रत्नपालचरितम् : एक विवेचन

Summary

रत्नपालचरितम् : एक विवेचन (Ratnapalacaritam: An Analysis) by Hemvati Nandan Sharma presents a literary examination of Acharya Mahaprajna’s poem "Ratnapalacaritam." This narrative poem, consisting of five cantos and 224 verses, retells the story of Ratnapāla, a prince who abandons royal life in search of spiritual liberation. Sharma’s study assesses the poem through the traditional threefold framework of Indian literary criticism: emotional content (bhāva and rasa), thematic purpose and artistic technique. He begins by situating the poem within Jain literary tradition, noting how Mahaprajna draws on earlier Jain hagiographies while introducing imaginative descriptions of Ratnapāla’s palace, his family and his inner turmoil. The article devotes significant attention to rasa theory, explaining that the Sanskrit word "rasa" derives from the root "ranj," meaning "to delight." After a brief survey of different views on the number of rasas—ranging from Bharata’s eight to later lists of nine or ten—Sharma focuses on which emotions dominate Ratnapalacaritam. He argues that the śṛṅgāra (erotic) and vīra (heroic) rasas are most prominent in the early cantos, where the poet depicts Ratnapāla’s princely pleasures, his love for his consort and his valorous exploits. As the narrative progresses, however, karuṇa (compassion) and śānta (peace) rasas come to the fore. Scenes of Ratnapāla’s renunciation, his encounters with ascetics and his meditations are crafted to evoke empathy and a serene detachment in the reader. Sharma provides illustrative verses and analyses how alliterative devices, metaphors and rhythmic patterns reinforce these emotional shifts. In addition to rasa, the article examines the poem’s diction and style. Mahaprajna uses a refined yet accessible Sanskrit, interspersed with Prakrit expressions, to mirror the transition from worldly life to spiritual awakening. The language is marked by softness and clarity; compound words and ornate descriptions are balanced with simple expressions to maintain narrative flow. Sharma highlights how the poet employs various metres, including venerable chandas and more flexible patterns, to suit different moods. He also notes the interweaving of doctrinal statements; Mahaprajna subtly incorporates Jain ethical teachings, such as non‑violence, detachment and the impermanence of worldly pleasures, without disrupting the story’s aesthetic appeal. The article concludes that Ratnapalacaritam successfully blends poetic beauty with moral instruction, making it a valuable contribution to Jain literature.