Agarchand Nahta Abhinandan Granth Part 2 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Agarchand Nahta Abhinandan Granth Part 2," focusing on its content and context:

Book Title: Agarchand Nahta Abhinandan Granth Part 2 Author(s): Dashrath Sharma (as Chief Editor) Publisher: Agarchand Nahta Abhinandan Granth Prakashan Samiti Year of Publication: 1977

Overall Context:

This volume is a felicitation or "Abhinandan Granth" (a collection of tributes and scholarly works) dedicated to Shri Agarchand Nahta, a highly respected and prolific scholar in Jainism, history, archaeology, and Rajasthani and Hindi literature. The "Granth" (book) is a testament to his multifaceted personality, vast knowledge, and significant contributions to various fields of learning. The volume is presented as "Part 2," suggesting a preceding or concurrent volume that likely focused on personal tributes and biographical information, while this part is dedicated to scholarly research papers.

Key Aspects of the Granth:

The Honoree, Shri Agarchand Nahta:
- Multifaceted Scholar: He is described as a keen lover and connoisseur of art, a meticulous researcher of archaeology and history, a diligent explorer, collector, and rescuer of ancient literature and manuscripts.
- Literary Figure: He was a prominent writer and servant of his mother tongue Rajasthani and the national language Hindi.
- Intellectual and Spiritual: He was a thoughtful thinker, a dedicated sadhaka (spiritual practitioner), a successful businessman, and an active worker.
- Philanthropist and Patron: He lived a life of "simple living and high thinking." His life exemplified this motto.
- Legacy: He is celebrated as a pride of India and a source of inspiration to many. His 50 years of dedicated study and research were being completed in Samvat 2034 (corresponding to 1977 CE), the year of publication.
The Felicitation Committee and Editorial Board:
- Conception: The idea of honoring Shri Nahta arose from his friends, colleagues, and admirers. His nephew, Shri Hazarimal Banthia, took the initiative to bring this idea to fruition.
- Formation: An ad-hoc committee was formed, later formalized as the Agarchand Nahta Abhinandan Utsav Samiti. Dr. Daulat Singh Kothari, a renowned educationist and then Chairman of the University Grants Commission, chaired this committee.
- Editorial Team: A distinguished editorial board was assembled, with Dr. Dashrath Sharma as the Chief Editor. Other members included prominent scholars like Dr. Bhogilal Sandesara, Dr. A. N. Upadhye, Dr. R. C. Agrawala, Dr. B. N. Sharma, Prof. Narottamdas Swami, Dr. Manohar Sharma, and others. Shri Ramvallabh Somani served as the Managing Editor.
Content of Part 2:
- Scholarly Research: This second part of the Granth is primarily a compilation of research papers contributed by scholars in honor of Shri Nahta.
- Structure: The Granth is divided into three sections:
  - Volume 1 (Khand 1): History and Archaeology
  - Volume 2 (Khand 2): Language and Literature
  - Volume 3 (Khand 3): Miscellaneous Topics
- Scope of Papers: The papers cover a wide range of subjects, including:
  - Archaeology: Identification of deities, ancient art styles (Maru-Gurjar painting), archaeological sites (Palu, Osian), Jain art in Madhya Pradesh, ancient inscriptions (stone, metal), classification of inscriptions.
  - History: Jainism in ancient Vraja Mandala, the development of Jainism in Madhya Pradesh, historical survey of the Indian Navy, coins of the Malavas of Rajasthan, Tantric cult in Eastern India, the problem of 'Apadha' in the Rigveda, 8th Century documents on earning money, prehistoric background of Rajasthani culture, Mewar painting.
  - Language and Literature: Paninian period and the dual number in Sanskrit, historical Sanskrit Champus, Sanskrit literary contributions of Mahopadhyaya Kshamakalyan Gani, etymology of Prakrit words, the contribution of Apabhramsa narrative poetry to Indian culture, an unchronicled Charitakavya in Apabhramsa, Haribhadra as a foundational figure in Rajasthani Katha-Kavya, the authorship of the alleged Harivanshcharitam by Vimalasuri, an unpublished illustrated work 'Pasanaahchariu' by Mahakavi Radhhu, Shatrunjaya Tirthaashtaka, the foundation of the Mula Sangh Bhattaraka Prabhachandra and Padmanandi in Delhi Patt, the cultural background of Amrashataka, classification of Rajasthani inscriptions.
  - Miscellaneous: Use of 'hetu' (reasoning) in Jain logic, ethical ideals in Jain philosophy, the glory of Pran (life-force) in the Aitareya Aranyaka, the use of ancient Indian literature, the life of Shri Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhu, the synthesis of Dvaita and Advaita, the excellence of Chitrakaavya (pictorial poetry) - Saptasandhana Mahakavya, the context of 'Ghusalkhana' in Shivraj Bhushan, a comparative study of the tales of Hothal Nigamari and Odha Jham, a new version of the 'Teja' folk song, two controversial questions related to Ranachhoddas Bhatt's Amara Kavya and Maharana Pratap.
Publication Details:
- First Edition: 1977 CE.
- Price: Rs. 101 for Part 2, Rs. 151 for both parts.
- Printing: Phagulal Jain, Mahavir Press, Varanasi.
- Availability: Mentioned locations include Shri Abhay Jain Granthalaya (Bikaner), Nahata Bandhu (Kanpur), and Nahata Brothers (Kolkata).
Editorial Process and Challenges:
- Delays: The publication process was lengthy due to financial arrangements and printing delays. The original plan was to coincide the book release with Shri Nahta's 60th birthday, but this was not possible.
- Two-Part Publication: The decision was made to publish the Granth in two parts, and the felicitation ceremony was also divided into two events. The first was held in Bikaner when the first part was ready.
- Selection of Papers: A large number of memoirs and research papers were received. Due to financial constraints and page limitations (an estimated 4000-5000 pages if all were included), only selected papers could be published.
- Apologies: The editorial board expressed regret to authors whose valuable contributions could not be included due to these limitations.

Key Themes and Contributions Highlighted:

The Granth underscores the immense depth and breadth of Shri Agarchand Nahta's scholarly pursuits. It showcases the rich tapestry of Jain literature, history, and culture, particularly focusing on contributions from Rajasthan and Gujarat. The papers themselves represent significant academic research, shedding light on various aspects of Indian heritage, from ancient religious practices and philosophical concepts to linguistic evolution and artistic expressions. The dedication to Shri Nahta highlights his role as a central figure in promoting and preserving this knowledge.