Jain Journal 1976 01

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 27

JANUARY, 1976
115
To a very great extent Svayambhu provided a standard form to Apabhramsa language so that it could be used for writing work in poetic style. Svayambhu has shown a great ingenuity in describing nature, beauty and human activities and these descriptions have been adopted in many ways by the subsequent writers of Apabhramsa and Hindi. In this way Svayambhu has exercised a great influence on the literary figures of India. Professor H. C. Bhayani rightly remarks, "Whether you talk of the beauty of ideas or of expressions, whether you weigh knowledge of rhetorics, proficiency in Apabhramsa grammar or skill in handling varied metres, Svayambhu is recognised as an all-round master.” (Introduction, Paumacariu, Part I, p. 29).
Apart from his literary contribution Svayambhu's works aimed at the moral and spiritual upliftment of the common people by propagating the religion of Ahimsā. Besides, he in a way cultivated the spirit of tolerance towards other sister religions of India, through his method of writing. In this way he showed great generosity towards the followers of other religions at a time when religious fanaticism was very common.
Puspadanta :
Puspadanta is a great genious of Apabhramsa language and literature. In fact the excellence of Puspadanta is entirely due to the patronage which Karnataka could offer him through Bharata and his son Nanna in the reign of Krsna III of 10th century A.D. He has written three important works in Apabhramsa, namely, Mahāpurāņa, Nayakumāracariu and Jasaharacariu. His works are representative of mythological and romantic themes in Apabhramsa language. It is to the credit of Puspadanta that he assimilated in his Kāvyas the mythological trends prevalent in his time, so his works became very popular.
The Nāyakumāracariu seems to give us a new style in poetry based on romance. Prof. Dr. H. L. Jain rightly remarks that "the whole work is teeming with sweet alliterations, appropriate and striking paronomasia and delightful fancies.” (Introduction, Nayakumāracariu, XII). And it is interesting to note that this romantic style has been inherited by later poets of modern Indian languages of this country.
Puspadanta's poetic genius has resulted in excellent poetic descriptions where nature and human life are depicted along with each other. His use of conversational style in his Kavyas has contributed towards their popularity. It will not be an exaggeration to say that Tulsidas and