Haribhadra ke Prakrit Katha Sahitya ka Aalochanatmak Parishilan

Author(s): Nemichandra Shastri
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

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fourth and the fifth stages fall, is characterized by a synthesis of the best values of our culture and thought, which find full expression in its narrative literature, the art of narration also attaining perfection of its different aspects.
In the second chapter of the work, the various forms and techniques of the Prakrit narrative literature have been discussed. A critical analysis of Haribhadra's narratives has been attempted in the third chapter, and the fourth chapter deals with their ancient sources. The dialogues of Haribhadra have received treatment in the fifth chapter and a critical analysis of the nature and contents of folk-tales is the subject-matter of the sixth chapter. The style and language of Haribhadra's works are discussed in the seventh chapter, and an analysis of the poetic excellence is attempted in the eighth. The ninth chapter analyses the subjectmatter of these works under various heads comprising ancient Geography, flora and fauna, and the various aspects of culture-social, economic, political, administrative, educational and religious. In the conclusion, the author has clearly stated the merits as well as the limitations of the Prakrit narrative literature of Haribhadra.
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The book exhibits the author's power of analysis and sound judgment as well as appreciation of relevant issues and problems. The treatment has throughout been dispassionate and critical. The author has discovered many important features, which were hitherto unknown, of the narrative literature of the Jainas and has brought out their significance in full in the light of modern standards of judgment. He has not read motives that were not there, but has brought to light what fell into oblivion. His presentation is throughout lucid and reveals his mastery over the language in which he has written the book.
I am particularly happy to add that this work is a golden thread that binds the author with our Institute and hope that it will be received by the scholars and general readers alike because of the rich materials presented and the clarity of presentation.
VAISHALI
The 28th July, 1965
NATHMAL TATIA