Subhashita, Panchatantra and Gnomic Literature
in Ancient and Medieval India

Ability of Human beings to communicate with the help of spoken and
written language has given birth to an unknown quantity of literature. It
ranges from very crude to highly refined works. Apart from some cave
inscriptions, we do not have very early works of human beings as the
canvas of time is of thousands of years. The earliest such known available
creative work is the composition of Rigvedic hymns. Seers do not take
credit for its creation, and only claim to be receivers. They are addressed
as drashtas and this literature is considered as apaurusheya. If this is
taken as the beginning, during last thousands of years, civilizations have
been giving birth to variety of literary forms.

Hindus seems to have excelled in this art of creating literature, and
also have given birth to endless varieties to suit their experiences. This
year, we are trying to explore gnomic, subhashita-s, epigram, wisdom
literature, etc. composed by Indian civilization. As human beings are exposed
to varied experiences while interacting with other human beings and nature,
they differ in their intensities and perceptions. Transforming these self
experiences into precise verbal form is a journey which needs creativity
and innovativeness. We see this in abundance, in subhashita and wisdom
literatures.

In this respect, Sternbach’s observations are masterly. He says
“Probably no other literature in the world can be compared with Sanskrit
literature as far as the variety of subjects, dealt with in short epigrams, is
concerned. Sanskrit writers cultivated poetry to such an extent that every
work, whether on love or hate, life or death, and even on law, philosophy,
logic, medicine, horses, or manure, was written in verse. The condensation
of thought in short verse was masterfully performed and epigrams on
different subjects of life are countless. They were composed in verse,
because their brevity and condensed nature made it easier for a common
reader to commit them to memory.”

Scholars of the later period have tried to summarise this literature
either in the form of subhashita sangraha or gnomic and didactic poetry.
Even many of the stone and copper plate inscriptions seem to have used
this form on various occasions. Prakrit literature from North to South India
has abundance of this type of composition.

We would also like scholars to dwell deep in the panchatantra and
similar wisdom writings. As a matter of fact, panchatantra seems to
have travelled to East and West at a very early period, and most of the
western nursery rhymes and wisdom literature have their origins in
panchatantra and jatak kathas. They have inspired temple sculptures in
India as well. This literature has also reached Tibet, China and Central
Asian countries in the North as well as almost all South East Asian countries
of today.

I am sure, scholars would examine every facet of available resource
to add new information and insight to this creative literature of India. They
should also include relevance of this literature to the positive sciences.

Yours Sincerely,

(Dr. V.V. Bedekar)
President,
Institute for Oriental Study,Thane

Note : • Abstracts or Papers sent after the last date of submission will not be accepted. • Email correspondence will be appreciated for all interaction and submission of abstracts and papers. • Handwritten abstracts or papers will not be accepted. Email : vbedekar@yahoo.com

 

Seminar Details

Venue : Thorale Bajirao Peshwe Sabhagruha,
Thane College Campus, "Jnanadweepa',
Chendani, Bunder Road, Thane (W) 400 601. Maharashtra
Date : Saturday, the 27th December 2008
Time : 09.00 am onwards

Last Date of receiving Abstract : 31st August, 2008
Last Date of receiving Papers : 30th November, 2008

All Abstracts should be accompanied with Registration fee.
All drafts should be drawn in favour of Institute for Oriental Study, Thane.

(a) Papers for the Seminar should strictly adhere to the subject of the Seminar.
(b) Kindly specify the topic you have chosen for your presentation.
(c) Restrict yourself to the topic avoiding all generalisations.
(d) Refer to the primary sources from Sanskrit and Prakrit.
(e) Send your paper neatly typed on one side of paper. Handwritten papers won't be accepted.
(f) Use dialectical marks appropriately.
(g) Along with the Roman Script rendition supply the Devanagari Version.
(i) The abstract should be epitomised version of the whole paper comprising of 300 words atleast. Avoid generalities. The abstract should reach us not later than 31st August 2007
(j) Organising seminars has become a very expensive affair bound by limitation of time. To gain maximum dividend out of this exercise the scholar should examine critically the available Sanskrit literature and the paper should be an original contribution rather than a repetition of facts already known. The paper may be short or elaborate but it should reach us not later than 30th November 2007. Electronic versions and e-mail attachments would be preferred.

If you need any more information write to us without any hesitation.
Your co-operation is the only means of reaching towards the success of the forthcoming Seminar.