Dharmvarddhan Granthavali - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the "Dharmavarddhan Granthavali" by Agarchand Nahta, published by Sadul Rajasth'ani Research Institute, Bikaner. The provided text is largely a detailed table of contents and introduction to the works compiled within the Granthavali, focusing on the contributions of Jain scholars to Rajasthani literature and the activities of the Sadul Rajasthani Research Institute.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects covered in the provided pages:

1. Publisher and Goal:

The Sadul Rajasthani Research Institute, Bikaner, established in 1944, aims to serve Sanskrit, Hindi, and especially Rajasthani literature and promote the comprehensive development of the Rajasthani language.
The Institute has been active for 16 years, undertaking various literary projects.

2. Major Projects of the Institute:

Comprehensive Rajasthani-Hindi Dictionary: A massive undertaking involving the collection of over two lakh words, with editing underway for a significant portion.
Comprehensive Rajasthani Idiom Dictionary: Aiming to document the rich collection of Rajasthani idioms, with a substantial number already compiled and prepared for publication.
Modern Rajasthani Literary Works: The Institute has published several modern Rajasthani creative works, including poetry, novels, and story collections. It also features a dedicated section for modern Rajasthani writings in its journal.
Publication of "Rajasthan Bharti": This renowned research journal is a source of pride for the Institute, receiving praise from scholars and contributing significantly to Rajasthani literature, archaeology, history, and art. It has published special issues dedicated to prominent scholars like Dr. Luigi Pio Tessitori and Mahakavi Prithviraj Rathore.
Research, Editing, and Publication of Ancient and Important Rajasthani Texts: This is a core mission, aiming to preserve and make accessible valuable literary treasures of Rajasthani literature.

3. Specific Literary Contributions and Discoveries by the Institute/Its Members:

Prithviraj Raso: Various editions have been published and discussed in "Rajasthan Bharti."
Khyamrasa: The historical work of poet Jan (Niyamat Khan) has been published.
Rajasthani Jain Literature: An essay on this subject has been published in "Rajasthan Bharti."
Folk Literature: Collections of folk songs, ghumar songs, children's songs, lullabies, and folk tales from Marwar, Bikaner, and Jaisalmer regions have been made. Rajasthani proverbs and folk poetry (like Jinnmata's songs, Pabuji's Pawade, Raja Bharthari) have been published.
Historical Texts: Editing and publication of important historical works like "Jasvant Udyot," "Muhata Nensi Ri Khyat," and "Anokhi Puran" have been done.
Literary Research: Investigation into the works of Kavivar Uday Chand Nadari (secretary to Maharaja Mansinghji of Jodhpur) and the poetic endeavors of Maharaja Mansinghji.
Discovery of Ancient Texts: Unearcoming inscriptions and manuscripts from Jaisalmer and works of poet Gyansarji and Mahopadhya Samaysundar.
Celebrations and Literary Gatherings: The Institute organizes events to commemorate literary figures and hosts weekly literary gatherings and lectures.

4. Financial Support and Future Plans:

The Institute expresses gratitude for financial assistance from the Ministry of Scientific Research and Cultural Affairs, Government of India, and the Rajasthan Government, which enabled the publication of 31 books in a specific financial year.
The publication of several other significant works is in progress but delayed due to financial constraints.
The Institute acknowledges the lack of its own building, a comprehensive reference library, and adequate resources, but highlights the dedication of its members in pursuing literary service.

5. Focus on Jain Scholars and the "Dharmavarddhan Granthavali":

The introduction emphasizes the significant and often overlooked contributions of Jain scholars to Rajasthani literature.
It highlights that Jain scholars focused on propagating righteous dharma and knowledge, rather than glorifying rulers or inciting violence. Their lives were dedicated to spiritual pursuits alongside literary creation and preservation.
Jain scholars are credited with preserving a vast amount of literature, regardless of its religious origin, and their own writings were not limited to religious themes but covered diverse subjects.
The "Dharmavarddhan Granthavali" specifically aims to bring the works of Jain scholar Upadhyay Dharmavardhan to light.

6. Profile of Upadhyay Dharmavardhan:

Birth: Born around 1700 Vikram Samvat (VS), original name Dharamsi (Dharmasingh).
Initiation: Took initiation at a young age of thirteen in 1713 VS under Acharya Jinratnasuri of the Kharatar Gaccha. His initiation name was Dharmavardhan.
Education: Studied under his guru Muni Vijayharsh, mastering various scriptures.
Life's Work: Dedicated his life to propagating dharma and composing literature across various regions.
Titles: Honored with the title of Upadhyay in 1740 VS and later Mahopadhya due to his seniority and scholarship among other Upadhyayas.
Disciples: Had many renowned disciples, including Jayasundar, Kirtisundar, and Gyanavallabh. His lineage continued until the 16th century.
Praise: Praised by Bikaner ruler Sujan Singhji in a letter dated 1776 VS, highlighting his extensive knowledge and poetic skill.
Linguistic Versatility: Dharmavardhan was proficient in Sanskrit, Prakrit, Apabhramsa, and especially proficient in Rajasthani (Pingal and Dingal).

7. Literary Contributions of Dharmavardhan (as detailed in the text):

Diverse Poetry Styles: Dharmavardhan mastered various Rajasthani poetic styles, including:
- Dingal Geet: Composed numerous Dingal songs covering devotional, nature, and nationalistic themes. The text provides examples of his "Surya Stuti," "Varsha Varnan," "Shri Mahavir Janm," "Shatrunjay Mahima," "Dharti Ki Mamta," and "Rashtraveer Shivaji." His Dingal is noted for its "Prasad Guna" (clarity and ease of understanding).
- Geeya Pad (Melodious Verses): Composed many verses, primarily didactic or devotional, in Pingal language. Examples include verses in "Raag Todi" and "Raag Sameri."
- Folk Song Tunes: Composed songs based on popular folk tunes, even noting the original lines of those tunes.
- Devotional Works: Wrote extensively on Jain Tirthankaras and Acharyas, reflecting deep devotion. Examples include a "Sangh" poem, stanzas on Shri Jinnadattamuri and Shri Jinchandrasuri.
- Moral and Ethical Compositions: His ethical poems encapsulate the wisdom of his long life. Examples include "Bhav Bhavani," "Madhur Vachan," and "Siksha Katha" collections.
- Illustrative Poetry (Chitrakavya): Composed poems with specific structural or typographical constraints, like using only "laghu" (short) letters or creating "Teveesa" savaiyas.
- Problem-Solving Poetry (Samasya Purti): Skillfully completed poetic problems, including Sanskrit ones. Examples of solutions to problems provided by Anandaramji Nazir are included.
- Translation and Adaptation: Translated Sanskrit subhashitas (wise sayings) into Rajasthani.

8. The "Dharmavardhan Granthavali" Content:

The Granthavali aims to publish all known minor works of Dharmavardhan in Sanskrit, Rajasthani, and Hindi.
The table of contents lists numerous individual works, categorized by style (e.g., Bhav Bavani, Kandalya Bavani, Chhappaya Bavani, Dhrupad, Savaiya, Doha, Hiyali, Sanskrit Stotras, etc.) and subject matter. This demonstrates the breadth and depth of his literary output.
The text mentions that five major works could not be included due to size but are described.

9. Personal Recollections and Acknowledgements:

Agarchand Nahta expresses personal familiarity with Dharmavardhan's works from childhood and his efforts over many years to collect and publish them.
He acknowledges the cooperation of his nephew Bhanwarlal Nahta and Manohar Sharma for writing the preface.
He also thanks various institutions and individuals for providing manuscript copies, which were crucial for the editorial work.

In essence, "Dharmavarddhan Granthavali" is a significant compilation that aims to showcase the multifaceted literary genius of Mahopadhya Dharmavardhan, highlighting his contributions to Rajasthani literature as a poet, scholar, and propagator of Jain dharma. The book also serves as a testament to the dedicated efforts of the Sadul Rajasthani Research Institute in preserving and promoting valuable Indian literary heritage.