224 The work, therefore, continues the tradition of the gagaria bhaty with its content turned to the didactic purpose of its Jain author. ^ The principal character of this story is Salibhadra, a contemporary, according to tradition, of Mahavira, founder of the Jain faith. Salibhadra, a merchant-prince whose wealth was beyond accounting, was wont to pass the time in blissful dalliance with his thirty-two wives, ignorant of the life beyond the walls of his palace, until the day when a visit by the king, Srenika, made him aware of his subordinate status. He decided, thereupon, to set aside his thirty-two wives and his wealth and become a monk. The excerpt, following, comprises the duha-segment of (jhal 17, dhal 18, and, of ShTll 19, all but the last stanza of the duha segment. Dhanya, who lived in that city, favored among his wives Subhadra, (Salibhadra^) sister. Once, when she was giving Dhanya his bath, she thought of her brother. Distress at separation from him tormented every part of her body. Her heart was on the point of breaking and she could not stem the tears in her eyes. (Dhanya) remarked, "You seem very sad and upset today. What scoundrel has harmed you? Why are tears streaming from your eyes? In Salibhadra you have a brother of spotless reputation. You, among my eight wives, are the breath of my life." Dhat 18: (Subhadra:) "After King Srenika visited his house, Salibhadra began to hold (this existence) in doubt. Every day he gives up one of his wives. He insists on taking the Vow. My own brother has become indifferent to the world. 1 began to cry when I thought of this.^3 When she is happy and content in her father-in-law's household, then a wife^ thoughts turn to her father^ house. What is a father^s house without a brother — like a friend who bears no love.^ Separated from her brother, a sister is dejected day and night. When she is scolded by her husband, to whom does she express her innermost feelings?"5^ (Dhanya:) "No disrespect to her fathers house can trouble hen. The sister of a man who has undertaken the Vow is ever young."^ (Subhadra:) "Who will call me lister1? Whom will ' I call ^rother^ Who will send me divers silken garments on the festival days?^ May you, in the Kdti-yuga, be free of old age and death, my lord. But whom will I stand before and blessP^ Now for whom shall I prepare and make fruitful