Jain Journal 1991 01

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

Page 25

JANUARY, 199 )
123
Appendix A
Summary of the story of CD as found in non-Jain tradition, particulary
in Sanskrit dramas
Merchant CD of Ujjaini bad spent all his wealth to help the poor. His virtues were liked and respected by one and all. Vasantasenā, a famous courtesan, admired him. On one evening, while returning from the park, being chased by miscreants, she entered a house for shelter and to her pleasant surprise, it was the residence of CD. CD agreed to protect her box of jewels. Later, that jewel-box was stolen but the wife of CD voluntarily agree to part with her own precious necklace in order to protect the prestige of her husband. In the meanwhile, truth prevails and the stolen property was safely recovered under peculiar circumstances. At this stage of the story Bhāsa's play ends abruptly ; but the story continues in Śūdraka's play. Vasantasenā visits CD, consoles his little son, who prefers a golden chariot to a clay.cart, by giving away her ornaments. CD and Vasantasenā who are in love with each other, agree to meet in a park, where she gets into a wrong chariot of Sakāra. Sakāra, after a fierce verbal clash, presses her neck so hard that she is choked. Thinking her dead, Śakāra covers her in a heap of withered leaves. Thanks to the timely arrival of a monk, she recovers. Sakāra complains to the King (that CD has killed Vasantasenā) and the circumstances also favour him. The king Palaka orders that CD be hanged. At this juncture, Vasantasenă appears on the scene. Evidences go to prove that the real culprit is none other than Sakāra. In the meanwhile, due to the political chaos, King Palaka was murdered and a new ruler emerges. CD and Vasantasenă are happily married.
Appendix B
Summary of story of CD as found in Jain tradition
CD, son of a rich merchant in Campà, in the prime of youth, forced by circumstances, fell in love with Vasantasenā, the charming daughter of a prostitute. CD and Vasantasenā loved each other so