Essay name: Paumacariya (critical study)
Author:
K. R. Chandra
Affiliation: Research institute of Prakrit, Jainology and Ahimsa Vaishali
This is a critical study of the Paumacariya: the earliest Jain version of Rama's life story, written in Prakrit by Vimalasuri dating to the 4th century AD. In this text, Rama (referred to as Padma) is depicted with lotus-like eyes and a blooming face. The Paumacariya places emphasis on the human aspects of characters rooted in Jain values, contrasting with the divine portrayal in Valmiki鈥檚 version.
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452
A CRITICAL STUDY OF PAUMACARIYA峁�
wing precious stones (ma峁噄 6.29) have been mentioned: diamond
(Vajja 3.75), ruby (Paumar膩ya 6.39); M膩峁噄kka (2.11), saphire
(Indan墨la 3.132; 14.90), emerald (Maragaya 3.75;22.23), lapis lazuli
(Veruliya 3.75;14.90), sun-crystal (S奴rakanta 3.75; P煤sama峁噄 6.39)
and moon-stone (Sasikanta 8.265; Candama峁噄 3.132). Then there
were the Sphatika (phaliha 2.9, the species of quartz), K膩ki峁嚹�-
ratna (Kaga峁嚹� 4.78, an illuminating gem) and the Karketana
(Kakkeyana 3.75). The sea is called a mine of gems (Raya峁嚹亂ara
53.51). Precious gems available from the sea were pearls (Mottiya
3.1; 4.5; 53.108;72.27) and corals (Vidduma 28.116, Pav膩la 64.10). The
shells and conch-shells (Sippi, Sankha 8.258, 259) are also mentioned.
All these precious materials were used in decorating ornaments,
utensils, buildings and vehicles of conveyance.
Various metals referred to are Gold (Suva峁囜箛a 53.107, Hema
14.53; Kanaya 2.3; 34.58; 64.10; Ka帽cana 3 28; 53.113; C膩m墨yara
26.14, Jamb奴峁嘺ya 71.9); Purified Gold (niddhanta Kanaya 20.57);
dust of gold (Ka峁嘺yacun峁嘺 6.70 or Kanayara 66.21); Silver
(Ruppaya 14.141; 64.10; Rayaya 3.150; Hiranna 3.68); Copper
(Tamba 27.32); Tin (Tava=Trapu 118.8); Iron (Loha 28.115; 77.70,
Ayasa 33.37) and Lead (Sisaya 26.50). The reference to Darpa峁嘺
(10.5) indicates that the mirror was prepared from some glittering
metal or stone.
Mineral powders mentioned in the PCV are Sind奴ra (red
lead 2.39 or vermilion); Geruya (the red chalk 12.106; 71.3) and
other powders of different colours (dh膩奴kayangar膩ga 27.33;
vicittadh膩奴rase峁嘺峁� 29.3; rang膩val墨nioga峁� cuppe峁嘺峁� pa帽cavanne峁嘺峁�
29.2;40.5)
The specific rocks referred to are Pa峁囜笉ukambala-sil膩 (2.25) and
Kotisila (48.103). The former is said to be found on the Meru mountain
on which the ablution ceremony of new born Jinas is performed
and the latter to have been lifted by Vasudeva Lak峁a峁嘺 to prove
that he could kill R膩vana. Phalihasil膩 or crystalline rock was used
in constructing walls (68.9) and staircases (68.12) of palaces.
Forest Yield: The reference to charcoal-makers (14.15) indicates
that the forests were harnessed for making fuel. The wood gatherers
(d膩rukamma 31.44;103.30) perhaps supplied the wood for fuel and
furniture. The references to chariots and carts reveal that timber was
largely available. Reeds were used for making cane-seats (vett膩sa峁嘺 69.
14). Bamboos and Pal膩sa trees were used for preparing vessels and
utensils (41.4). Elephants were caught from the forests (94.103). They
were employed in army and for the ride of the kings. The reference to
