Significance of Crown prince
The term "Crown prince" encompasses various interpretations across texts from Jainism, South Asia, Arthashastra, Purana, Natyashastra, Mahayana, Theravada, and Indian history. Generally, it signifies the heir apparent to the throne, bearing unique responsibilities and expectations. The crown prince's role is highlighted through numerous figures, including Abhici, Suddhodana, and Rama, who illustrate the blend of royal heritage and the pressures of leadership. This title outlines their potential for future governance and the influence they carry within royal traditions.
Synonyms: Heir apparent, Royal heir, Successor, Prince regent, Future king
In Dutch: Kroonprins; In Finnish: Kruununprinssi; In Spanish: Príncipe heredero; In German: Kronprinz; In Swedish: Kronprins; In Malay: Putera mahkota; In French: Prince héritier; In Italian: Principe ereditario; In Portugese: Príncipe herdeiro; In Polish: Książę koronny
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Crown prince'
In Buddhism, the term "Crown prince" encompasses various interpretations, from representing Manjusri's royal status to signifying Siddhartha Gautama’s journey towards enlightenment, highlighting themes of leadership, moral virtues, and the quest for deeper meaning beyond materialism.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A description of the Buddha as the crown prince of King Shuddhodana, belonging to the noble line of the Shakyas.[1] (2) The crown prince is a royal, and went out to meet the Buddha, and also prostrated at his feet.[2] (3) The title given to the heir apparent to the throne, specifically the son of King Shuddhodana.[3] (4) Kumarabhuta, representing the quality of a prime disciple or a prominent figure in the Dharma lineage.[4] (5) The title held by the Bodhisattva Shakyamuni in a previous lifetime, indicating his position as the heir to the throne of a great kingdom.[5]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) A royal heir who is expected to become king, symbolizing respect and honor associated with future leadership and authority.[6]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) A title used to refer to Manjusri in the context, suggesting his royal status and importance.[7]
From: The Perfection Of Wisdom In Eight Thousand Lines
(1) This is a person who, with little authority and resources, is generous and desires the welfare of others, symbolizing the wise Bodhisattva, who is concerned with the happiness of many others.[8]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The official title of Prince Maha Paduma as the sole heir to the throne after the passing of his mother.[9] (2) The title held by Prince Suddhodana before his consecration as king.[10]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The title that may have been held by Rahula if he were to become the heir in a worldly life.[11]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) Mahapaduma, the son of King Brahmadata, who faced trials due to false accusations by the chief queen.[12]
Hindu concept of 'Crown prince'
In Hinduism, "Crown Prince" signifies the title given to royal heirs, such as Udayana and Naravahanadatta, denoting their readiness for leadership, responsibilities, and expectations, while reflecting qualities, status, and divine associations in royal succession.
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) We have also a reference to a system where the Crown Prince had a court composed of young men in training for the posts of ministers, as described in the text.[13] (2) The title promised to whoever marries Kanakarekha, the daughter of King Paropakarin.[14] (3) The main character, Naravahanadatta, is referred to as the Crown Prince, indicating his royal status and expectation of marrying his beloved.[15] (4) The title given to Suryaprabha by his father, King Candraprabha, indicating his future sovereignty.[16] (5) The title held by Jivahara, who is a potential throne successor, facing the reality of many predecessors who did not attain kingship.[17]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The title awarded to Gangeya after king Shantanu's joyous reunion with him, marking the survival of the royal lineage.[18]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The title held by the eldest son of a king, in this case referring to Naga, who would rule after his father's departure.[19]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The title Dasharatha attempted to bestow upon Rama before his exile.[20]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The monkeys exclaimed in sympathy upon hearing the words of the crown prince.[21]
From: Shukra Niti by Shukracharya
(1) The heir apparent to the throne who is chosen based on various factors including character and capability to govern.[22]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) The title for a crown-prince is 'sire' (svamin).[23]
From: Manasara (English translation)
(1) Crown princes are a social class whose buildings should have bases with a height of two and a half cubits, following the architectural proportions.[24]
Jain concept of 'Crown prince'
In Jainism, "Crown prince" signifies the heir apparent, responsible for leadership and ascetic virtues, as seen in figures like Balashri, Sumitravijaya, Abhici, and Vishakhabhuti, who symbolize continuity and moral duties in succession.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Shri Pundarika sat down on the Lord’s footstool, like a crown prince on that of the sovereign, showing a position of authority.[25] (2) The crown prince is Vishakhabhuti, who was intelligent, heroic, well-bred, politic, and also the father of Vishvabhuti, and younger brother of King Vishvanandin.[26] (3) Refers to the son of Jarasandha, actively participating in the battle against Krishna's forces.[27] (4) A title indicating the next in line for leadership, often with unique responsibilities and expectations.[28] (5) The title held by Abhici, indicating he is the heir apparent to King Udayana's throne.[29]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) Balashri, designated heir to the throne, anticipated to become a leader among ascetics.[30]
The concept of Crown prince in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Crown prince" encompasses various roles related to royal succession, highlighting themes of duty, expectation, and familial conflict among characters like Rama, Bharata, and Vijayavarma, reflecting the complexities of royal lineage and governance.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The title intended for Rama, which Kaika attempts to disrupt by promoting her son Bharata instead.[31] (2) The heir apparent to the throne who is being groomed for future kingship.[32] (3) The title given to Bharata as the heir-apparent, which is overshadowed by Rama's reliance on Lakshmana in governance.[33] (4) Bharata is positioned to assume this role, yet he rejects the crown, preferring instead to live in accordance with Rama’s wishes.[34] (5) The firstborn son of a king, in this context referring to Rama, who carries the weight of royal expectations and responsibilities.[35]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The heir to the throne, whose absence necessitated finding a new king upon the old king's death.[36]
The concept of Crown prince in scientific sources
Crown prince refers to Abbas Mirza, who initiated reforms like the Chamber of Justice, and Dara Shukuh, who governed several provinces in the mid-11th century AH.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) The position of Crown Prince was sought after by Prince Qin, with officials like He Ze appealing for his appointment, reflecting the power struggles and succession concerns during Emperor Mingzong's deteriorating health.[37] (2) It mentions people being sent to the shrines to consult health problem of the Grand Royal Queen Dowager, as well as the Crown Prince.[38]
From: Religious Inquiries (Journal)
(1) Crown prince Abbas Mirza was relatively devoted to ulema and began several reforms, such as the foundation of the Chamber of Justice.[39] (2) Crown prince Dara Shukuh was ordered to control the provinces of Allahabad, Punjab, Gujarat, Multan and Kabul in the years 1055 to 1062 AH.[40]
Classical concept of 'Crown prince'
From: Egypt Through The Stereoscope
(1) The crown prince desired to have it made public that he had taken part in the battle and caused his figure to be inserted behind his father, showcasing ambition and desire for recognition.[41]