Multiplication of Jatakas

The Barhut Jataka-scenes provide evidence of an early collection of Birth-stories, referenced in the Culla-Niddesa as the *paṭicā Jātaka-satini* (500 stories). These stories differ from the Sutta-Pitaka’s canonical Jataka collection, aligning more closely with the later *Jātakatthavannani* (547 Jatakas), a 6th-century A.D. commentary that falls short of the traditional total of 550. The number of Jatakas expanded from 500 to 550 through processes like repetition of stories under different titles (e.g., Kapota and Kaka), slight narrative variations (e.g., Kharadiya and Tipallattha), changes in personnel (e.g., Rucira and Kapota), and manipulation of themes (e.g., Sujata and Mattakundali). Some stories, like the Kurudhamma and Vessantara, share common plots but differ in execution. Separation of subplots from larger narratives (e.g., Kandari from Kunala) also contributed to the multiplication. The Barhut scenes reflect early versions of stories, such as the *Isisipiya-Jataka*, which omits key elements like the temptations of the Bodhisatta by a heavenly courtesan and an earthly princess, present in later works like the *Jataka-Commentary* and *Mahiṃsā*. Similarly, the *Kinnara* scene’s label suggests it was once an independent Jataka later absorbed into the *Takkariya-Jataka*. These discrepancies highlight how stories evolved over time, with earlier forms serving as foundations for later

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