Canakka, Cānakka: 3 definitions

Introduction:

Canakka means something in Buddhism, Pali, the history of ancient India, Jainism, Prakrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Buddhism

Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names

A brahmin of Takkasila, who killed King DhanAnanda and placed Candagutta on the throne (Mhv.v.16f.; Mbv.98). In his youth Canakka looked after his mother, and finding that she was worrying lest he, who was destined for kingly power, should leave her, he broke his tooth, having been told that there his luck resided. One day, on going for alms to DhanAnandas palace, he was insulted, and in order to avenge the insult he kidnapped the kings son, Pabbatakumara. He then adopted Candagutta and, finding him better fitted for kingship than Pabbata, he contrived that the latter should be killed. When preparations had been made, he induced Candagutta to rise in revolt against DhanAnanda, and, finally, to kill him and ascend the throne. (See MT.181ff for details, also Candagutta).

The Theragatha Commentary (i.440) states that Tekicchanis father, Subandhu, roused the jealousy of Canakka, who had him put in prison.

context information

Theravāda is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

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India history and geography

Source: Singhi Jain Series: Ratnaprabha-suri’s Kuvalayamala-katha (history)

Cāṇakka (चाणक्क) is another spelling for Cāṇakya as mentioned in the Uddyotanasūri in his 8th-century Kuvalayamālā (a Prakrit Campū, similar to Kāvya poetry).—The Kuvalayamala (779 A.D.) is full of cultural material which gains in value because of the firm date of its composition. [...] There is a description of the holy city of [Vāṇārasī, in the territory of] Kashi where, among other subjects, there was provision of the teaching of Arthastāstra of Kauṭilya (Cāṇakka-satthaim). Uddyotanasūri does not mention by name any other text except the treatise of Cāṇakya which shows that the Arthaśāstra of Kauṭilya was existing and formed an important subject of study by young men at the educational centre at Varanasi.

India history book cover
context information

The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as mythology, zoology, royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

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Languages of India and abroad

Prakrit-English dictionary

Source: DDSA: Paia-sadda-mahannavo; a comprehensive Prakrit Hindi dictionary

Cāṇakka (चाणक्क) in the Prakrit language is related to the Sanskrit word: Cāṇakya.

context information

Prakrit is an ancient language closely associated with both Pali and Sanskrit. Jain literature is often composed in this language or sub-dialects, such as the Agamas and their commentaries which are written in Ardhamagadhi and Maharashtri Prakrit. The earliest extant texts can be dated to as early as the 4th century BCE although core portions might be older.

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See also (Relevant definitions)

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