Lilavaikaha

Author(s): K R Chandra, Ramniklal M Shah
Publisher: Prakrit Text Society Ahmedabad

Page 21

16
the elders present and there are celebrations to mark the end of her mortal existence ! Such examples abound in Lilāvai.
In spite of this imitation-cum-rivalry syndrome, however, Līlāvai is good poetry. Several pen-portraits of persons, situations and natural scenery are superbly drawn. The village flurry on the arrival of king's retinue, the doe embracing death with her dear deer, the youthful exuberance of the Vidyādhara-Yakşa giris etc. are excellent evidence of the poet's potential. These together with the racy narration, colourful descriptions, life-like characters and tender portrayal of emotions make Lilāvai a gem of Prakrit: secular poetry.