Bharatvarshiya Jain Digambar Directory

Here's a comprehensive summary of the "Bharatvarshiya Jain Digambar Directory" by Thakurdas Bhagavandas Johari, based on the provided text:

Title: Bharatvarshiya Jain Digambar Directory Author: Thakurdas Bhagavandas Johari Publisher: Thakurdas Bhagavandas Johari Published: 1914 AD (Vikram Samvat 1970, Shri Veer Samvat 2440) First Edition: 2000 copies Price: ₹8

Overview:

The "Bharatvarshiya Jain Digambar Directory" is a monumental work aimed at providing a comprehensive record of the Digambar Jain community across Aryaavarta (India). It meticulously details the prominent individuals, villages, districts, post offices, temples (Derasar), occupations, population figures (Mardumshumari), and significant pilgrimage sites and locations within the Digambar Jain community throughout India.

Purpose and Motivation:

The directory was conceived and published with the specific intention of aiding the upliftment and unification of the Digambar Jain community. The author recognized the lack of awareness about the community's distribution, numbers, and living conditions across different regions of India. He believed that such information was crucial for fostering mutual support, facilitating inter-community communication, and initiating efforts for the community's progress in both religious and worldly spheres. The introduction highlights the importance of "unity" as the root of all social progress and the necessity of knowing one's brethren to achieve it.

Key Features and Content:

The directory is structured to provide a wide range of information, presented region by region and then in alphabetical order:

• Detailed Regional Information: The book systematically covers various provinces of India, including:

  • United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh)
  • Central Provinces (now Madhya Pradesh), Berar, and Bundelkhand
  • Rajputana and Malwa
  • Punjab
  • Bengal and Bihar
  • Bombay Presidency (including Gujarat, Maharashtra, and North Kanara)
  • Madras Presidency and Mysore Province

• Village-wise Data: For each province, the directory lists villages with information such as:

  • Village Name
  • District
  • Names of prominent individuals (often heads of families or influential figures)
  • Caste/Community affiliation (Jati)
  • Occupation/Trade (Vyapar)
  • Population figures (human census)
  • Presence of Jain temples and their details
  • Post Office information

• Special Sections:

  • Pilgrimage Sites (Tirthkshetra): Descriptions of important Jain pilgrimage sites and renowned towns are included, aiming to assist pilgrims in their journeys.
  • Community Census: The final section provides a comprehensive census of Digambar Jains across India, detailing their population by caste and region.
  • Maps: The directory includes a map of India to aid in geographical understanding and potentially for pilgrimage planning.

• Extensive Data on Individuals: The directory provides names of prominent Jain men, along with their village, district, and trade, facilitating networking and communication.

• Emphasis on Social and Economic Progress: The introduction stresses the importance of this directory in improving the economic conditions of the community by enabling better trade relations between different regions and encouraging joint ventures. It also aims to instill a sense of pride and encourage mutual assistance.

Compilation Process and Acknowledgment:

The creation of this extensive directory was a labor-intensive undertaking, involving the dedicated efforts of approximately 10-12 employees who toured different regions to gather data. The author, Seth Thakurdas Bhagavandas Johari, expresses gratitude to the patrons, Seth Manikchand Hirachand Javeri J.P. and Seth Navalchand Hirachand Javeri, for their generous support. He also thanks the Superintendents and various field staff members who contributed to the meticulous data collection and compilation. The author also humbly requests readers to point out any errors in the publication for future improvement.

Significance:

The "Bharatvarshiya Jain Digambar Directory" stands as a pioneering effort to systematically document and connect the scattered Digambar Jain population across India. It served as a vital resource for community leaders, merchants, and individuals seeking to understand and engage with their religious brethren. The directory reflects a strong commitment to social reform, religious preservation, and the economic advancement of the Digambar Jain community during the early 20th century. Its comprehensive data on individuals and villages makes it an invaluable historical and genealogical resource.