Vikram Charit - Book Summary | JainGPT

Vikram Charit: A Summary of the Jain Text

The "Vikram Charit" is a Jain text, author and publisher unknown, whose catalog link is provided as jainqq.org/explore/036502/1. The text is presented as being for "JAIN EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL FOR PRIVATE AND PERSONAL USE ONLY."

The summary below is based on the provided Gujarati text, which appears to be an introduction and commentary on the "Vikram Charit," along with extensive story content.

I. Introduction and Publisher's Note:

The introduction explains the origin of the "Vikram Charit." It states that while in Gujarat, the Maharaja (implied ruler) saw the famous Jain Bhandar at Patan. He was impressed by the collection of rare manuscripts and desired to have them copied and translated into vernacular languages. Recognizing the potential for widespread education through vernacular languages, the Maharaja ordered the selection of important Sanskrit and English books for translation into Marathi and Gujarati, or for the creation of original works based on them.

The "Vikram Charit" is identified as one such book selected from the Patan Jain Bhandar for translation. The translation into Gujarati was undertaken by Ra. Ra. Manilal Nabhubhai Dwivedi. The text also mentions the involvement of P.P. Ac. Gunratnasuri M.S. and the Jun Gun Aaradhak Trust.

II. Commentary on the "Vikram Charit":

The commentary provides crucial insights into the nature and purpose of the "Vikram Charit":

Title vs. Content: The text notes that despite the title "Vikram Charit," the life of Vikramaditya himself is given very little importance.
Central Theme: The primary narrative revolves around King Bhoja of Dhara, the capital of Malwa. Upon ascending the throne, the thirty-two statues on his throne related the thirty-two stories to dissuade him from sitting on it.
Origin of the Throne: The text begins by explaining the origin of the throne itself.
Purpose of the Stories: The stories are primarily intended to illustrate the divine qualities of Vikramaditya, such as his generosity, valor, wisdom, prowess, and philanthropy. The underlying message is that if King Bhoja possesses these qualities, he may claim the throne; otherwise, he should not.
Uniqueness from Other Versions: It is stated that while other Gujarati versions of the "Thirty-Two Tales" exist, based on Sanskrit originals, the stories in this "Vikram Charit" are different, thus avoiding repetition.
Jain Perspective and Interpretation: The commentary highlights a key characteristic of Jain literature: the tendency to reframe and adapt existing narratives from other traditions (Brahminical in this case) to align with Jain principles. The text explicitly states that just as Ramayana and Mahabharata (known as "Pandavcharitra" by Jains) are presented with Jain interpretations, this "Vikram Charit" portrays Vikramaditya as a follower of Jainism.
Specific Jain Elements: The text points out that it demonstrates how Jain scholar Shiddhasen Diwakar brought forth the image of Parshvanatha from the linga of Mahakal Shankar, implying a Jain origin of the Mahakaleshwar temple that was later appropriated by Brahmins. It also includes criticisms of the deities of sacred rivers like Ganga.
Weber's Observation: The commentary quotes the German scholar Paul Weber, who characterizes the "libido novandi" (the urge to make new) of the Jainas as an intentional effort to change almost everything enjoyed in common with Buddhists or Brahmins. Weber suggests that Jainas, perhaps feeling intellectually less endowed in originality, sought to compensate by creating unique individual possessions and indulging in imaginative narratives.
Literary Merit and Value: Despite the potential for "wild dreams of fancy," the author believes the stories in this book, while perhaps confirming Weber's observations on Jain literary innovation, are not useless. They can serve as a means for readers to spend time meaningfully, providing both entertainment and moral lessons.
Historical Context: The text notes that the stories were originally composed in prose by Shri Kshemankar and later condensed into verse by Ramchandra Suri. The completion of this work is dated to Vikram Samvat 1496 (CE 1440) in Darbhika village (possibly Dabhoi). The Ramchandra mentioned is likely the famous Ramchandra Gunchandra.
Historical Debate on Vikramaditya: The commentary touches upon the historical debate surrounding Vikramaditya and the origin of the Vikram Samvat. It mentions the theories of scholars like Max Müller and others regarding the timing of the war between Shak and King Vikramaditya, noting the lack of epigraphic evidence from the first three or four centuries CE. The text laments that the "Vikram Charit" offers little specific information about Vikramaditya himself, focusing more on the imitation of the "Thirty-Two Tales."
Translator's Efforts: The translator, Vadodara M.N. Dwivedi (likely Manilal Nabhubhai Dwivedi), mentions that the text he obtained was impure and that he made efforts to purify it for translation. He acknowledges his limited knowledge of Prakrit but states he understood the Prakrit verses with the help of those who knew the language and provided their meaning in Gujarati. He also notes that he has heard of an older Gujarati poetic translation of "Vikram Charit" but hasn't yet found it.

III. Index (Anukramanika):

The text provides an index listing the stories from page 104 onwards, indicating a structured narrative with 32 individual tales, each with a title and corresponding page numbers. The index starts with "Vikram Charitra tatha Pratham Katha" (Vikram Charitra and the First Story) and continues through the thirty-second story, concluding with "Granth Samapti" (End of the Book).

IV. Commencement of the Narrative (Page 7 onwards):

The narrative begins with invocations to Jain Tirthankaras (Rishabh Jin, Mahavir Jin, Gautam Guru) and other revered figures. It then introduces the "Simhasan Bandh" (Throne Account) related to King Vikramaditya. The initial stories seem to focus on the origin of the throne and its stories, as well as the virtuous qualities of Vikramaditya.

V. Key Narrative Themes and Stories (Based on page content):

The text appears to follow the traditional "Vikram and the Thirty-Two Tales" structure, featuring stories that illustrate:

Moral Lessons: Many tales likely focus on virtues like honesty, righteousness, generosity, wisdom, and the consequences of vices like greed, deceit, and arrogance.
Jain Principles: The stories are likely presented through a Jain lens, emphasizing concepts like karma, non-violence (ahimsa), asceticism, and the pursuit of liberation.
Historical and Legendary Figures: Besides Vikramaditya and King Bhoja, the stories might feature other historical or legendary figures, possibly with Jain reinterpretations.
Supernatural Elements: Given the Jain context and the nature of such narratives, supernatural occurrences, divine interventions, and the influence of celestial beings are likely present.
The 32 Statues and the Throne: The recurring theme of the 32 statues on Vikramaditya's throne and their role in recounting stories is central to the narrative structure.

Overall Impression:

The "Vikram Charit," as presented in this text, is a collection of 32 didactic stories designed to illustrate virtues and ethical conduct, framed within a narrative featuring King Bhoja and the throne of Vikramaditya. A significant aspect is its Jain interpretation, recontextualizing the figure of Vikramaditya and possibly other elements from existing narratives to align with Jain teachings and promote moral education. The introduction and commentary emphasize the philanthropic goal of making knowledge accessible through vernacular translation.