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डिसेम्बर २००८
Mahā-rāștra (big region) includes, todays' geographical Maharastra, lower part of Gujarat, Madhyapradesh and also upper part of Karnataka. At least we can assume that the people residing in this bigger central part of India were able to understand the Mahārstri used by Jain Ācāryas.
It is observed by the eminent scholars like Jacobi, Pischel and Konow that in classical Skt. dramas, the Prakrit used in prose passages by ladies and lower characters is Sauraseni. We can say that Mahārāstri used by non-Jain authors in Skt. dramas, Epics and Anthologies like Gāhāsattasai was quite favorable for poetical compositions. Jain Ācāryas used it for both, i.e. poetry as well as prose. The scholars like Jacobi and Pischel named it as Jain Mahārāștri. The name become very popular and accepted by late Dr. A.M.Ghatge in Prakrit-English comprehensive dictionary. Svetāmbara writers started their JM. writings in 3rd Century A.D. and continued up to 15th century A.D.. In the early centuries of Charistian Era, two prominent languages were in vogue viz. Sauraseni and Mahārāștri. During this period, the differences between Sve. and Dig. were quite clear. Since Dig. had already started their philosophical writings in Sauraseni, naturally Sve. writers chose Mahārāstri for their post canonical writings. A new literary style was developed which was suitable for their philosophical, doctrinal, didactic and conductual writings. Close association of Jain Acāryas with Mahārāștra :
Due to various reasons like severe famines, political unrest and foreign invasions, the religious activities of Jain Samgha were naturally shifted towards Madhya-deśa and Southern lands.
From the legendary histories of Jainas (viz. Vividhatirthakalpa, Prabandhakośa, Prabhavakacarita etc.) it is known that many influential Śve. Ācāryas were in close contact with Mahārāştra.
It is known from the history of Ancient India that after the death of Asoka, Andhrabhịtya Sātavāhana Kings ruled over
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