________________ INTRODUCTION vii vaggas lived in an age when Mahavira was the Tirthamkara. It is just likely that this work might originally have consisted of two parts which were later on put together under one common title. The first chapter of the Antagadadasao contains ten lessons. The scene of action is the town of Baravai, Sk.Dvaravati, founded by Krsna Vasudeva. The chapter mentions ten princes, Goyama and others, all sons of Andhagavanhi and Dharini. They all renounced the world, joined the Order of Aritthanemi, and in due course attained perfection-(85-15). The sacond chapter narrates, similarly, the stories of ten princes, all sons of Vanhi and Dharini (16-17). The narrative of Gayasukumara ($ 28-65) in the third chapter is of peculiar interest. There was in the town of Bhaddilapura a couple, Naga and Sulasa. Sulasa was told in her childhood that she would deliver still-born children. Now this Sulasa worshipped god Harinaigamesin, who was pleased with her so much so that he so arranged by his divine power that Sulasa and Devaki, queen of Vasudeva, should bear children simultaneously and that he should bring the healthy children, six in number, of Devaki to Sulasa and substitute in their place with Devaki the still-born children of Sulasa. Sulasa nursed these children who were named Aniyasa, Anantasena, Anihaya, viu, Devajasa and Sattusena. These boys grew up in due course, studied the arts, were married, enjoyed pleasures of life; but subsequently they all joined the Order of monks founded
