Ramacandra was the chief disciple of the great Acarya Hemacandra (A.D. 1089-1173). He takes pride in mentioning this fact in the prologues of some of his plays. The title 'Kavikataramalla' was conferred on him by Siddharāja Jayasiriha for his power of composing poems speedily or quickly. He had, it is said, lost one eye, although its precise cause is not known. He was a devout votary of Jainism, a fact attested to by the number of 'strotras' he wrote in praise of the Jinas. He was fearless. In spite of the orders of King Ajayapala he refused to impart knowledge to his fellow-student Balacandra whom he considered to be an unworthy pupil His works bear testimony to his love of freedom here on earth and ardent desire for freedom from the cycle of birth and death.3
Although he was a 'muni', whose chief essence is prasama (quietitude) he had a keen aesthetic sense, he was a lover of literature, seientific as well as artistic. It appears from his stout defence of writing plays that he was severely criticised by his contemporary critics for writing plays treating of love, laughter, heroism, etc. It also appears that he was charged of plagiarism in his own days by his spiteful critics whom be effectively replies to and silences.5 He was a very learned monk as he was proficient in grammar, Logic and Poetics 6 He was also conversant with the art of singing, music and dance and was well-versed in the ways of the world.
He proudly refers to himself as 'Prabandha-jata-karta'. But the works he wrote do not make the number '100'. We should interpret the 'title' to mean 'an author who wrote a large number of works'. He wrote sästra (scientific) works like Dravyalamkara (with a commentary) and Natyadar pana (with a commentary) in collaboration with Gupacandra, and independently Haimabrhadvrttinyasa. He wrote plays with a view to bringing round dull-headed men or the foolish people to the right path. He was an indefatigable and industrious poet and polymath. He was very proud of his learning and poetic genius. It is perfectly understandable if one is justly proud of his abilities and achievements. Some of his utterances, however, indicate that he was boastful.8
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist