Arch Donar Jain Kulbhushan Sheth Shri Manikchand

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The text details the life and philanthropic endeavors of Sheth Shri Manikchand Hirachand Zaveri, a prominent Jain figure from Bombay. Born in 1852 in Surat, Manikchand hailed from a prosperous trading family. Despite immense wealth, he was characterized by his humility, benevolence, deep religiosity, and unwavering commitment to social upliftment, standing as an ideal for others.

Manikchand's grandfather, Gumanji, migrated from Rajasthan to Surat in 1783, establishing a successful business. His father, Hirachand, continued the family trade, marrying Vijalibai. Manikchand, the youngest of his siblings, lost his mother at a young age, which impacted his father's business, leading to his elder brothers being sent to Bombay to learn the jewelry trade.

At twelve, Manikchand moved to Bombay with his father. He diligently learned accounts and excelled in testing pearls and diamonds, quickly gaining renown in the market. Alongside his three brothers, they were affectionately known as "RAMA" and built a formidable reputation in the jewelry business. By 1869, Manikchand launched his own jewelry business, becoming a pioneering figure for Visa Humad Digambar Jains. The brothers established their firm, "Manikchand Panachand Zaveri," in 1871, which rapidly achieved fame and prestige across India and internationally due to their honest dealings and focus on truth.

The brothers' business flourished, expanding to foreign markets like England and Europe, yielding significant profits. With growing wealth, their charitable activities and simplicity also increased. Manikchand actively assisted fellow Jains migrating to Bombay and supported the Jain community's development. His father's death in 1881 deeply affected him, intensifying his religious inclination and charitable spirit.

Sheth Manikchand was an exceptionally generous donor, contributing significantly to various Jain causes and public welfare. Key donations include:

• Jubilee Baugh building to the Jain community.
• Sheth Hirachand Gumanchand Dharmashala (Hirabaug) in memory of his father.
• Inns and temples in Surat and Palitana.
• Boarding facilities, schools, and dispensaries in various cities like Allahabad, Ahmedabad, Kolhapur, Jabalpur, Agra, Hubli, and Ratlam.
• Renovation of temples and support for drought victims.
• Establishment of Vidya Mandir and a girls' school.

Manikchand married Chaturmati at twenty-two and later remarried due to family pressure, having two daughters and one son. He built a grand residence, "Ratnakar Palace," in Bombay and was honored with the title "J.P." by the British Government in 1906 and "Jain KulBhushan" by the Jain community in 1910 for his significant donations.

In his later years, Manikchand suffered a substantial financial loss due to the bankruptcy of Speshi Bank, which severely impacted him. He passed away on July 16, 1914, after a brief illness, repeating the name of Lord Arihant-Siddha. His funeral was attended by countless people, and condolence meetings were held across India.

Beyond his business acumen, Manikchand was a pivotal figure in social and religious reform. He was instrumental in establishing the Mumbai Digambar Jain Sabha in 1893, which focused on religious education, spreading Jainism, and supporting various social initiatives. He also initiated the "Jain Mitra" periodical and served as the General Secretary of the Bharat-Varshiya Digambar Jain Tirthkshetra Committee. He was a key supporter of the Syadvad Vidyalaya in Benaras, a renowned center for Jain studies.

Manikchand actively promoted general education by establishing schools and boarding facilities across numerous Indian cities, enabling many Jain students to pursue higher education. He was also a social reformer who worked against child marriage, dowry, and caste discrimination, championing female education and kindness to animals.

Known for his simplicity, honesty, and kind nature, Manikchand emphasized truth, fair dealings, and reasonable charity. He was deeply devoted to Jain principles. After retiring from business in 1901, he distributed his wealth for societal benefit and dedicated himself to service. He offered aid impartially during calamities. He also supported his widowed daughter's education and religious learning.

In conclusion, Sheth Shri Manikchand's life is presented as an exemplary journey of hard work, deep empathy, a profound love for learning, generosity, and integrity. His multifaceted contributions to the Jain community and society at large serve as a powerful inspiration to uphold ideals of honesty, charity, and social upliftment.