Q.5 What were the main features of Jain literature in medieval Rajasthan? Explain with examples.
मध्यकालीन राजस्थान में जैन साहित्य की प्रमुख विशेषताएँ क्या थीं? उदाहरण सहित समझाइए।
Ans.
मध्यकालीन राजस्थान में जैन साहित्य की प्रमुख विशेषताएँ
| Feature | Description | Examples |
| 1. Religious and Philosophical Themes | Jain literature primarily focused on Jainism, its principles, asceticism, non-violence, and philosophical ideas. | – Haribhadrasuri’s “Neminahacharith” – Jineshwar Suri’s “Ashtaka Prakaran Vritti” – Dharma Samudra Gani’s “Ratri Bhojan Ras” |
| 2. Dominance of Shanta Rasa | Jain literature predominantly expressed Shanta Rasa (peaceful sentiment), promoting calmness and detachment. | – Hemratna Suri’s “Gora Badal Ri Chaupai” – Songs of Samaysundar |
| 3. Diversity of Literary Forms | Jain literature was composed in various forms, including Ras, Chaupai, Doha, Chhand, Geet, and Fag. | – Narpati Nalha’s “Bisaldeva Raso” – Dharma Kavi’s “Sthulibhadra Ras” – Kushallabh’s “Madhavanala Chaupai” |
| 4. Depiction of Secular and Folk Life | Along with religious themes, Jain literature also depicted aspects of secular life, society, and love tales. | – Narpati Nalha’s “Bisaldeva Raso” – Hemratna Suri’s “Gora Badal Ri Chaupai” |
| Source: Old Raj Adhyayan Class 9 : Page 39 |
Extra Info:
| 5. Promotion of Social Reform and Morality | Jain literature propagated messages of social reform, charity, non-violence, compassion, and morality. | – Hemchandra Suri’s “Shabdanushasan” – “Jambuswami Charit” – Jineshwar Suri’s “Chaitanya Vandak” |
| 6. Historical and Mythological Themes | It included narratives based on historical and mythological events. | – Dhanpal’s “Sachariyath Mahaveer Utsah” – Vajrasena Suri’s “Bharateshwar Bahubali Ghor” |
| 7. Mysticism and Devotion in Poetry | Jain literature often carried elements of mysticism and devotion, enhancing its spiritual appeal. | – Sumati Gani’s “Neminath Ras” – Vijaysen Suri’s “Revat Giriras” |
| 8. Use of Folktales | Jain literature incorporated folktales to attract the common masses and make religious messages relatable. | – Kushallabh’s “Dhola Marvan Ki Chaupai” – Kavi Killol’s “Dhola Maru Ra Doha” |
| 9. Literature on Education and Medicine | Apart from religion, Jain literature also covered subjects like astrology, medicine, and education. | – Hemchandra Suri’s “Deshinam Mala” – Works on astrology and medicine |
| 10. Language and Style | Jain literature was written in Prakrit, Apabhramsha, Sanskrit, and Rajasthani. The style was simple and direct. | – Hemchandra Suri’s “Deshinam Mala” – Asait’s “Hansavali” |