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डिसेम्बर २००८
11-14) ) This beautiful literary work (which is not available now) inspired many poets to write their poetries in JM.
The famous logician Siddhasena Divākara, his Guru Vrddhavādi and Santisūri, the first commentator of Uttarādhyayana were also closely connected with Pratistāna and Näsikya during their wanderings.
This legendary and historical data is sufficient to throw light on the background of the bulk of Jain Mahārāştri literature, Special Features of JM. Literature :
Niryuktis on 10 Ardhamāgadhi canons, some of the Prakirņakas, two Cülikāsūtras, three Bhāşyas along with Višeșāvasyaka and Cūrņis of Jinadāsagaņi - the language of all these works is generally known as Arsa Prāksta because it is influenced by Ardhamāgadhi. Though Mahārāștri clements are prominent, still we find samc linguistic charactristics of Māgadhi and Sauraseni. Vimalsūri's Paumacariyam (4th Cen A.D.) is also included in this category. This narrative poetry was written excluding the impossible and illogical elements of VălmikiRāmāyana. This first Jain Rāmāyaṇa inspire many writers to present Rāmāyanakathā in Jain manner. The poetic justice given to the female characters (viz. Sitā, Añjanā, Kaikeyi and Mandodarī) is unique in itself.
Vasudevahindi jointly written by Saṁghadāsa and Dharmasena in 5th Cen. A.D. is also noted as a grant narrative presented in Arsa Prāksta or old Jain Mahārhastri. The part of the book viz. Madhyama Khanda shows the linguistic characteristics of Sauraseni. In the history of Indian Literature, Vasudevahindi acquired very esteemed position due to its curious connection with Vaddakahã of Guņādhaya.
In the 6th or 7th Century, the great Šve. logician Siddhasena wrote Sanmatitarka in JM. in which he discussed the Nayas, in a comprehensive manner on the view of Anekantavāda. Sanmati is one of the very few JM. works on logic.
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