Chandralekha

Author(s): Rudradas, A N Upadhye
Publisher: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan

Page 7

Preface by the General Editor EXCEP'TING the Karpūra-manjarī of Rājas'ekhara and the Rambhămañjarī of Nayacandra, no other plays of the Sattaka type were published so far. This edition of Camdalehä, which has been brought out, for the first time, with remarkable critical acumen and praiseworthy labours, is a valuable addition to the wealth of our Rūpaka literature. So far, very few Prākrit works of non-Jaina authors have seen the light of day : the result has been that most of the scholars are accustomed to look at Prakrit as a sectarian language cultivated only by Jainas and that there is a general neglect of Prākrit studies, as a branch of specialised and higher research, in our University circles. But now from the view-point of the history of linguistic evolution in India, it is abundantly clear that, without critical study of and researches in the Prākrit literature and languages, we cannot get a true picture of our entire medieval Indian culture. There is no doubt that Jaina authors have rendered yeoman service to the cause of Prākrit languages and literature; but now it is becoming more and more clear that others also have tried to contribute their mite in this direction. Through political vicissitudes and foreign attacks, much of the riches of Prākrit literature is lost in course of time. What little from this vast literature has come down to us lies seattered in various old Mss. libraries, and some of the works are almost on the verge of extinction. They could be immortalised by the efforts of learned researchers solely devoted to the cause of Präkrits like Dr. A. N. Upadhye. It is mainly through Dr. Upadhye's efforts and researches that we have become lately acquainted with many Prākrit compositions which were being neglected in the MSS. libraries of the South where Dravidian languages are in vogue; and for this, I offer my sincere congratulations to this dear and modest friend of mine. His Introduction, it will be seen, is a piece of solid research. He has thoroughly reviewed the various problems connected with the Sattaka form of drama; and special attention may be drawn to his critical study of some new Sattakas discovered by him. He has collected and presented the material with remarkable industry; and his study is characterised by systematic thoroughness and sobriety of judgement. We believe, and we have great hopes that in the near future Dr. Upadhye will give us many valuable Prākrit works with learned Introductions which are usually the results of his extensive study and mature scholarship.
It has been one of the chief aims of the Bhäratiya Vidyā Bhavana, Bombay, to bring to light such valuable and important Prakrit works ; and we hope, the learned and the wealthy of our nation will extend to us full cooperation in this direction.
Bharatiya Vidyā Bhavana
Bombay: April 1945.
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JINA VIJAYA MUNI