Studies in Jainology Prakrit Literature and Languages

SR No.: 001597
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: B K Khadabadi
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy
Publication Year: 1997
Total Pages: 460
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Literature, & Language
File Size: 22 MB

Page 95

80
Studies in Jainology, Prakrit
medieval India.
But unfortunately this mass of narratives, as a whole, has not been so far subjected to systematized studies so as to bring out its manifold values - social, cultural, religious, historical, literary, linguistic etc. Of course it is a gigantic tast, for which the Cūrnis themselves have to be duly studied first, not in isolation, but in their triple relationship with the Niryuktis, Bhasyas and Tikās and also with an eye on the concerned Canonical and some Pro-canonical works and medieval and late medieval Kathākošas, keeping all along in view the ideals and labours of Prof. Leumann; and separate critical editions, such as Avassaya Tales, Uttarajjhayana Tales, Dasaveyaliya Tales etc., have to be brought out; and, then the cumulative outcome has to be laid down. All this, I am sure, will yield astounding results. I have experienced, to my joy, such an outcome on a micro-scale by exerting myself in my short study entitled Avasyakacūrni and the Tale of Cilatiputra (published in the Tulasi Prajñā Vol. VI, No. 12, March 1981). I am also aware that such a task is not only gigantic but also cumbersome for, in the present state of affairs, all the Cūrnis (as stated by literary historians) have not come down to us; of the available ones, all are not found in print; the printed ones too are not critical editions - too many hurdles for an individual to remove. But we cannot further ignore this desiderative task. Some institute, or some body of enthusiastic scholars, must come forward, undertake it, plan for it and execute it.
DIV Lastly, a word or two for the equipment and encouragement of freshers and young scholars moving into the province of higher studies and research in Prakrit and Jainology or its district of the Jaina Puranas and Narrative Literature, which is no doubt rich and varicd. But you have to choose your tasks carefully, build your scholarship through sustained hard work and honest industry and achieve them. Hurry and shortcuts in approach in the realm of research would render you dwarf and keep your goals beyond reach. Similarly taking several problems on hand and lingering on without