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डिसेम्बर २००८
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Mahă-răștra (big region) includes, todays' geographical Maharastra, lower part of Gujarat, Madhyapradesh and also upper part of Karnataka. At least we can assume that the people residing in this bigger central part of India were able to understand the Mahārstri used by Jain Ācāryas.
It is observed by the eminent scholars like Jacobi, Pischel and Konow that in classical Skt. dramas, the Prakrit used in prose passages by ladies and lower characters is Sauraseni. We can say that Mahārāștri used by non-Jain authors in Skt. dramas, Epics and Anthologies like Gāhāsattasai was quite favorable for poetical compositions. Jain Acāryas used it for both, i.e. poetry as well as prose. The scholars like Jacobi and Pischel named it as Jain Mahārāştri. The name become very popular and accepted by late Dr. A.M.Ghatge in Prakrit-English comprehensive dictionary. Svetāmbara writers started their JM, writings in 3rd Century A.D. and continued up to 15th century A.D., In the early centuries of Charistian Era, two prominent languages were in vogue viz. Sauraseni and Mahārāştri. During this period, the differences between Šve. and Dig, were quite clear. Since Dig. had already started their philosophical writings in Sauraseni, naturally Sve, writers chose Mahārāştri for their post canonical writings. A new literary style was developed which was suitable for their philosophical, doctrinal, didactic and conductual writings. Close association of Jain Acāryas with Mabārāstra :
Due to various reasons like severe famines, political unrest and foreign invasions, the religious activities of Jain Samgha were naturally shifted towards Madhya-deśa and Southern lands
From the legendary histories of Jainas (viz. Vividhatirthakalpa, Prabandhakośa, Prabhavakacarita etc.) it is known that many influential Śve. Acāryas were in close contact with Mahārāştra.
It is known from the history of Ancient India that after the death of Asoka, Andhrabhrtya Sātavāhana Kings ruled over
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