Studies in Jain Literature

Author(s): V M Kulkarni
Publisher: Shardaben Chimanbhai Educational Research Centre

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STUDIES IN JAIN LITERATURE
of Rāma and Hanūmān they have dealt a severe blow to the Hindu reader who has always looked on Rāma as a pattern of the virtue of constancy in love for none but his own wife. And Hanümān can't be anything else but a brahmacārin. Further, the Jain versions describe Laksmana, the mighty hero, as sinking into hell ! The reader is not prepared to accept such a terrible end to the glorious career of Laksmana. The antagonism of the Jains to the cult of the Vedic sacrifice and hiṁsā, to the sense of superiority of the Brāhmanas--the Purohitas—and superstitious beliefs is perfectly understandable. One, however, would have wished that in making the beautiful story of Rāma as told by Vālmīki their own they had done a little less of their moral axe grinding ! Further, by eliminating the Kaikeyī intrigue they have divested the story of its deep human interest and dramatic value. Here they appear keen on mere moral propaganda.
None of the Hindu authors who flourished in between the fifth and sixteenth century, has taken note of the story of Rāma as presented by the Jain authors nor criticised them for changing the moral atmosphere of the Vālmīki story. Apparently they did not care to read the Jain versions in the belief that they were of inferior workmanship and simply ignored them.
Notes and References :
1. A History of Indian Literature, Volume II, by M. Winternitz, University of Calcutta. 2. Rāma-Kathā (Utpatti aura Vikāsa) (Hindi) by Bulcke C, Hindi Parişad Prakāśana,
Prayag Viśvavidyalaya, Prayag, 2nd edition, 1962. 3. The Sanskrit Drama, by A. B. Keith, Oxford University Press, Londen, 1964. 4. A History of Sanskrit Literature, by A. B. Keith, Oxford University Press, London, 1928. 5. Sri Rāmāyana- Samālocană by “Maharastriya", pub. by B. P. Thakar, "Ganesh Vishnu
Chiplunkar āņi Mandali”, Pune, 1927. 6. The Story of Rāma In Jain Literature, by V. M. Kulkarni, Sarasvati Pustak Bhandar, 112,
Hathikhana, Ratanpole, Ahmedabad-380001.
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