The Cintamani and Cudamani-kavyas
Summary
Investigating two lost Jain works, the Cintamani‑kavya and Cudamani‑kavya, this article analyses an inscription from the Parsvanatha Basti at Shravanabelagola listing Jain pontiffs. The inscription praises the guru Cintamani, author of the Cintamani‑kavya, and Srivardhadeva, who composed the Cudamani‑kavya and was extolled by the renowned poet Dandin. Translating and interpreting verses from the inscription, the author shows that although these works are no longer extant, their existence is confirmed by epigraphic testimony. References are also made to other Jain compositions such as the Gadyacintamani and Yatodharacarita. The article underscores the importance of inscriptions in recovering lost literary heritage.
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Conclusion
The inscriptional references demonstrate that Jain poets Cintamani and Srivardhadeva produced influential kavya works now lost. Epigraphy thus preserves the memory of texts that would otherwise be forgotten.