Book Title: Chanakya Explored in Jaina Literature
Author(s): Nalini Joshi
Publisher: Firodaya Prakashan

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Page 132
________________ 122 In the present dvāragāthā he says - लुद्धा सकज्जतुरिआ , सुहिणोऽवि विसंवयंति कयकज्जा । जह चंदगुत्तगुरुणा , पव्वयओ घाइओ राया ।। “The person who is greedy and very much anxious to fulfil his motive it is seen that after the fulfilment of his purpose, he betrays even his close friend. See ! how the preceptor of Candragupta (i.e. Cāņakya) killed the king Parvataka by treacherous means !”. The present dvāragāthā provides sufficient clue to the commentator to despise various deeds of Cāņakya. Following this guideline, Ratnaprabha presents the whole biography of Cāņakya with his own critical remarks in total 182 gāthās. The language is Jaina Māhārāstrī with the occasional use of Sanskrit and Apabhraṁsa. It will not be out of place if we provide some examples for understanding Ratnaprabha's viewpoint. (a) During his wanderings with Candragupta, Cāņakya tore up the belly of a brahmin to get curd-rice to feed Candragupta who was extremely hungry. Dharmadāsa exclaims, HECHIEFHBTT GHT, I Hottes de tefte 13 I (p.357 gā.60) None other than Cāņakya will dare to perform a sin of brahmahatyā i.e. killing a brahmin of one's own caste! (b) Cāņakya's ungrateful nature is censured in the episode of Parvataka, in harsh words. The author remarks - (तत्रापि मित्रोत्तमे) । कौटिल्य: कुटिलां क्रियामिति दघौ धिग्धिक्कृतघ्नान् जनान्। (p.358 gā.86) “Parvataka was their best friend (who contributed a lot to acquire the kingdom). Still the crooked Kautilya acted treachously to him. Down with such ungrateful persons !" (c) While commenting upon the episode of grāma-dāha (burning the village) Ratnaprabha exclaims - ‘371: Jej s y ftabat'

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