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

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508 STUDIES IN JAIN LITERATURE fairy tales, etc., some of which allude to historical personages, kings and authors of both ancient and modern times, such as Nanda, Satavahana, Bhartrhari, Bhoja, Kumarapala, Hemasuri and others. Devendra composed his Kathamanikosa (Akhyanaamanikosa) in Prakrit verses (latter half of the 11th century A. D.). Jinesvara composed his Kathanakakosa in the second quarter of the 11th century. Somacandra composed his Kathamahodadhi "The great ocean of stories" in 1448 A. D. Rajasekhara wrote his Antarakathasamgraha "Collection of various narratives" in the 14th century. The stories are written in simple Sanskrit prose, quite in a conversational style, the expression being often contaminated with vernacularisms. In many cases, the style, format and contents remind us of the Pancatantra. Some of the stories are primarily meant for instruction, ethical and religious, and others for amusement by their wit and humour. In 1600 Hemavijaya Suri wrote his Katharatnakosa "Treasury of Stories". The author informs us that some of the stories are traditional, some are imaginary, some are compiled from other sources, and some are taken from scriptures. There are 258 stories distributed over ten Tarangas. Most of them are written in simple Sanskrit prose. Some are written in elaborate Sanskrit prose; and only a few are metrical narratives. "Most of the narratives are similar to those in the Pancatantra and other books of stories of this kind, tales of the artfulness of women, tales of rogues, tales of fools, fable and fairy tales, anecdotes of all descriptions, including some which hold up Brahmanas and other holy men to scorn". As in the Pancatantra the tales are interspersed with numerous wise sayings. The tales are, however, loosely strung together. The Jain narratives are very precious as they go beyond the kings and the priests and give a picture of the real life of the Indian society in all its different classes. Salient characteristics of Jain Narrative Literature : In the various types of works, excepting some of the semi-historical works (prabandhas) certain traits arrest our attention as they are hardly noticed in other branches of Indian literature : "(i) Pages after pages are devoted to the past and future births; (ii) the inexorable law of karma plays a very conspicuous role, (iii) Sermons with dogmatic details are introduced; (iv) Parables and illustrative tales are added here and there". "The spirit of asceticism is writ large throughout the text; and almost as a rule every hero retires from the world to attain better status in the next life". (xi) Stotras Like the poets of other sects, the Jain poets have composed a large