________________
Studies in Jainology, Prakrit
209
prosody, grammar, lexicography, mathematics, astrology etc. To mention a few, Tolkāppiyam (C.450 A.D.) - the most authentic Tamil grammar, Tirukkural (C.600 A.D.) - the immortal Tamil Veda, Silappadikāram (C.800 A.D.) - the well-known Tamil classic of abiding interest, Sivaka Cintamani (C.1000 A.D.) - the great romantic epic and Vasudevanār Sindam (?),which is based on the Paisāci Brhatkathā of Gunadhya and which stands in rank with the Prakrit Vasudevahindi - are all by Jaina authors. The Tamil Jaina inscriptions, as observed by scholars in the field, 12 clearly shown the Jaina contribution to the growth of Tamil language and literature.
When we come to the Malayalam language of Kerala, the Southern portion of the west coast of India, we do not find any Jaina contribution in it. The reason is obvious that it happens to be the youngest of the Dravidian group of languages which had its distctive existence just by the 10th century A.D. Until when Sendamil (Pure Tamil) was the sole language of the land. The first Malayalam literary pieces go back to C.13th century A.D.12 Yet there are reasons to believe that Jainim had its spread and roots in this country too. It is interesting to note that Prof.A.Chakravarti, while presenting critical observations on the Silappadi kāram, writes 14 «Mr.Logan in his Malbar District Manual states several important points indicating the Jaina influence over the people of Malbar coast before the introduction of Hinduism.” Moreover, Dr.P.B.Desai, basing his study on the notes on the Chitral inscription and the Jaina vestiges in Travanacore published in the Travanacore Archaeological Series, Vol.I (1910-13), pp.193 ff., and Vol.II (1920), pp.125 ff., come to conclusion that approximately the age of 9th to 11th centuries conly built by gloious period of Jainism in Keral." Hence we before our eyes expect some Jaina literature produced in Keralaiectured now; and But according to the linguistic picture of tannada literature could
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
