Studies in Jain Literature

SR No.: 001868
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

Page 460

442 STUDIES IN JAIN LITERATURE sentiment; all the other sentiments (should be made) subordinate. The Marvellous Sentiment should be employed (only) in the Conclusion."42 The Midnight scene showing Mallika's attempted suicide, Makaranda rushing to save her and shampooing her breast when she falls in a swoon in the first act and the marriage-scene between Mallika and the idol of Kadambaka, the chief of Yaksas in the Tamoraji valley in the last act would prove highly successful and tremendously popular even on a modern stage. The play reveals the poet's skill in presenting lively and brilliant dialogues unfolding the traits of the speakers involved. The dialogues between Yuvati(=Mallika) and Makaranda (pp. 7-8, p. 21). Suka and Makaranda (pp.3840), Citrangada and Makaranda (pp. 41-42), Candralekha and Mallika (pp. 47-48) are instances in point. We may now turn to his defects. The scene of the action in the first two acts of the play is the Pancasailadvipa whereas in the remaining five Acts it is the mountain Ratnasanu (=Meru), the region of the Vidyadharas. It is not made clear why Gandhamusika, the nun, and her party, who are human beings go to the heavenly region of Vidyadharas, and what made Candralekha and Citrangada (themselves Vidyadhara and Vidyadhari) repose full faith in this nun, a human. Again, when 'mere disguise' would have served the purpose we do not see any point in Ramacandra representing the Vidyadhari queen Candralekha as transforming Mallika into a male form by the use of a magic pill. Again, the action is dependent to a great degree on accident; Candralekha through mere accident loses her power of flying through the sky, Regaining that power after six-months' austerities she, being sex-starved, enjoys love's dalliance with a Kirata youth. With her newly-acquired lore she could have reached her home within no time and enjoyed love's dalliance with her own husband. Her new-born babe she deserts. By sheer chance the merchant Jinadatta comes across this deserted newly-born child and entrusts it to the care of his wife Bandhusundari. Makaranda accidentally saves Mallika from killing herself by hanging from a tree. Mallika is mysteriously and unseen, taken away by force from Makaranda who was keeping guard. Makaranda, at the separation from his beloved wants to put an end to his life by throwing himself into the sea when by the merest chance he is lifted up by a 'Bharunda' bird and thrown down on the mountain Ratnasanu (=Meru). By mere chance he comes across Tapasakumara whom he takes to be Mallika's brother but who, in fact, is