Ajmer Samiparvi Shektra Ke Katipay Upekshit Hindi Sahityakar

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Ajmer Samiparvi Shektra ke Katipay Upekshit Hindi Sahityakar" by Kantisagar, presented in English:

Book Title: Ajmer Samiparvi Shektra ke Katipay Upekshit Hindi Sahityakar (Certain Neglected Hindi Literary Figures of the Region Surrounding Ajmer) Author: Munishri Kantisagar Publisher: Z_Hajarimalmuni_Smruti_Granth_012040.pdf Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/210019/1

Overview:

This book, authored by Munishri Kantisagar, aims to shed light on overlooked and underappreciated Hindi literary figures from the region surrounding Ajmer, Rajasthan. The author emphasizes that while Ajmer has a rich historical and religious significance, its contribution to Hindi literature, particularly from lesser-known figures, has been largely neglected by mainstream literary historians. The work is a testament to the author's extensive research and dedication to uncovering and documenting these forgotten literary contributions, particularly from the Jain community and the royal families of the region.

Key Themes and Content:

1. Historical and Cultural Significance of Ajmer and its Surroundings:

   • The text begins by highlighting Ajmer's (Ajaymeru/Ajaygarh) historical importance as a center of Indian politics and culture alongside Delhi and Agra.
   • It acknowledges Ajmer's religious significance, mentioning figures like Raja Ajaypal, Acharya Shri Jindatsuri, and Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, as well as sacred sites like the Khwaja Dargah and Pushkar.
   • Ajmer is recognized as a significant land for Rajput culture, Arya Dharma, and importantly, for Sanskrit and Hindi literary scholars. It is noted as the birthplace of the foundational text of Hindi Ramayana literature, "Prithviraj Raso," and the playground of the last Chauhan emperor, Prithviraj.
   • The historical presence of Jain culture in the region is emphasized, tracing it back to the Prahnavahana lineage of Acharyas associated with Harṣhpur (located in the Ajmer Mandal), which later became known as Chandragachha or Rajagachha. Acharya Pradyumnasuri's influence in converting rulers to Jainism is mentioned, leading to the creation of philosophical literature like "Vadamaharnava."

2. Focus on Kishengarh and its Literary Heritage:

   • The book then shifts focus to Kishengarh, situated on the Jaipur road near Ajmer, describing it as an unparalleled center of Indian culture, literature, and painting for about three centuries.
   • The author argues that Kishengarh's literary tradition is older and more influential than commonly recognized, primarily known only through the saint-poet Nagridas (Sawant Singh).
   • The author points out that the literary efforts of Nagridas's ancestors have not been adequately evaluated by Hindi literary historians.
   • Jain Significance of Kishengarh: Kishengarh also holds significant importance from a Jain perspective. Since its inception, it has had close ties with the Jain community, with Jains holding high official positions. The royal library of Kishengarh is noted as being very rich in Jain literature. Prominent Jain monks like Upadhyay Meghvijayji and Acharya Shri Jinrangsuriji resided there, contributing to literature and inspiring the local populace and the royal family.
   • Lokaagachha's Role: Kishengarh was also a center for the Lokaagachha sect, with several Acharyas residing there and having their Chaaturmaas and Acharya-pads.
   • Neglect in Literary Histories: The author laments that current Hindi literature histories are incomplete without a comprehensive literary survey of all regions. This lack of regional surveys has led to misconceptions about Hindi and its authors, resulting in the neglect of significant works and creators.

3. Introduction of Neglected Literary Figures and Their Works:

   • The author presents the findings of his research, highlighting several individuals whose literary contributions have been overlooked. These are categorized into known and unknown creators.
   • Known Creators: Acharya Shri Jinrangsuriji, Maharaja Rajsingh, Brajdasi Bankavati, and Vijaykirti.
   • Unknown Creators: Maharaja Roopsingh, Maharaja Mansingh, Maharaja Biddatsingh, Maharaja Kalyansingh, Maharaja Prithvisingh, his son Juvansingh, Maharaja Yagyanarayanasingh, poet Naning, Panchayan, Jasraj Bhat, and Prem or Paramsukh.

4. Detailed Profiles of Selected Literary Figures:

   • Acharya Shri Jinrangsuriji: An influential Acharya of the Khartargachha, born in Rajalsar but with strong connections to Kishengarh and Ajmer, which served as his center for religious and cultural pursuits. He was a poet and eloquent speaker, with works like "Rang Bahuttari," "Prabodh Bavani," "Navatattva Balavabodh," and devotional compositions. A previously unknown work, "Dharmadatta Chutah Padi" (composed in Kishengarh in VS 1737), is presented.

   • Kishengarh Royal Family's Literary Contributions:

     • Maharaja Kingsinghji: Founded Kishengarh in VS 1666. The royal family was historically connected to the Vallabha lineage. They actively supported music, literature, and art, with many poets and scholars congregating there. The rulers themselves were connoisseurs, poets, scholars, and painters. The author notes that much of their Krishna-bhakti literature remains unacknowledged.
     • Maharaja Roopsinghji (reigned c. VS 1700-1715): His devotional verses are found in a manuscript.
     • Maharaja Mansinghji (reigned c. VS 1715-1763): A man of self-respect, devotion, and scholarship. He inspired poet Vriṁd to write "Vachnika" in VS 1762. Over 100 of his verses and "khyal" compositions are in the author's collection. He had a deep love for literature and was knowledgeable in philosophical principles of his sect. He was also a musician.
     • Maharaja Rajsingh (reigned c. VS 1763-1805): Father of the renowned poet Nagridas (Sawant Singh). His known works include "Bahuvilas," "Rajprakash," and "Ras Payanayaka." The author discovered more of his works, including early couplets from his youth (VS 1760). He had a deep interest in poetry, with one work dated VS 1788.
     • Brajdasi Bankavati: Daughter of Bankawat Anand Singh and wife of Maharaja Rajsingh. She is known by her pen name Brajdasi, though some verses bear the "Banki" stamp. She married Maharaja Rajsingh in Vrindavan in VS 1778. She was culturally inclined and commissioned the writing of over a hundred manuscripts, many of which were religious but also included subjects like Nayika Bhed, medicine, and prosody. Her famous work is the "Bhagavata-nuvada," which she wrote in a narrative style rather than a lyrical one. The author introduces her other discovered works: "Salav Yuddha," "Ashish Sangrah," and "Sphut Kavitta."
     • Sudar Kunwari Bai: Daughter of Brajdasi, born around VS 1761. She was also gifted with poetic talent. The author corrects dating errors in her works, such as "Bhāvanāprakāś" (VS 1846), "Sār Sangrah" (VS 1847), and "Prem Sankalpa" (VS 1845), based on a manuscript in Gwalior.
     • Chhatrakunwari Bai: Granddaughter of Nagridas. The author corrects significant chronological errors in her biography and works, particularly "Prem Vinod," suggesting that dates were miswritten from 17xx to 18xx. She was a prominent singer of Krishna's praises from the Kishengarh royal family.
     • Maharaja Biddatsinghji (reigned c. VS 1838-1845): Known for his verses and a prose-poetic commentary on "Gitagovinda." He received assistance from Hariharanadas of Bihar in its creation.
     • Maharaja Kalyansinghji (reigned c. VS 1854-1865): His verses are mentioned.
     • Maharaja Prithvisinghji (reigned c. VS 1897-1936): Adopted from Fatehgarh. Only one verse mentioning the Vallabhacharya tradition is found.
     • Juvansinghji: Second son of Maharaja Prithvisinghji, active around VS 1945-46. A devout Krishna devotee. His works include "Ras Tarang" (a collection of spiritual waves of devotion), "Nakhasikh-Shikhankh," and "Jalvaye Shahanshah Ishq." His study was vast, and he collaborated with Jayalal. "Ras Tarang" is divided into three parts: praises related to Krishna's life, praises of Vallabhacharya and his lineage, and descriptions of Krishna's life events through seasons. He also wrote a praise for Lord Rama.
     • Yagyanarayan Singhji (reigned c. VS 1983-1865): The last Maharaja of Kishengarh in this cultural lineage. He was a skilled poet, writing verses, "rasiyas," and "savaiyas," with both devotional and philosophical content.
     • Naning: A poet and scribe, possibly from Kishengarh, known for copying "Raja Panchanaka Katha" in VS 1787. He also authored "Majlis Shiksha," a work on practical knowledge of assemblies and societies, with interesting descriptions of Bengal.
     • Panchayan: A resident of Ajmer, author of "Muhurta Kosh," a Hindi poem about auspicious timings, which also contains historical details about Ajmer, including its water management system, particularly for Taragarh.
     • Jasraj Bhat: A poet from the 18th-19th centuries, likely associated with Kishengarh. He wrote "Raja Ram Tiloksa Lunia Sangh Varna," a detailed account of a pilgrimage to Palitana.
     • Prem/Premasukh/Premasukhrai: A Kayastha writer from Satoora, who practiced law in Ajmer. He wrote "Hatam Charitra" (a translation inspired by Hatimtai) and a translation of the tenth canto of the Bhagavad Purana ("Krishna Charitra"). He mentions his intellectual prowess recognized by the English and highlights the social and political conditions of Ajmer, as well as the festival processions. He also mentions Hindu Mal, son of Mehta Mulchandji of Bikaner, a skilled administrator and lawyer.

   • Digamber Jain Contributions:

     • Vijyakirti: A scholar from the Swarnagiri Bhattarak tradition (possibly related to Gwalior). Disciple of Munibhushan, he was initiated with the name Vijyakirti. His disciples, Dayachand and Gokul Muni, praised him. He is known to have traveled to Bavangaja and Muktagiri. His literary works include "Chitra," "Karnamrita Purana," "Champaksreshthi Vratodyapan," "Saraswati Kalpa," and "Nemichand Jivan." His rediscovered works include "Bharat Bahubali Samvad" (a revised version of a work by Vishwabhushan Muni) and "Gaj Sukamal Charitra," which narrates the idealistic life of Muni Gajasukamal. He also composed over 500 verses on various subjects like devotion, ethics, and pilgrimage, and a musical treatise.
     • Jasraj Bhat: Mentioned earlier, his detailed description of the pilgrimage is provided.

5. Importance of Epistolary Literature:

   • The author notes that invitation and decree letters, often called "Vijnapti Patra," are not considered independent works but are invaluable historical and literary documents. These letters, sent by Jain monks and the Sangha, offer insights into the political, social, and religious situations of the time, and some can be considered akin to epic poems. Two such letters are highlighted: one from Mahopadhyay Shri Meghvijayji and another from Masuda to Acharya Shri Kshama Bhadrasuri.

Conclusion:

Munishri Kantisagar's work is a significant contribution to the study of Hindi literature, particularly for bringing to light the rich but neglected literary heritage of the region around Ajmer. The author calls for further research into these overlooked figures and their works, believing that a deeper exploration will uncover even more valuable literary material and enhance the understanding of Hindi literature's breadth and depth. The book serves as a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts interested in Jain history, Rajasthani literature, and the often-unseen literary contributions of the past.