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JAINA BIBLIOGRAPHY
Pp. 274-279. Interpretation of some verses of Hemachandra's Deśināmamālā in which PISCHEL finds no meaning at all. A careful perusal of the illustrative Gathas of Hemachandra shows how unjust Pishcel's remarks regarding some of the gathas have been. 5 examples given.
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A. Chidambaranātha CHETTIAR-An early Tamil Epic. (Pr. & Tr. A. I. O. C., 18th Ses., 1955, Annamalainagar, 1958).
Pp. 361-365. Cilappadikaram consists of not more than 5,000 lines of poetry and celebrates the great achievements of Kannaki (the heroine of the poem) and of a Pandya and a Chera king, who are to be regarded as the other heroes of the poem. Kannaki stands pre-eminent. Her essential nobility shines throughout the book. The poet, Ilanko, expresses the significance of human achievements. At the time of composition of the epic, the second century A.D. the Tamils had become a wellsettled race.
The Pāndyan king deserves to be regarded as a hero of the epic. Senkuttuvan, the Chera king, has the valour of Achilles; his victory in many battles mentioned.
Ilanko had a rich supply of stories which can be detached and enjoyed by themselves. He avoided stock phrases and embellished his poem by fashioning his words with care and artistry. Many are the ways in which he describes familiar things in his book whick show a pleasing variety in language. Ilanko's characters speak with variety. His style is ornate in places.
Cilappadikaram contains a wide sweep of history, philosophy, religion and ethics. It contains accounts of the relationship between the Chola, the Pāndya and the Chera kings. Philosophy is conveyed through the characters. Ilanko thought that poetry was intended not merely to beguile one's leisure but it should inspire and instruct. All in all, llanko has achieved unqualified success as a poet and takes a high rank among the epic poets of the world.
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Sarabhai Manilal NAWAB--The Collection of Kalaka story. (Srikälaka-kathaSamgraha), Ahmedabad, 1959.
IX. 2. The book is in two parts:
Part I. English version, History, Legends and Miniature paintings with 88 illustrations (in colour 19 and 69 monochrome). Contents:
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