Two Prakrit Versions Of Manipati Charitra

This book, "Two Prakrit Versions of the Manipati-Carita" edited by R. Williams and published by the Royal Asiatic Society in 1959, presents the texts of two Prakrit versions of a Jain narrative known as the Manipati-Carita (or Munipati-Carita). The work is part of the James G. Forlong Fund series, Volume XXVI.

The book contains:

• Two Prakrit Versions: The text of an anonymous, older Prakrit poem, likely dating from the 8th century AD, and a metrical epitome of it composed in Mahārāṣṭrī Prakrit by Haribhadra Sūri in the 12th century.
• Introduction: Discusses the title, local association with Gujarat, the influence of Haribhadra's version, and its connection to Āvaśyaka literature. It also touches upon its accessibility in Jain Bhandaras and the existence of various versions in Prakrit, Sanskrit, and Gujarati.
• Versions of the Story of Manipati: A comprehensive list of 18 versions of the story, detailing their language, author, and estimated date, spanning from Prakrit to modern Gujarati paraphrases.
• Manuscripts: Information on the manuscripts used for the MPC (anonymous) and the MPCH (Haribhadra's version), highlighting the script, dating, and editorial challenges faced due to orthographic peculiarities and corruptions.
• The Manipati-Carita of Jambunaga: Discusses a Prakrit version by Jambunaga, composed in Samvat 1005, and its relationship to the MPC and MPCH.
• The Manipati-Carita of Haribhadra: Details the attribution to Haribhadra Sūri, the date of compilation (Samvat 1172), and his potential relationship to the famous Haribhadra Sūri. It also notes verbal and other correspondences with the MPCJ.
• The Brhat-Katha-Kosa of Harisena: Explains how this Digambara Sanskrit work, compiled in Samvat 989, resembles the MPC, particularly story No. 102 (Jinadatta-kathānaka).
• The Stories: A detailed breakdown of the 16 stories within the frame narrative. It classifies the stories attributed to Kuñcika (dealing with ingratitude) and Manipati (exalting discernment and the ascetic life). It also discusses the narratives of the four munis, focusing on the theme of women's wickedness, and includes shorter tales. The relative lengths and variations between the MPC and MPCH versions are discussed.
• The Religious Aspect: Highlights the exposition of Jainism for laymen, with a focus on the ideal of ascetic life, the practice of kāyotsarga, and the importance of avoiding calumny (abbhakkāna). It notes the anti-Brahmanical tone of the MPC and the minor role of Hindu gods, with popular devotion centered on yakṣiņīs or śāsanadevatās. The danger of dying without true faith or inner tranquility is also stressed.
• Magadhi Verses: Discusses eighteen specific verses in the MPC composed in Māgadhi, their possible origin in popular songs, and their metrical analysis.
• Metre: Describes the metrical composition of both versions, primarily ārya metre, with mentions of upagīti, and other metres found in quoted verses.
• Language: Analyzes the Jaina Māhārāṣṭrī Prakrit used in the texts, noting linguistic similarities and differences between the MPC and MPCH, as well as features of older language and medieval Indo-Aryan trends. It details grammatical aspects like aorists, future formations, atmanepada terminations, absolutive forms, present participles, nominal inflexions, and the use of postpositions. It also points out the extensive use of proverbs in the MPC.
• Text and Translation: The book provides the Prakrit text of the anonymous Manipati-carita and its translation, followed by the Prakrit text of the Manipati-carita of Haribhadra.
• Notes and Glossary: Extensive notes explain textual emendations, discuss interpretation difficulties, and highlight parallels with other Indian literature. A glossary of uncommon words is also provided.

In essence, the book offers a scholarly edition and translation of two significant Jain texts, providing valuable insights into Jain narrative traditions, religious teachings, and linguistic evolution, with a particular focus on the diffusion and adaptation of these stories.