Contribution Of Jainas To Sanskrit And Prakrit Literature

This comprehensive summary details the contents of the book "Contribution of Jainas to Sanskrit and Prakrit Literature," a commemoration volume for Dr. K. R. Chandra. The book highlights the significant contributions of Jains to Indian literature in Sanskrit and Prakrit, and it also serves as a tribute to the scholarly work of Dr. K. R. Chandra himself, particularly in the field of Prakrit language and Jain canonical texts.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and contributions discussed within the book, based on the provided pages:

1. Homage to Dr. K. R. Chandra:

• The volume is dedicated to Dr. K. R. Chandra, a prominent scholar of Prakrit and Jain literature.
• The preface details the inspiration behind creating this felicitation volume, highlighting Dr. Chandra's academic journey, his revolutionary approach to editing Jain canonical texts from a linguistic perspective, and his profound influence on the field.
• It is noted that his work significantly impacted the understanding of the original language of Ardhamāgadhi texts, often deviating from previous scholarly interpretations.
• The preface also expresses deep sorrow at his untimely demise, converting the felicitation volume into a commemoration volume.
• Several individuals and institutions are thanked for their contributions and financial support in bringing out this tribute.

2. Dr. K. R. Chandra's Scholarly Legacy:

• Focus on Prakrit: Dr. Chandra's scholarship revolved around Prakrit languages and their role in Jain literature.
• Linguistic Reconstruction of Ardhamāgadhi: A major contribution was his work on restoring the original linguistic form of Ardhamāgadhi in Jain canonical texts. He identified significant linguistic deviations in previously edited texts compared to contemporary languages like Pali and the language of Ashokan inscriptions.
• Methodology: He meticulously analyzed words from key texts like the Acharanga, Ashokan inscriptions, Isibhasiyaim, and Sutrakritanga, comparing them to identify linguistic changes, particularly the dropping of medial non-aspirate consonants, which indicated chronological shifts.
• Impact: His efforts led to a re-editing of texts from a linguistic viewpoint, garnering recognition from scholars worldwide.
• Educational Initiatives: He played a pivotal role in developing Prakrit studies by introducing certificate and postgraduate courses in Prakrit and Pali at Gujarat University.
• Founding Prakrit Jain Vidya Vikas Fund: He established this fund to promote the study and development of Prakrit and Jain literature, through which numerous important works were published.
• Awards and Recognition: Dr. Chandra received several prestigious awards for his contributions to Prakrit and Jain studies.
• Personal Life: His familial life is described as happy, with his wife Urmila supporting his academic pursuits.

3. Thematic Contributions of Jainas to Sanskrit and Prakrit Literature (Articles within the Volume):

The book features a diverse range of articles covering various aspects of Jain contributions. Here's a categorized overview based on the "List of Articles" (Pages 8-9):

• Studies on Dr. K. R. Chandra: Biographical information, his academic contributions, and tributes from colleagues are included.
• Jainism and its Scriptures:
  • "The Jain Scripture and Community: The Scholarly Legacy of Kendall W. Folkert" by Paul Dundas discusses Folkert's innovative research on Jain scripture, ritual, and community, challenging text-centric approaches and highlighting the importance of lived religious experience. It explores Folkert's theories on "Canon 1" and "Canon 2" of scripture and his analysis of the historical development of Jainism.
  • "A Teacher in Real Sense" by Dinanath Sharma is a personal tribute to Dr. Chandra's mentorship and his dedication to his students.
  • "Fixing Up Of Some Variants From Kālidāsa" by Tapasvi Nandi, which, while focused on Kalidasa, demonstrates the critical textual analysis methods that are also relevant to understanding ancient Indian literature, including Jain texts. The author emphasizes the importance of consulting various manuscripts and commentaries, including those by Jain scholars like Hemachandra.
  • "The Rare Manuscript of Jhāru Pandita's Commentary on the Kumārasambhavam of Kālidāsa" by M. L. Wadekar introduces a previously unnoticed Jain commentary on Kalidasa, highlighting the Jain tradition's engagement with classical Sanskrit literature and the rarity of such manuscripts.
  • "Jain Yoga-Stages of Spiritual Development: Gunasthāna" by Mukul Raj Mehta provides a detailed explanation of the fourteen stages of spiritual progress in Jainism, outlining the spiritual path to liberation.
  • "Lokatattvanirnaya by Haribhadrasuri" by R. S. Betai analyzes Haribhadrasuri's syncretic approach, his objective presentation of various Indian philosophical systems, and his establishment of Anekāntavāda. The text discusses Haribhadra's critical engagement with different religious views, emphasizing the acceptance of truth based on intellect and logic, and his balanced perspective on deity worship.
  • "Sanskrit-Prakrit Inscriptions of Ancient Gujarat: A Socio-Religious Study" by Bharati Shelat examines inscriptions as crucial sources for understanding the socio-religious history of Gujarat, detailing the prevalence and contributions of various religions, including Jainism, through epigraphic evidence.
  • "Hemacandra on Justifying Syädvāda and Anekāntavāda" by Raghunath Ghosh delves into Hemacandra's philosophical arguments for defending the Jain doctrines of Syädvāda and Anekāntavāda against opposing viewpoints, showcasing the logical underpinnings of Jain epistemology.
  • "Jain Contribution to Sanskrit Literature" by A. Venkata Rao provides an overview of Jain contributions to Sanskrit literature, highlighting key Mahakavyas, minor poems, prose works, and the engagement of Jain scholars with various literary forms and philosophical concepts.
  • "Problems in Learning Prakrit Language" by Dinanath Sharma discusses the challenges faced by learners of Prakrit, including its regional variations and the influence of Sanskrit grammar on Prakrit grammatical studies, while also praising Dr. K. R. Chandra's efforts in standardizing the language.
  • "A Comparative Study of Infinitives and Absolutives Used in the Vedas and Prakrit Dialects" by Dinanath Sharma explores the linguistic connections between Vedic Sanskrit and Prakrit dialects, identifying shared grammatical features and linguistic tendencies.
  • "Recent Fieldwork Studies of the Contemporary Jains" by John E. Cort surveys recent anthropological and sociological research on contemporary Jain communities, focusing on social organization, ritual practices, and the lived experience of Jainism, with particular attention to the contributions of Dr. K. R. Chandra.
  • "Proselytism of Jaina Shrines in post-medieval Karnataka" by Hampa Nagarajaiah documents the historical phenomenon of Jain shrines being converted into shrines of other religions in Karnataka, providing numerous examples and analyzing the socio-religious factors behind these conversions.
  • "Yajña-Upavīta According to Jainism" by S. A. Shirguppi explains the concept and significance of the sacred thread (Yajña-Upavīta) within Jainism, detailing its symbolic meaning and ritualistic aspects.
  • "Yajna-Upavīta According to Jainism" by S. A. Shirguppi details the Jain perspective on the sacred thread, its symbolic meaning tied to the three jewels of Jainism, and its practical application in daily life.
  • "Jain Contribution to Sanskrit Literature" by A. Venkata Rao surveys the rich literary output of Jain scholars in Sanskrit, including major epics, biographies, didactic poems, and works on grammar and poetics, underscoring their significant role in enriching classical Sanskrit literature.
  • "Generic Relationships of Prakrit Languages in the Vedas" by Narayan M. Kansara investigates the linguistic connections between Vedic Sanskrit and Prakrit languages, highlighting shared features and ancient Indo-Aryan linguistic developments as reflected in both.
  • "Problems in Learning Prakrit Language" by Dinanath Sharma discusses the challenges in studying Prakrit, including its regional variations and the impact of Sanskrit grammatical tradition on Prakrit studies. He emphasizes the need for comprehensive grammars and dictionaries for a proper understanding of Prakrit.
  • "A Comparative Study of Infinitives and Absolutives Used in the Vedas and Prakrit Dialects" by Dinanath Sharma compares grammatical structures, specifically infinitives and absolutives, found in Vedic Sanskrit and various Prakrit dialects, highlighting their common origins and evolution.
  • "जैनागमों के पाठसम्पादन में प्राचीन भाषाकीय स्वरूप का पुनःस्थापन" (Restoration of the Ancient Linguistic Form in the Textual Editing of Jain Agamas) by Vasantkumar M. Bhatt discusses the complexities of editing Jain Agamas, emphasizing the need to prioritize the oldest linguistic forms (Ardhamāgadhi) based on manuscript traditions, commentaries, and linguistic analysis, a methodology exemplified by Dr. K. R. Chandra's work.
  • "याकोबी के आचारांग और अन्य आचारांग के संस्करणों की पिशल के व्याकरण के साथ भाषाकीय तुलनात्मक अध्ययन" (A Linguistic Comparative Study of Jacobi's Ācārāṅga and Other Editions with Pischel's Grammar) by Shobhana R. Shah critically examines different editions of the Ācārāṅga and highlights linguistic divergences, particularly in relation to Pischel's grammar and the linguistic features of Ardhamāgadhi.
  • "नियुक्ति की संख्या एवं उसकी प्राचीनता" (The Number and Antiquity of Niyuktis) by Shamani Kusumapradnya investigates the numerous Niyuktis (early Jain commentaries), their authorship (particularly the debate around Bhadrabahu I and II), and their dating within the Jain literary tradition.
  • "प्राचीन अर्धमागधी की खोज में डॉ० चन्द्र का अवदान" (Dr. Chandra's Contribution to the Search for Ancient Ardhamāgadhi) by Ranjansuridev celebrates Dr. Chandra's pioneering work in reconstructing the original form of Ardhamāgadhi by comparing Jain Agamas with Ashokan inscriptions and Pali texts, emphasizing his linguistic insights.
  • "आचार्य हरिभद्र की समन्वयात्मक दृष्टि" (The Syncretic Vision of Āchārya Haribhadra) by Jinendra Jain analyzes the philosophical and religious tolerance of Acharya Haribhadra, highlighting his objective presentation of various Indian philosophical systems and his unique approach to integrating them within the Jain framework of Anekāntavāda.
  • "अलंकारदप्पण : प्राकृत भाषा का एकमेव अलंकारग्रन्थ - परिचय और कुछ विशेषताएँ" (Alamkaradappana: The Sole Alankara Text of Prakrit Language - Introduction and Some Features) by Parul Mankad introduces "Alamkaradappana," a rare and potentially the only Alankara (rhetoric) text in Prakrit, discussing its content, authorship, and relationship to Sanskrit Alankara traditions.
  • "जैनों की सैद्धांतिक धारणाओं में क्रम-परिवर्तन" (Changes in the Order of Theoretical Concepts among Jains) by Nandlal Jain examines how Jain philosophical concepts and their ordering have evolved over time, analyzing potential shifts in emphasis due to intellectual and social influences.
  • "संस्कृत महाकाव्यों में जैनियों का योगदान" (Contribution of Jainas to Sanskrit Mahakavyas) by Udayanath Jha details the significant contributions of Jain scholars and poets to the genre of Sanskrit Mahakavyas, listing notable works and authors who enriched this literary form.
  • "आचार्य रामचन्द्र सूरि और उनका कर्तृत्व" (Āchārya Ramachandra Suri and His Work) by Prabhunath Dwivedi provides a biographical sketch and analysis of the literary contributions of Āchārya Ramachandra Suri, a disciple of Hemachandra, highlighting his independence in thought and his extensive literary output, including dramas and stotras.
  • "निर्भयभीमव्यायोग का साहित्यिक अध्ययन" (A Literary Study of Nirbhayabhimavyayoga) by Prajna Jogesh Joshi analyzes the Sanskrit drama "Nirbhayabhimavyayoga" by Ramachandra Suri, discussing its plot, its relationship to the Mahabharata, its characters, and its literary merits.
  • "सुदर्शनोदय महाकाव्य की सूक्तियाँ और उनकी लोकधर्मिता" (The Proverbs in the Mahakavya Sudarshana Udaya and Their Folkloristic Significance) by Jayprakash Dwivedi explores the proverbs and their connection to folk traditions within the Mahakavya "Sudarshanodaya," highlighting how the work captures aspects of common life and societal values.
  • "श्लिष्टकाव्य साहित्य के प्रति जैन विद्वानों का योगदान" (Contribution of Jain Scholars to Shlishtakavya Literature) by Gopiraju Rama discusses the Jain tradition's significant role in the development of "Shlishtakavya" (literature employing wordplay and double meanings), citing examples of Jain scholars who excelled in this form.
  • "वाग्भट द्वितीय का गुणविचार" (Vagbhata II's Consideration of Gunas) by Jagruti Pandya examines the concept of poetic qualities (Gunas) as described by Vagbhata II in his "Kavyanusasana," comparing his views with other Sanskrit literary critics.
  • "अश्रुवीणा में उपचारवक्रता" (Upacharavakrata in Ashruveena) by Dinanath Sharma analyzes the use of figurative language, specifically "Upacharavakrata" (metaphorical application), in Āchārya Mahapragya's lyrical work "Ashruveena," demonstrating how figurative language enhances the emotional and spiritual impact of the poetry.
  • "बीसवीं शताब्दी की जैन संस्कृत रचनाएँ, उनका वैशिष्ट्य और प्रदेय" (Jain Sanskrit Compositions of the Twentieth Century, Their Features and Contributions) by Bhagchand Jain 'Bhagendu' provides an overview of Jain literary creations in Sanskrit during the 20th century, highlighting their thematic richness, stylistic features, and overall contribution to Sanskrit literature, with a particular focus on the works of Āchārya Gyanasagar and Āchārya Vidyasagar.
  • "अहिंसा, पर्यावरण एवं इरियावहियासुत्तं" (Ahimsa, Environment, and Irāiyāvahiyasuttaṃ) by Jitendra B. Shah discusses the Jain principles of Ahimsā and their relevance to environmental protection, emphasizing the significance of the Irāiyāvahiyasuttaṃ in promoting ecological consciousness and minimizing harm to all living beings.

4. Conclusion:

The compilation of articles in this volume underscores the vast and multifaceted contribution of Jain scholars and thinkers to Sanskrit and Prakrit literature, covering philosophy, grammar, poetics, history, and religious studies. It serves as a fitting tribute to Dr. K. R. Chandra's pioneering work and his enduring impact on these fields.