Kavyanushasana Part 2

Author(s): Hemchandracharya, Rasiklal C Parikh, Ramchandra B Athvale
Publisher: Mahavir Jain Vidyalay

Page 33

Kavyanusasana sanctuaries of religion; they were sanctuaries of arts also. Through a contemporary description of the temple Kumāravihāra by Rāmachandra – a worthy pupil of Hemachandra, we get a glimpse of the arts of sculpture, painting, music, dancing and play - acting as they were being fostered in these temples. All this culture had behind it the munificence of its merchant - princes whose fabulous wealth was the fruit of their sea - faring adventures. The religious outlook of the age was one of admirable toleration though now and then enlivened by the priestly rivalries of different sects.
Such a development of the life of the people had behind it its peculiar cultural history of centuries. The culture of the city of Aņāhilavāda and Gurjaradesa in the time of Hemachandra was not the result only of its own history of centuries. As the city and the kingdom governed from it developed, it directly inherited the accumulated cultural traditions of Bhinnamāla, Valabhi, and Girinagara and indirectly those of Kanyakubja, Ujjayinī and even of Pāšaliputra. One may say, without any fear of serious contradiction, that though the rulers were changing and causing some political disturbances, the general cultural life of Gujarăta and Málavā together was a matter of continuous growth. It may be noted that when, in history, Gujarāta and Malavā did not form one political unit, they often waged bitter wars against each other, and as a result, were joined together.
. So, to get a clear perspective of the age in which Hemachandra lived and of his relation to it, it will not be regarded as altogether out of place if I make an attempt to present a short survey of the history of Gujarat, keeping in view cultural points and links wherever possible.