Influence of Buddhism on the novel Wismrit yatri by Rahul Sankrityayan

Abstract

Mahapandit Rahul Sankrityayan is considered an eminent scholar of Hindi literature and a pioneer of travel literature. Sankrityayan was a recluse monk, traveler, follower of Buddhism, philosopher, archaeologist, sociologist, historian, politician and an exclusive worshiper of Hindi language. The entire life of Sankrityayan passed through four philosophical stages like Vaishnavism, Arya Samaj, Buddhist Philosophy and Marxism. The religion that influenced Sankrityayan’s life the most was Buddhism. In 1972, when Sankrityayan reached Sri Lanka as a Sanskrit teacher, his attraction towards Buddhism increased even more. He started teaching as a teacher of Sanskrit language at Kelaniya Vidyalankara Pirivena and because of his love for Buddhism, he engaged in detailed study of Pali, Prakrit and Apabhransh. In view of his expertise and in-depth study of Buddhism, he was awarded the title of ‘Tripitakacharya’. In 1930, during his second visit to Sri Lanka, Sankrityayan took the transition to Buddhism. After this, he spread Buddhism actively. The humanism of Buddhism was practiced by Sankrityayan in his life. He wrote a large number of creative works such as novels, stories, travelogues, memoirs, autobiographies, essays, biographies and plays, etc., in which his experience, thinking and ideological vision are included. In fact, his research on Buddhism is considered epoch-making in Hindi literature. He deserves an unparalleled place in Hindi literature in terms of his immense personality and prolific creativity. The novels composed by Sankrityayan include Jine ke lie, Singh Senapati, Jay Yaudhey, Madhur swapna, Wismrit yatri, Divodas, Rajasthani Raniwas, Biswi sadi, and Bhago nahi duniya ko badalo. They are his unique creations. Out of these novels, Wismrith yatrii which was written in 1954, is particularly noteworthy among the works that were influenced by Buddhism. This novel is related to the travels and activities of Buddhist-promotional activities of a 6th century Buddhist traveler Narendrayash. The purpose of this research article is to evaluate the impact of Buddhism on the novel Wismrit yatrii by Rahul Sankrityayan. Many books have been written by scholars on the outstanding personality and work of Rahul Sankrityayan and some research work has been done on Rahul Sankrityayan by the scholars of different universities of India in the field of Hindi research. But there is still a lack of research and critical work on this topic. Therefore, that gap is filled by this research article. Analytical research methods have been used in the present research paper to fulfill the objective of the study. Authentic texts related to the research topic were pursued and critical articles and information material obtained from reliable classical journals and international publications were also reviewed. The significance of this research article is to discuss and inaugurate the human values that Rahul Sankrityayan has established through this novel related to humanity, equality, social justice etc.