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________________ SAMARAICCAKAHA (BHAVA-II) OF HARIBHADRASURI : A STUDY 413 Although Haribhadra shows partiality for long compounds in descriptions, his is, on the whole, fluent and simple, lucid and delightful style. Even at a cursory glance, one would notice portions in the Samaradityakatha which are models of best Prakrit prose style. (Devasarman's advice to the king king's advice to his harem Simha's reflections on rajyam are a few illustrations in point). Keen observation of human life in its varied aspects is another excellence of Haribhadra's art. And even a causal reader can easily find out his own illustrations at random. Haribhadra's skill in delineation of characters is remarkable. With broad touches he has imparted life to many of his characters although it is equally true that a few of his characters are shadowy. He has invested Simha with life, reality and individuality. His Madanlekha is vivacious and ingenious. Ananda's perversity and wickedness is well depicted. Kusumavali however is, especially in early parts of the story 'a mere shadow.' In Samaradityakatha there is intermingling of prose and verse. A study of his poetry shows that he is a poet of no mean ability. Here the style is elevated more than in prose, contains figures such as upama (simile), utpreksa (poetical fancy), rupaka (metaphor) and a few others. In spite of these merits Haribhadra has some grave defects in respect of style and structure : The box-arrangement of tale within tale causes serious injury to the "verisimilitude and artistic effect of the romance." Lack of a sense of proportion is another serious defect of Haribhadra. The sub-narrative of Amargupta almost threatens to overshadow the main-story. The poet spends his energy on descriptions, leaving the plot to take care of itself. Insertion of too many sermons and dogmatic details seriously mars the action, and makes reading rather dull. Another serious blemish is that the villain (Ananda) is kept back for a very long time. Shadowy nature of personages is one more grave defect of Haribhadra; this is however true of only a few characters. Haribhadra is more often conventional than original. Thus the description of spring Kusumavali's lovesick condition, etc. are highly conventional. His partiality for long compounds in descriptions is another demerit of www.jainelibrary.org Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only
| SR No. | 001868 |
| Book Title | Studies in Jain Literature |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | V M Kulkarni |
| Publisher | Shardaben Chimanbhai Educational Research Centre |
| Publication Year | 2001 |
| Total Pages | 114 |
| Language | English |
| Classification | Book_English, Literature, & Story |
| File Size | 14 MB |