भविसयत्तकहा में युग और समाज के संदर्भ
By डं° रामगोपाल शर्मा “दिनेश
Summary
The text discusses the Jain epic "Bhavisayattakaha" (Bhavishyadatta Katha) by the poet Dhanapala, who lived in the 14th century during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq (1325-1351 CE). Dhanapala uses the narrative to reflect the economic hardships and social conditions of his era. The story is set in the prosperous city of Gajapura (Hastinapura) in the Kuru-jangala region, ruled by King Bhupala, with Dhanavada as the city's chief merchant. The narrative explores themes of wealth, polygamy, and moral decay. Dhanapala contrasts virtuous characters like Kamalashri and her son Bhavishyadatta with the corrupt Bandhudatta. Kamalashri, after seeking a boon from a sage, gives birth to Bhavishyadatta. The poet critiques the era's social vices, including lust and greed, which lead to conflicts and inhuman behavior. The story highlights the plight of women and the importance of maternal love as a sustaining force in a society lacking legal or social justice. Bhavishyadatta, after being abandoned by Bandhudatta in a forest, survives through his religious devotion and eventually marries Bhavishyanurupa, symbolizing an idealized future. The text emphasizes that religious faith is the only means to overcome societal ills. Dhanapala presents the work as a vrata (religious observance) to be heard and remembered, urging moral purification. The poem reflects contemporary beliefs in karma, fate, and dreams, and serves as a critique of its time while offering timeless lessons for modern society.
Conclusion
This analysis reveals that Dhannapāla’s *Bhavisayattakahā* is not merely a religious narrative but a sharp social critique of 14th-century India, where economic disparity, moral decay, and unchecked lust plagued society. The poem’s enduring relevance lies in its exposure of timeless human vices—greed, polygamy, and cruelty—which persist despite legal reforms. By contrasting the virtuous Bhāvishyadatta with the depraved Bandhudatta, Dhannapāla argues that only spiritual discipline and maternal compassion can redeem a corrupt world. The work’s ultimate implication is that societal salvation requires internal moral awakening, not external punishment. Modern readers must reinterpret these ancient lessons to combat contemporary ethical crises, recognizing that religious texts hold practical wisdom for fostering social integrity.