Prakrit Verses in Sanskrit Works on Poetics Part 02

Author(s): V M Kulkarni
Publisher: B L Institute of Indology

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in the Introduction for the first time to show how these Prakrit verses have greatly influenced Alarkarikas in their formulation, exposition and elucidation of their theories of Sanskrit Poetry. (viii) The Introduction further provides the reader sufficient information in one place about the Prakrit poetic works from which the Alarkarikas have drawn their illustrative verses. It also brings out the importance of the Prakrit Poetry that was a gold mine to these writers in spite of the fact that the whole range of Sanskrit writings was readily available to them and how Govardhana, whom Jayadeva describes as 'Incomparable in effective erotic description' was irresistibly drawn to imitate in his Aryāsaptaśati Hala's Gathāsaptaśati. (ix) The Introduction further attempts to disabuse the mind of scholars who talk lightly, one may say even contemptuously about Prakrit language and literature by bringing to their notice how great writers of eminence like Bāṇabhatta, Dandin, Anandavardhana, Rajasekhara, etc, have showered unstinted praise on Prakrit poetry. (x) And finally, the Introduction meets the charge of obscenity against Prakrit poetry. It shows that Prakrit Poetry may be highly erotic but surely not obscene.
It remains to thank those who have helped me in my work. My special thanks re due to my freind, Dr. G. S. Bedagkar, formerly Professor of English, at the Elphinstone College, Bombay, and Principal, Vidarbha Mahavidyalaya, Amaravati for his kindly interest in my work. We used to meet twice a week for two hours for over a period of three months for the work of translation. These sessions were highly useful and enjoyable and will remain – for both of us, I hope, – a precious memory. The outcome of these stimulating discussions is the translation presented in this volume.
I express my sincere thanks to Mrs. Sattvashila V. Samant, a very able officer in the Directorate of Languages, Maharashtra State, Bombay, now retired, for her meticulous proof-reading of more than half of this volume during the period when my doctor had advised me not to strain the eyes.
I fully appreciate the willingness of the authorities of the B. L. Institute of Indology, Delhi, to publish this volume as well as my volume I: Text.
Last but not least I have to express hearty thanks to Shri. K. D. Kora, Director, Mahāvīra Jaina Vidyalaya, Bombay for his kindness in loaning to me a number of books from the Vidyalaya Library for my use in preparing these two volumes.
V. M. Kulkarni S, Suruchi Society, Dixit Road Extension, Vile Parle (East), Bombay : 400 057 31 March, 1990