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HINDI SHU 24|1994qui faut aludkyta la 1991 neferral Faeterai yalaaa (Prabandhakośa . pp. 66-74)
The 17th king of this dynasty was Hāla Sātavāhana, who become famous for his anthology viz. Gahāsattasai. Guņādhya who is famous for his Paisāci narrative Vaddakahā, is said to be an honoured poet in the assembly of Sātavāhana. Through all these legendary histories it is evident that all the Sātavāhanas were interested in Prakrits and especially in Mahārāstrī. Pratisthāna (or Paithana) and Nāsikya were the capital cities of Satavahanas.
According to Prabandhakośa, Niryuktikāra Bhadrabāhu and Varāhamihira were two brahmin brothers, residents of Pratistāna. Various legendary stories of both are mentioned in this Prabandha. The famous 'Uvasaggahara Stotra' was composed by Bhadrabāhu in his stay at Pratistāna. After the time-lapse of 800 years, it was necessary to write explanatory notes on Ardhamāgadhi canons. It was very much logical to write it in Prakrit, in continuation with the spirit of Lord Mahāvīra. Bhadrabāhu wrote ten Niryuktis in Prakrit Gathā form. Since he was the resident of Pratisthāna he chose Mahārāstrī language which was naturally influenced by Ardhamāgadhi. Further Sve. Ācāryas wrote their Bhāsyas and Cūrņis following the tradition laid
down by Bhadrabāhu lind
The famous Jaina Ācārya Kālaka (1"-2" Cen. A.D.) came to Pratisthāna in the last lap of his wanderings. He had discussions with Sātavāhana about the date of Paryūşana. After this incidence, Kālaka stayed at Pratisthāna until his death. Due to this association, there are at least three Kālakācārya-kathānakas written in JM. which were critically edited by Sten Konow.
Pādaliptācārya was a frequently quoted Śve. Ācārya of 1"-2" Century. It is noted in Prabandhakośa that he arrived at Pratisthāna and created a Campū-Kāvya named Tarangalolā. (4-4c19 pp. 11-14) This beautiful literary work (which is not available now) inspired many poets to write their poetries in JM.
The famous logician Siddhasena Divākara, his Guru Vrddhavādi and Säntisūri, the first commentator of Uttarādhyayana were also closely connected with Pratisthāna and Nāsikya during their wanderings.
This legendary and historical data is sufficient to throw light on the background of the bulk of Jaina Mahārāstrī literature.
Special Features of JM. Literature
Niryuktis on 10 Ardhamāgadhi canons, some of the Prakirņakas, two Cūlikāsūtras, three Bhāsyas along with Višeşāvasyaka and Curņis of Jinadāsagani - the language of all these works is generally known as Ārsa Prāksta because it is influenced by Ardhamāgadhi. Though Mahārāstrī elements are prominent, still we find same linguistic characteristics of Māgadhi and Sauraseni.
Vimalasuri's Paumacariyam (4th Cen. A.D.) is also included in this category. This narrative poetry was written excluding the impossible and illogical elements of Vālmīki Rāmāyana. This first Jaina Rāmāyana inspired many writers to present Rāmāyanakathā in Jaina manner. The poetic justice given to the female characters (viz. Sītā, Añjanā, Kaikeyi and Mandodarī) is unique in itself.
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