Book Title: Critical Study Of Paumacariyam
Author(s): K R Chandra
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology and Ahimsa

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Page 650
________________ 621 Tulasidasa's Ramacaritamanasa has been influenced by the stlye of the Jaina works, specially the Pauma cariu of Svayambhu. Its pattern of narrating the previous birth stories of Rama, Ravana and Sītā show an influence of the Jaina carita works. The influence of the tradition of Paumacariyam on Indian and foreign works is reproduced in the following pages in a tabular form. Along with that the influence of the Vasudevahindi and Uttarapurana has also been tabulated. (See Infra the table attached). CONCLUSION Part Two. The cultural study of Paumacariyam made in the chapters VII to XI can be summarised as follows : Organisation of Society -The Paumacariyam in the social field reveals that ancient society was mainly based on Varaṇāśrama dharma. But there was flexibility in following different professions and the last two stages of asramadharma were not followed rigidly. As for the Jaina community no aśramadharma was followed. A person's inclination for renouncing the world counted more than the consideration of age. The Brahmins, Kṣatriyas and the mercantile class among the Vaisyas held high position in the society. The Vaisyas formed the pillar of the prosperity of nation. The principle that law treats all equally was at the base of the organisation of society and none was exempted from punishment if he committed any crime. Family:-The family was the fundamental unit of the society. All its members lived harmoniously co-operating with each other and obeying the head of the family i. e. the father or the eldest brother. The wife was the mistress of the household. Parents took due care of the welfare of their children while the children were obedient to their parents. There was a great circle of relations and friends. To show hospitality to the guests was a must for the inmates of the family. Marriage:-Marital relations were settled mainly on the consideration of family status, character, age and physique of the candidates. Parity in age was an important factor. There was no rigidity as regards inter-caste and inter-racial marriages. Prajapatya was the most prevalent form of marriage among the Aryans and the Raksasa form among the Rākṣasas. 'Svayamvara' type of marriage was common with the Ksatriyas. Gandharva type of marriages were also performed. Portraits of candidates played an important part in settling marital alliances. Among the Vaisyas sometimes Asura form of marriage was celebrated. Polygamy was prevalent among the ruling class. Religion

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