Granth Ane Granthkar Pustak 05

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Granth Ane Granthkar Pustak 05" by Hiralal Tribhovandas Parekh, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Granth Ane Granthkar Pustak 05 (Books and Authors, Volume 05) Author: Hiralal Tribhovandas Parekh, B.A. Publisher: Gujarat Vernacular Society Year: 1934

This book is the fifth volume in a series dedicated to surveying Gujarati literature and its authors. The series, published by the Gujarat Vernacular Society, aims to provide an annual overview of significant literary works and the individuals behind them. This particular volume focuses on the literary output of 1933, with a particular emphasis on poetry and important articles published in periodicals.

Key Features and Content:

1. Granth Parichay (Book Introduction): The introduction expresses pleasure in presenting the fifth volume, highlighting the series' received acclaim and the appreciation from both scholars and the general reading public. The plan to release one such volume annually is deemed essential due to the continuous emergence of new authors and the wealth of existing literary works. The introduction notes that an average of 200-250 books are published annually in Gujarati, with 20-25 new authors contributing. The compilation aims to present facts about both well-known and lesser-known authors to maintain reader interest. The Gujarat Vernacular Society is satisfied with its role in publishing this valuable reference series.

2. Special Highlights of the Volume:

   • Gujar-Sahitya Singhavalokan (A Retrospective of Gujarati Literature): A review of the overall literary landscape.
   • Last Year's Excellent Poetry: A selection of outstanding poetic works from the preceding year.
   • List of Important Articles from Periodicals: An index of significant articles published in monthly magazines.
   • Chronology of Gujarati Language Works: A timeline of important published books, considered a new light on the progress of Gujarati literature.
   • Gujarati Language Lexicons: This section is particularly highlighted, featuring an article by Shri Vitthalray Govaprasad Vyas, who dedicated much of his life to compiling an English-Gujarati dictionary. His article discusses the process, necessary resources, potential obstacles, preparatory work, the historical approach to dictionaries, differences from modern methods, and what constitutes an ideal dictionary.

3. Author's Foreword (Prastavana): The editor, Hiralal Tribhovandas Parekh, expresses gratitude to Shri Vitthalray Govaprasad Vyas for his detailed article on Gujarati lexicons. He outlines his aim: to provide a comprehensive overview of Gujarati dictionaries, their creation, challenges, and the ideal form. He mentions that the provided article serves as a foundational piece for a friend who is undertaking this task. The editor also acknowledges the contribution of Shri Bachubhai Rawat for his consistent support and valuable articles for the "Granth ane Granthkar" series, treating it as his own publication from Kumar Karyalaya. He praises Shri Deshalji Parmar for his insightful literary criticism and his careful selection of the year's best poetry. Lady Vidyaben R. Nilkanth's active interest is also noted from her introductions to each book. The editor expresses his desire for continued support from such benevolent contributors.

4. San 1933-no Sahitya Pravah (The Literary Flow of 1933): This extensive section reviews the literary events and publications of 1933, deeming it a significant year for Gujarati literature.

   • Key Events: Centenary celebrations, birth centenary felicitations, the 11th Gujarati Literary Conference held in Gogh (Laathi), and the 7th Oriental Conference session in Vadodara are mentioned as significant events influencing the literary flow.
   • Narmad's Centenary: The year marked the 100th birth anniversary of poet Narmad, considered the true pioneer of modern Gujarati literature, who brought new vigor, emotional depth, thematic variety, and prose style. His dedication to Gujarati literature and the sacrifices he made are lauded. Narmad is compared to Dr. Samuel Johnson of England's Augustan Age. The publication of Narmad's autobiography, enriched with commentary and appendices by Natwarlal, editor of the "Gujarati" weekly, is highlighted. Shri Kanhaiyalal Munshi's initiative from jail to organize Narmad's centenary celebration is praised for its successful execution across Gujarat. The literature published for the occasion, including the Narmad Centenary Memorial Volume and Narmad Chitravali, and Veer Narmad by Shri Vishvanath Maganlal Bhatt, are noted for shedding light on Narmad's life and offering fitting tributes.
   • Karsandas Mulji: His life as a Kapoli Vanik, his orphaned childhood, self-made success, and his significant contributions as a journalist and social reformer are discussed. His role in the Widows' Remarriage Act and his efforts in celebrating his centenary are mentioned, with special recognition to the Maharaja of Vadodara for presiding. Karsanbhai Kotwala's re-publication of Karsandas's writings and the introductory biographical article are noted. His courage and resilience in the face of societal challenges are emphasized.
   • Honoring Literary Figures: The practice of honoring ancestors is discussed, extending to the respect shown to eminent personalities and scholars through commemorative books. Examples include the respect shown to Dr. Sir Ramkrishna Gopal Bhandarkar in 1921, leading to the establishment of a research institute in his name. Other felicitations mentioned are Vasant Rajat Mahotsav, Poet Nhanalal's Suvarna Mahotsav, and Shri Khabardar's Kanketsav. The congratulations offered to Shri Narsinhrao and Diwan Bahadur Keshavlal Bhai on their 75th birthdays are highlighted as significant public expressions of respect and gratitude for their decades of dedicated literary service.
   • Narsinhrao's Works: His Wilson Philological Lectures, partly published in 1925 and completed this year, are praised as a solid and excellent contribution to Gujarati linguistics and literature. His thoughts on linguistics are noted, and his historical overview of Gujarati literature is considered scholarly and thought-provoking, though potential for differing opinions is acknowledged. The dedication of these lectures to his guru, Dr. Sir Ramkrishna Bhandarkar, is highlighted as a mark of student reverence. His second book, "Vivart Leela," is discussed as a compilation of his earlier articles from "Vasant" under the pseudonym "Gyanbal." His unique writing style, characterized by a rambling yet interconnected flow of thoughts and vivid imagery, is analyzed. His ability to create a series of interconnected ideas, reminiscent of Tagore's pen-play, is noted. An excerpt from his writing on music's mystical power is provided, illustrating his philosophical approach.
   • Diwan Bahadur Keshavlalbhai's Works: Two key works are mentioned: "Padyarachana-ni Aitihasik Alochana" (Historical Analysis of Verse Composition) and "Premanand-na Bar Maas." The former, based on Wilson Philological Lectures, is the first of its kind in Gujarati literature, tracing the evolution of poetic meters. The latter involves research on Premanand's "Bar Maas" from thirteen manuscripts to present a pure text. The importance of studying metrical structures for understanding poets' development and placement in literary history is highlighted.
   • Other Literary Contributions: The section also covers the sudden and tragic death of Matubhai, the editor of "Sahitya," whose monthly magazine completed its 21st year. The influential novels of Shri Munshi are mentioned, as well as his works from his jail-time, drawing a parallel with Lokmanya Tilak's "Gita Rahasya." The works of Shri Ramanlal are also noted. The section concludes with observations on the growth of new poetry, the emerging poets, and the need for a dedicated literary magazine.

5. Gujarati Bhashano Shabdkosh (Gujarati Language Lexicons): This significant section, authored by Shri Vitthalray Govaprasad Vyas, provides a detailed historical account of Gujarati dictionaries.

   • Importance of Dictionaries: It emphasizes the need for dictionaries as languages evolve and grow, and the importance of preserving records of past lexicographical efforts for historical and linguistic study.
   • Narmad's Narmkosh: Narmad is highlighted as the pioneer lexicographer of Gujarati, facing immense challenges due to the language's nascent stage, lack of resources, and personal hardships. His work is praised as a monumental achievement for which Gujarati literature remains indebted. The book notes the size and scope of Narmkosh (around 25,855 words) and compares it to early English dictionaries.
   • Later Dictionaries: It lists and discusses subsequent dictionaries, including those by Vithaldas Rajaram, Keshavlal K. Shastri, and the Gujarat Vernacular Society's comprehensive dictionary.
   • English-Gujarati and Gujarati-English Dictionaries: The section also details the history of bilingual dictionaries, starting from early attempts like "A Vocabulary-English and Gujarati" (1808) by Parsi individuals, through the significant "Comprehensive English-Gujarati Dictionary" by M. B. Belsare and H. K. Pathak, and later works by Lallubhai Gokaldas Patel and M. C. Katari. The challenges faced by private individuals in undertaking such large projects without government support are emphasized, along with the eventual contributions of government-supported initiatives and scholars.
   • Challenges in Lexicography: The text discusses the difficulties in establishing standardized spellings, incorporating new words (especially loanwords from English, Bengali, and Hindi), and resolving differing opinions on word usage and etymology. The absence of a definitive institution to standardize new word formations is noted.
   • The Need for a Comprehensive Dictionary: The article concludes by lamenting the continued lack of a truly comprehensive and standardized Gujarati-English dictionary that meets international standards, emphasizing the need for institutional support.

6. Classified Lists of Books (San 1933): The book includes extensive classified lists of books published in Gujarati in 1933, categorized by subject:

   • History
   • Politics
   • Biography
   • Poetry
   • Novels
   • General Ethics/Knowledge
   • Travel
   • Medicine/Health
   • Education
   • Science
   • Literature/Criticism
   • Religion
   • Drama
   • Reference
   • Children's Literature
   • Music
   • Mathematics
   • Physical Education
   • Cookery
   • Economics
   • Agriculture
   • Linguistics

7. List of Important Articles from Periodicals (San 1933): A detailed list of significant articles published in various Gujarati magazines during 1933, categorized by subject (Language-Grammar, Literature, Essays, Drama, History, Biography, Science, etc.), along with the author and the magazine/month of publication.

8. Chronology of Notable Gujarati Books: A year-wise listing of significant Gujarati books published, starting from pre-modern reading materials (1824 onwards) and progressing through dictionaries, grammar books, historical works, biographies, poetry collections, novels, dramas, religious texts, and more, up to 1933. This section is a substantial contribution to understanding the historical development of Gujarati publishing.

9. Biographical Sketches of Authors (Granthkar Charitravali): This section provides biographical information on many authors whose works are featured in the book or are considered significant in Gujarati literature. Notable figures included are:

   • Imamkhan Kaysarkhan Khan
   • Keshavlal Himmatram Kamdar
   • Keshavram Kashiram Shastri ("Gagya")
   • Girishankar Vallabhji Acharya
   • Govardanbhai Kahanbhai Amin
   • Gorhandas Dahyabhai Engineer
   • Jatashankar Jaychandbhai Adilshah
   • Munishri Jinvijayji
   • Jethalal Jivanal Gandhi
   • Rustomji Borjorji Pemaster
   • Naginbhai Naranbhai Parekh
   • Bholashankar Premji Vyas
   • Bhogilal Jaychand Sandesara
   • Maneklal Govindlal Joshi
   • Munishri Mangalvijayji
   • Ramanlal Narharilal Vakil
   • Acharya Vijyendra Suri
   • Dr. Ramanlal Kanhaiyalal Yajnik
   • Ramanlal P. Soni
   • Shantilal Gulabdas Talat
   • Satyendraprasad Sankleshwar Mehta
   • Sunderlal Nathalal Joshi
   • Sunderji Gokaldas Aetai
   • Hamidmiyan Dosamiya Sayyad
   • Harishankar Edadbhai Thacker
   • Munishri Himanshu Vijayji (Anekanth)
   • Karsandas Mulji (Arvachin Videhi - Modern Deceased)
   • Narmadji (mentioned extensively in the literary flow and as a subject)
   • Nandshankar (discussed in detail regarding his life and times, and his novel "Karan Ghelo")

Overall Significance:

"Granth Ane Granthkar Pustak 05" serves as a vital chronicle of Gujarati literary activity in 1933. It not only lists publications but also analyzes literary trends, discusses the contributions of prominent authors, and provides historical context for the development of Gujarati literature and language, particularly through its extensive treatment of lexicography. The book acts as a valuable reference for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in the rich literary heritage of Gujarat.