Danvir Manikchandra - Book Summary

This document is a detailed biography of Seth Manikchand, a prominent Jain philanthropist and community leader. It chronicles his life, contributions, and the Jain community's activities during his time. Here's a comprehensive summary:

Book Title: Danvir Manikchandra Author(s): Mulchand Kishandas Kapadia Publisher: Mulchand Kisandas Kapadia

Overall Theme: The book is a comprehensive life account of Seth Manikchand, highlighting his immense contributions to the Jain community through various social and religious initiatives. It emphasizes his dedication to education, philanthropy, and the upliftment of society, showcasing him as a "Danveer" (generous donor).

Key Aspects and Contributions of Seth Manikchand:

Philanthropy and Generosity: The text is replete with instances of Seth Manikchand's vast donations and support for numerous Jain institutions and activities. Pages 2-3 list many individuals and organizations who contributed to a fund, indicating widespread support for the project of creating this biography, likely initiated by these donors. Later pages detail specific donations and commitments.
Educational Initiatives: A significant focus is placed on Seth Manikchand's dedication to education.
- He supported the establishment and maintenance of Jain boarding houses in various cities like Bombay (Heera Bagh, Seth Hirachand Gummanji Jain Boarding), Ahmedabad (Seth Premchand Motichand Jain Boarding), Kolhapur, and Jabalpur. These institutions aimed to provide education and lodging for Jain students.
- He was instrumental in the founding and support of Jain pathshalas (schools) for both boys and girls. The "Heera Bagh" lecture hall was also associated with educational activities.
- He strongly advocated for and supported the revival and publication of ancient Jain scriptures, recognizing their importance for preserving Jain knowledge and propagating it. The efforts to obtain and transcribe manuscripts like Dhavala, Jayadhavala, and Mahadhavala are mentioned.
- He promoted the establishment of Jain libraries and the distribution of Jain literature.
Religious and Social Reform:
- He actively worked towards eradicating social evils like child marriage, kanyavikray (selling daughters), and wasteful expenditures during weddings. He also promoted the practice of simple and virtuous living.
- He played a crucial role in resolving disputes within the community and fostering unity.
- He championed the cause of women's education and empowerment, evident in his support for institutions like the Shravikashram in Bombay and later the Kankubai Jain Kanya Shala in Surat.
- He was deeply involved in the management and improvement of Jain pilgrimage sites. His efforts in restoring and managing the Shikharji, Girnar, and Paliyana sites are highlighted. He also took initiatives to improve facilities for pilgrims.
- He actively participated in Jain community meetings, conferences, and the Bharatvarshiya Digambar Jain Mahasabha, often taking leadership roles to guide and organize community efforts.
Personal Life and Character:
- The book traces his early life, his journey from modest beginnings to becoming a successful businessman.
- It highlights his strong moral values, integrity, truthfulness, and his commitment to Jain principles even in business dealings.
- His family life is also depicted, mentioning his father Hirachand, mother Rupabai, wife Chaturas, and sons Premchand, Panachand, Navalkchand, and Manikchand himself, as well as his daughters. The text also touches upon the challenges he faced, such as the death of loved ones and the early demise of his son Premchand.
- His commitment to Brahmacharya (celibacy) in his youth and his philosophical approach to worldly matters are noted.
- His later years were dedicated to public service and religious activities, often traveling extensively for these causes despite his failing health.
Advocacy and Influence:
- Seth Manikchand actively engaged with government officials and participated in public discourse to advocate for Jain community interests. His efforts to ensure Jain representation in government bodies and his advocacy for religious freedom are mentioned.
- His role in establishing the Bombay Digambar Jain Prantik Sabha and his influence in various Jain organizations are significant.
Socio-Economic Context: The book provides glimpses into the socio-economic conditions of the time, including the impact of the British Raj, the development of railways, and the general state of Jain communities in various regions of India. Surat, his birthplace, is described in detail, highlighting its history and transformation.

Structure and Content:

Early Chapters: The initial chapters likely focus on Seth Manikchand's early life, his family background, his formative years, and his entry into business. The detailed description of Surat (Chapter 2) provides historical context.
Business Acumen and Early Philanthropy: As he grew in business, his philanthropic activities began to take shape, with early support for community needs.
Major Contributions: Subsequent chapters delve into his significant work in establishing educational institutions, managing pilgrimage sites, promoting religious practices, and undertaking social reforms. His extensive travels for these causes are also detailed.
Later Life and Legacy: The concluding chapters likely discuss his later years, his unwavering commitment to service, and his lasting impact on the Jain community.
Content Analysis (Based on provided pages): The provided pages specifically mention:
- Page 1-2: Lists of donors and contributions, indicating the financial basis and widespread support for the biography.
- Page 3-4: Continuation of donor lists and the beginning of the narrative about collecting materials for the biography, mentioning the efforts of Brahmachari Shitalprasadji. It also notes the challenges in gathering comprehensive information.
- Page 5: Acknowledgment of help from various Jain organizations and individuals in providing historical materials. It highlights the importance of these resources for the biography.
- Page 6: Discussion of the need to understand Seth Manikchand's lineage and the historical context of his birthplace, Surat. It also mentions the collection of information from various sources, including letters and past documents.
- Page 7-8: The authors express the hope that the biography will be beneficial and informative to readers, highlighting its unique features like the detailed family history, community development strategies, and the historical significance of Jainism in Gujarat. They also mention the significant expenditure and limited print run for the book. The idea of a "Danveer Manikchand Sulabh Granthmala" from the proceeds of the book is also mentioned.
- Page 9-84 (and beyond): These pages detail the Table of Contents, outlining the structure of the biography, which includes chapters on:
  - The necessity of a biography.
  - A historical overview of Surat and Gujarat, its Jain heritage, temples, and inscriptions.
  - The lineage and family history of Seth Manikchand, including details about his ancestors and siblings.
  - His upbringing, education, and early business ventures.
  - His youth, family life, marriages, and the birth of his children.
  - The use of his wealth for religious and social causes, including pilgrimages, temple renovations, and the establishment of institutions.
  - His efforts in managing and resolving community issues.
  - His extensive travels and public service.
  - His later life and the details of his passing.
  - The book also includes details about the collection of materials, acknowledgments, and possibly an index or appendices.

Overall Significance: The book serves as a testament to Seth Manikchand's extraordinary life of service and generosity. It aims to immortalize his contributions and inspire future generations to follow in his footsteps in dedicating their lives to the welfare of the Jain community and society at large. The detailed account of his efforts provides valuable historical and sociological insights into the Jain community in India during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.