Chandralekha

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

Page 8

PREFACE
THE present edition of the Camdaleha(Sk. Candralekha) of Rudradasa (c. 1660) is based on rare MSS. from the South, the transcripts of which I could procure with great efforts. Though the material was meagre and unsatisfactory, I have exercised utmost care and scrutiny in presenting the text and Chaya in an authentic manner. Even as it is, it should be a welcome addition to the published Prakrit literature, especially when there has been such a deplorable dearth of Prakrit plays belonging to the Saṭṭaka type which has been all along illustrated only by the Karpūramañjarī.
In the Introduction, after describing the MS. material and stating the procedure of text-constitution, the various aspects of Candralekha are subjected to a critical scrutiny; and a biographical note on Rudradāsa, the author, is added at the end. The Saṭṭaka, as a type of drama, is elaborately studied in the background of the evolution of Indian drama. Further, I have presented here a detailed study of half a dozen Saṭṭakas most of which were mere names to us so far. The entire art gallery of Saṭṭaka in Indian literature is no more to be appropriated by a solitary play of Rajasekhara, because now there are half a dozen members to occupy it, and some of them quite worthy. It is by such studies, I hope, the bounds of our knoweldge of Prakrit literature would be widened and its land-marks seen in a clearer perspective.
While working on this text, various scholar-friends helped me with suggestions etc.; and it gives me pleasure to remember them with thanks: Mr. K. J. Dikshit, B. A., B. T., Sangli; Dr. A. M. Ghatage, Kolhapur; Dr. T. G. Mainkar, Sangli; Prof. M. V. Patwardhan, Sangli; and Dr. V. Raghavan, Madras. I am specially grateful to Prof. K. V. Krishna Ayyar, Calicut, for his valuable notes on Zamorins and Rudra.
I record my regards to Professor B. H. Khardekar, Principal, Rajaram College, Kolhapur, whose silent sympathy for academic studies has given me the necessary peace and encouragement in my research pursuits.
I cannot adequately express my sense of obligation to Acharya Jinavijayaji, Hon. Director, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavana, Bombay. He has an inborn zeal for Indian learning; and if the Candralekha