Prakrit Jainshastra aur Ahimsa Shodh Samsthan Vaishali Swarna Jayanti Gaurav Granth

SR No.: 012064
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Rushabhchand Jain
Publisher: Prakrit Jainshastra aur Ahimsa Shodh Samsthan Vaishali
Publication Year: 2010
Total Pages: 520
Language: Hindi, English
Classification: Smruti_Granth & Articles
File Size: 13 MB

Page 421

South East Asia and Indian Ocean in Jaina Literature
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options for Indian traders: 1) starting from the Southern part of Sumātrā to reach the eastern countries like Campā, Kambuj-Combodia and Vietnam. This route was very long and full of calamities; II) From Malakka to the Eastern countries. This route was shortest one but full of robbers; III) the third route was adopting the land route through eastern part of bay of Bengal and by unloading the goods there to reach sea-ports of Siam through land route. This route was more favourable and fearless of robbers. Likewise, Seavoyage from Tāmralipti to Burma and then siām, Champā and Kambuj was also easier. The Motifs of sea-voyage
Sea-voyage appears to be very common in mediaeval literature. There was some stereotype motifs, which were also followed by Jaina writers in their literature. Before starting their sea-voyage, these traders exchanged their information as to what commodities were in different places and where they could be sold with greater profit. Horses were sold in Kośala in return for elephants; betel nuts were exported to Uttrāpatha in exchange for horses; and pearls were exported to eastern country (Pūrva deśa) in exchange for Cāmaras (fly-whisks). Conchs were available in Dvārakā. From the Barbara-kulatusks and pearls were brought in exchange for clothes. Palāsa flowers could fetch gold in Svarṇadvīpa... Buffaloes and cows fetched netra-patta in China and Mahacina. Neem could buy jewels in Ratnadvīpa. Men were in great demanding the kingdom of women etc. (Kerala). In the busy market places, men from different parts of the country came and had conversations in different languages.
Here thee are two motifs well known from Gupta period, firstly, relating to the ardent desire of a young son of a rich merchant to earn wealth by his own diligence. His father at first dissuades him from undertaking the journey saying that there was wealth enough in his house to last fro several generations, but in the end, allows the young man to travel to foreign country to earn wealth.
The second motif is the description of the caravan consisting of an army of horses and wheeled vehicles for transport of