________________
CXL
Kavyanusasana greatness is shown more by their proficiency in logic and the art of dialectics (Pramāņaşāstra), mastery of all the schools of philosophy (darşanas), their thorough grounding in grammar and the science of language (sabdaşāstra), and their cleverness in poetic compositions. Anybody familiar with Samskrta Learning knows that these-Logic and Grammar, Philosophy and Literature are some of the main subjects that formed the common field of intellectual activity in India. And again as in the case of Sāntyācharya and Surāchārya they often went to other kingdoms to fight the intellectual battle on behalf of their country.
The intellectual rivarly between Dhārā and Anahillapura was keen, and Bhoja and Bhima I always were jealous of the intellectual status of their courts. Bhoja in order to test the intelligence of Gurjaradesa (Gurjardesavijnatā) so that he might see his opportunity for breaking the peace - treaty (sandhidūshanotpattaye) sends a gūthū - a stanza in Prākṣta with his sandhivigrahika to Bhīma. The gāthā means that 'a lion whose prowess is seen in the ease with which he kills a powerful elephant does not care to make war or keep peace with a deer.' * The suggestion is clear. The several answers proposed by his court-poets do not satisfy Bhima who is ill at ease to find a thrashing rejoinder. His courtiers go out and find one Govindāchārya who was attending a dance-performance in a Jaina temple with his pupil Sūrāchārya. The Prabhāvakacharita gives a graphic description of the dance and tells us that when the
* हेलानिलियगइन्दकुम्भपयडियपयावपसरस्स ।
TEET agus ia farietta gero Il The P. C. p. 28.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org