Jain Sahityaka Brhad Itihas (Review)

This review discusses the third volume, *Agamic byakhyaen*, of Mohanlal Mehta’s encyclopaedic work *Jain Sahitya-ka Brhad Itihas*. The volume focuses on the auxiliary sacred literature of the Jainas, specifically the diverse Agamic interpretations categorized as niryuktis, bhasyas, curnis, and tikas. The review highlights the author’s learned introduction to this field, while noting that literature in languages other than Prakrit and Sanskrit is excluded. The main argument presented by the reviewer is that the volume and variety of this auxiliary literature support the claim of Jainism as the oldest religion of the land. The review traces the evolution of these interpretive texts, beginning with the earliest commentaries written in Prakrit. It argues that the later emergence of Sanskrit auxiliary literature was a posterior development, possibly a refinement of Prakrit, coinciding with the rise of Brahmanical scholarship and the attraction of some Brahmanical luminaries to Jainism. The evidence and sources discussed are the four categories of auxiliary literature. The niryuktis, which interpret technical terms in the Agamic texts, are attributed primarily to Bhadrabahu (II), who holds a virtual monopoly on them. The review notes that as texts became more obscure, a new line of literature, the bhasyas, emerged, with Jinabhadra Gani and Sanghadasa Gani being prominent authors. The most complete interpretations are found in the curnis, written in Prakrit, and the tikas, written in Sanskrit. The curnis and tikas are shown to cover not only Agamic texts but also post-Agamic literature, offering comprehensive knowledge on subjects like acara, darsana, karma, jnana, and even civics and psychology. The review cites numerous specific authors and works to illustrate the vastness of this literature. Among the curni writers, Jinadasa Gani Mahattara is celebrated for authoring at least eight. The earliest Sanskrit tikakara mentioned is Acarya Jinabhadra Gani, who also wrote curnis and bhasyas. Other celebrated tikakaras include Haribhadra Suri, Silankacarya, Vadi-vetala Santi Suri, Abhayadeva Suri, Malayagiri, and Maladhari Hemacandra. The reviewer concludes by congratulating Mohanlal Mehta on his exceptional ability to introduce such an enormous body of literature.

Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.