Chanakya Explored in Jaina Literature

SR No.: 007699
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Nalini Joshi
Publisher: Firodaya Prakashan
Publication Year: 2014
Total Pages: 257
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 1 MB

Page 224

214
in the 5th transgression. These two are cognisible offences which are dealt with in the 79th and 81st adhyāyas. A long list of articles is given by Kautilya where there is a possibility for adulteration. Observations :
We have already seen that the first aṇuvrata is specially applicable to cattle-breeders. In the same manner, the third aṇuvrata and its transgressions are categorically mentioned for the merchantclass, which is almost based on the 79th adhyāya of Arthaśāstra.
4th Aṇuvrata: The vow of restricting one's sexual life only to one's wife (or one's husband)
The last two adhyāyas (viz. 89th and 90th) of the 4th adhikarana of Arthaśāstra deal with all kinds of sexual crimes. In the 89th chapter, the sexual crimes regarding unmarried girls are dealt with. The offence of rape is discussed in the 90th chapter. If we go through the wording of Arthaśāstra and the five transgressionsof the 4th aṇuvrata, the reader is astonished due to the striking similarities among them. The five transgressions noted down in the 4th aṇuvrata
are -
(i) Sexual enjoyment with a kept woman.
(ii) Sexual enjoyment with an unmarried woman or a widow.
(iii) Unnatural and perverted intercourse.
(iv) Obsession with sexual desire even in relation to one's wife. (v) Interest in match making.
The last transgression is to be understood in the total context of the Jaina life. We can keep it aside for a moment because of its particular religiosity but the other four transgressions are described in details with appropriate punishments in the 89th and 90th chapters of Arthaśāstra.