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Post-Mahāvīra Period and the Contribution of Jainism
Hindi, Gujarati, Rajasthani, Marathi, etc., have developed from Apabhramsa.357 The Jainas have made a handsome contribution to the development of Gujarati and Rajasthani, and Jaina influence can be seen on Marathi and Sindhi also.358
Jainism wielded influence in the Kannada land for long. Jaina authors contributed a glorious chapter to Kannada literature. 359 In fact, the honour of creating Kannada literature and its enrichment with classics of abiding value goes to Jaina authors. 360 The Jainas also made immense contribution to the development of Tamil literature. Most of the major and minor epics, which are the pride of Tamil literature, have been composed by the Jainas.361 The Jainas also made a significant contribution to Sanskrit literature. In fact, Jaina authors gradually adopted Sanskrit as the principal medium of expression in the composition of literature, religious as well as secular.362 Almost all early Jaina writers of south India were profound Sanskrit scholars.363
In fine, Jainism made a notable contribution to the development of the literature of many Indian languages including Tamil, Telugu and Kannada. Some of the most renowned classics in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada were penned by Jaina authors.364 The Jainas gave to the Tamil people their didactic classics like the Kural and Nāladiyār, some major and minor kāvyas and other works.365 Campū is an elaborate and artificial form in Sanskrit literature, calculated to afford to the poet ample opportunity to display his
357. AOIK, p. 212; JIR, p. 151. 358. JIR, p. 151. 359. CA, p. 327. Also see M), pp. 262-3; JSAI, p. 13; JIR, p. 151, IP. p. 77; CUHI, pp. 222-3. 360. AOIK, p. 292. 361. Ibid. 362. AOIU, p. 284; IP, p. 77; JIR, p. 151; JSAI, p. 13. 363. MJ, p. 263. 364. Ibid.; IP, p. 77; JIR, p. 151. 365. Ibid., p. 263.
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