Book Title: Kumarpal Pratibodh
Author(s): Somprabhacharya, Jinvijay
Publisher: Central Library

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Page 12
________________ ix the "Prabhávaka-Charitra" and the "Ruimarapi:la-Prabandha", included in the "Prabandha-Chintamani'. It would therefore not be iniproper to remark that from the historical point of view the present work has no special importance to us. Importance of the Work as a Prakrit Work-But we have to admit its importance from the point of view of the necessity of publishing Prakrit literature on a larger scale. In the first place Prakrit literature, that is published up to uow, is of a very limited extent; and, in the second place, as the Bombay University has now added a special course of the Prákrit language, at of the Páli, to its curricula of studies, the necessity of publishing works in the Prákrit language is felt all tlie greater. Students therefore of this language would undoubtedly welcome the publication of such a great work at this time, Writing History not the Author's Object- Though it is quite natural that we should feel disappointed at not being able to find any special historical information in this work, yet we must remember that the author does not deserve any blame on that account. Because in the very commencement of the work the author clearly disavows any intention of writing a full life-story of Hemachandra and Kumarapála. The author's object in composing this work is really not to write the history of Kumarapala and others, but to write a narrative, embodying the teachings of Jain religion with reference to these historical personages. In this connection he makes the following remarks : Although the life-story of Kumarapála and Hemachandracharya is very interesting from other points of view, I am only desirous of telling something in connection with the instruction in Jain religion alone. Does any person, who, out of a tray full of various delicacies, eats only one particular thing that gratifies his special taste, deserve blame from any body?”1 Summary of the Historical Portion in the Work-Whatever portion in this entire work has connection with history is summarised for the facilities of readers, in a separate Appendix, entitled “Kumára pála-PratibodhaSankshepa.” On reading the Appendix, the reader will understand clearly the entire gist of this work, The short historical summary is as foilows: King Kumarapála's Succession to the Throne:--In Anahilpura Patau there formerly reigned King Múlarája of Chalukya dynasty. He was succeded successively by Chámundarája, Vallabharája, known as "Jagaj-Zampana'' ("World-Raider”'), Durlabharája, Bhimarája, Karņiedeva, and Jayasimhdeva. This Jayasimhdeva was succeeded by Kuniarapála, the great-great-graudsou of Bhímarája. (Bhimaraja had a son Kshemarája, wlio had a son Devaprasáda, who again had a son Tribhuvanapala, who was father of Kunjarapala). King 1, See page 3, Gatha 30, 31. Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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