Hastpratbhandaro Gyanmandiro Ni Suchi

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Hastpratbhandaro Gyanmandiro ni Suchi" (List of Manuscript Repositories/Centers of Knowledge) by Kantilal B. Shah:

Title: Hastpratbhandaro Gyanmandiro ni Suchi (List of Manuscript Repositories/Centers of Knowledge) Author: Kantilal B. Shah Publisher/Context: Z_Ek_Abhivadan_Occhav_Ek_Goshthi_001184.pdf Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/249533/1

Overall Purpose: This extensive work by Kantilal B. Shah serves as a catalog or directory of various Jain manuscript repositories and centers of knowledge. It aims to document and list these institutions, which are vital for preserving and accessing ancient Jain literature and scholarly works.

Sources and Methodology: The author states that the compilation of this list was based on a wide range of sources, including:

• "Jain Gurjar Kavio Vol. 7" (revised edition) by Jayant Kothari.
• "Aapna Gyanmandiro" edited by Muni Shri Kalyanbodhivijay.
• "Gujarati Hastpraton ni Sankalit Yadi" compiled by Shri K.K. Shastri.
• A list of repository information found within the "Mudrit Jain Shwetambardi Granth Namavali" published by Shri Adhyatm Gyan Prasarak Mandal, Padra.
• An article by Dr. Kanubhai Sheth titled "Hastprat Bhandaro - Vartman Sthiti ane Have Pachinu Karya" (Manuscript Repositories - Current Status and Future Work).
• Lists of repositories from the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Bharatiya Sanskriti Vidyamandir, Ahmedabad, and Shri Hemchandracharya Jain Gyanmandir, Patan, made available by Shri Lakshmanbhai Bhojak.
• Lists of repositories from the Acharya Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir, Koba, made available by Shri Kanubhai Shah.

The author notes that information about repositories that have been consolidated into other institutions or published catalog details are indicated in square brackets [ ]. The catalog primarily covers Gujarati manuscripts.

Scope and Limitations:

• Inclusion of Older Records: The list includes repositories that may have been recorded about fifty years prior, even if their current status or whereabouts are unknown. This is done to aid researchers in potentially tracing them.
• Uncertainty of Current Holdings: The author acknowledges that for some entries in the list, it is not definitively certain if they currently possess manuscripts.
• Exclusion of Out-of-State Repositories: The catalog does not claim to include all Jain knowledge repositories located outside of Gujarat.

Structure of the List: The document presents a numbered list of manuscript repositories and centers of knowledge. For each entry, it provides:

• The name of the repository/institution.
• The location (city/town).
• Cross-references or notes about mergers with other institutions or the availability of catalogs, enclosed in square brackets [ ].
• Cross-references to other related entries using "જુઓ ક." (see entry no.).

Key Features and Observations from the List (Pages 2-23): The catalog is extensive, listing hundreds of repositories. Some prominent observations and recurring themes include:

1. Geographical Distribution: The list is rich with repositories located in Gujarat, particularly in cities like Ahmedabad, Patan, Surat, Vadodara, Koba, Limbdi, and Jamnagar. However, it also includes repositories from other parts of India (e.g., Bikaner, Jaipur, Ujjain, Kolkata, Delhi) and even one in London (India Office Library).
2. Consolidation of Collections: A recurring note is that many older collections or smaller repositories have been consolidated into larger institutions. The Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Bharatiya Sanskriti Vidyamandir, Ahmedabad (લા.દ.ભા.સુ.વિ.મ., અમદાવાદ) and the Acharya Kailassagarsuri Jain Gyanmandir, Koba (આ.કે.શા.મં, કોબા) appear frequently as recipients of merged collections.
3. Prominent Institutions: Several key institutions are repeatedly mentioned as holding significant collections or being central repositories.
4. Variety of Repository Types: The list includes repositories associated with Jain temples (derasars), Upashrays (monastic residences), Jain societies, educational institutions (pathshalas, colleges), private collections of scholars or patrons, and even historical libraries like the India Office Library and the British Museum.
5. Specific Collection Mentions: Some entries highlight specific individuals whose collections form the basis of a repository (e.g., Agarchand Nahata, Kavi Dalpatram, Muni Punyavijayji).
6. Inclusion of Catalog Information: Where available, the catalog mentions the existence and details of published catalogs for specific institutions, which is invaluable for researchers.
7. Cross-referencing: The author has diligently cross-referenced repositories that are the same or have been merged, using phrases like "જુઓ ક." (see no.).
8. Village-wise Index: A village-wise index is provided at the end of the list (starting on Page 21), referencing the entry numbers for each location. This helps in quickly finding repositories in a particular area.

Overall Significance: "Hastpratbhandaro Gyanmandiro ni Suchi" is a foundational resource for anyone studying Jain manuscripts, literature, history, and the preservation of knowledge within the Jain tradition. It provides a systematic overview of the vast network of institutions that have historically housed and continue to house Jain manuscripts, offering a critical starting point for research and archival work. The meticulous sourcing and cross-referencing highlight the author's dedication to creating a comprehensive and useful guide.