology and possible origins of certain Goddess names like "Pithaja," "Nimbaja," "Gotraja," and "Hingalaja," referencing ancient Jain and Sanskrit texts. It suggests possible connections to local deities and cult practices in Gujarat.

8. Naming Wives After Husbands: A Medieval Practice:

   • Examines the medieval practice, particularly in Gujarat and Rajasthan, of naming women based on their husbands' names. It provides an extensive list of such names and discusses the potential influences, including modern Western naming conventions.

9. Miscellaneous Notes:

   • Chhandavishayak (Metrical Matters): Discusses various metrical forms and examples found in Apabhramsa and Prakrit literature, with a focus on "Dvibhagi," "Zabhadaka," and "Uddama Dandaka." It provides detailed analysis of their structure and possible origins.
   • Pathavishayak (Textual Matters): Discusses issues related to textual variations and the reconstruction of ancient texts, particularly in Apabhramsa literature.
   • Two Subhashitas: Presents two Sanskrit proverbs and their analyses.
   • Proverbial Sayings: Discusses the origin and evolution of certain common sayings.
   • Reception of a Beloved by her Beloved: Explores literary depictions of a lover's welcome.
   • Information about Coins in Angavijja: Discusses mentions of coins in the ancient text "Angavijja," referencing historical and numismatic research.
   • Some Word Usages: Analyzes specific word usages found in Ardhamagadhi and other Prakrit texts.
   • Place Names: Mentions place names like Gujarat, Nimar, Asaval, Syria, and Samor, likely in the context of geographical or historical references within the analyzed texts.

The excerpt demonstrates Harivallabh Bhayani's extensive scholarship in Indian languages, literature, and cultural history, offering deep insights into the interconnectedness of various traditions and the meticulous research involved in tracing literary and linguistic developments.