Chanakya Explored in Jaina Literature

Author(s): Nalini Joshi
Publisher: Firodaya Prakashan

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CHAPTER 4
CĀNAKYA : REVEALED THROUGH THE JAINA LITERATURE
[1] Introduction :
When we consider all the brahmanic sources alongwith the Mudrārāksasa, we come to know that we get a meager information about the special features of Cāņakya's personality, the incidents of his life, his relationship with Candragupta and his contribution in the governance of the Magadha kingdom.
When we cast a glance to the entries given in the kośas like the Marathi Viśvakośa or the Bhāratīya-saṁskṛti-kośa, they quote brahmanic sources like the Purāņas, the Kathāsaritsāgara, the Mudrārāksasa and some unknown legends without giving their exact literary sources. Generally they relie on the fanciful and imaginary novels like the ‘Nșpanirmātā Cāņakya’ of Dr. R.C.Dhere or the ‘Arya' authored by Shri Vasant Patwardhan.
The eminent scholars like Durga Bhagvat and Mr. B.R.Hivargavkar had given only one or two passing references from the Jaina literature, which are poorly interpreted by them. Without going into a deeper search, Mr. Hivargavkar says, “In the Brahmanic, Buddhist and Jaina literature, it is noted that Kautilya was a prime-minister of Candragupta. The Brahmanic books praise Kautilya while a kind of disregard and censure is seen in the Buddhist and Jaina literature. A harsh attitude towards pāşandas (heretics i.e. the Jaina and Buddhist monks) is seen in the Kauțilīya Arthaśāstra, naturally the Buddhists and Jainas have expressed a disdainful and contemptuous attitude towards Cāņakya.” (Hivargavkar, H II, p.22)