Hindi Jain Sahitya Ka Sankshipta Itihas - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the book "Hindi Jain Sahitya ka Sankshipta Itihas" by Kamtaprasad Jain, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Hindi Jain Sahitya ka Sankshipta Itihas (A Brief History of Hindi Jain Literature) Author: Kamtaprasad Jain Publisher: Bharatiya Gyanpith, Kashi Publication Date: February 1947

Overall Purpose and Scope:

This book aims to provide a concise historical overview of the vast and rich literature produced by Jain scholars and followers in the Hindi language. The author laments the general neglect of this significant body of work by mainstream Hindi literary historians, which has led to the loss of many invaluable texts and a lack of awareness about the Jain contribution to Hindi literature. The book seeks to highlight the unique characteristics, historical development, and importance of Hindi Jain literature, tracing its origins and evolution from the Apabhramsa period up to the modern era.

Key Themes and Arguments:

The Jain Contribution to Hindi Literature: The central argument is that Jain literature forms an integral and foundational part of Hindi literature. Jain scholars played a crucial role in the development of Hindi from its early Apabhramsa roots, contributing significantly to its vocabulary, poetic styles, and literary forms.
Historical Roots in Apabhramsa: The book meticulously traces the lineage of Hindi from the Prakrit and Apabhramsa languages, emphasizing that much of the surviving Apabhramsa literature, which laid the groundwork for Hindi, was created by Jain authors. This includes early poetic works and narrative traditions.
Linguistic and Stylistic Development: The author details how Apabhramsa evolved into early Hindi (Deshi Bhasha) and how Jain poets adapted and enriched these forms. The book provides numerous examples of verses and prose from various periods, showcasing the linguistic transitions and the adoption of new styles, including the development of rhyming meters.
Characteristics of Hindi Jain Literature:
- Spiritual and Moral Focus: The literature primarily focuses on spiritual development, self-realization, liberation (moksha), and moral conduct. It emphasizes self-reliance, ethical living, and compassion.
- Syadvada and Anekanta: The philosophical principles of Syadvada (many-sidedness of truth) and Anekanta (non-absolutism) are highlighted as shaping the Jain literary perspective, fostering tolerance and broad-mindedness.
- Absence of Excessive Sensationalism: While acknowledging the presence of various rasas (emotions), the book argues that Jain literature generally avoids the overt eroticism found in some contemporary non-Jain literature, favoring shanta rasa (peaceful sentiment) and a refined, restrained expression of emotions.
- Richness in Narrative and Didactic Content: The literature is rich in biographical accounts of Tirthankaras and significant Jain figures (charitra-granths), moral stories, philosophical treatises, and practical guides for lay followers.
Periodization of Hindi Jain Literature: The author proposes a periodization for Hindi Jain literature:
- Adikal (Early Period) - 11th to 14th Century: Characterized by Apabhramsa-dominant works transitioning into early Hindi (Deshi Bhasha). Notable genres include Rasa literature, often biographical and didactic, and the emergence of early Hindi prose. Mahakavi Pushpadanta is highlighted as a key figure.
- Madhyakal (Medieval Period) - 15th to 17th Century: This is considered a "Golden Age." It saw significant development in language, with a move towards refined Hindi. The literature became more spiritual and philosophical, with prominent poets like Banarasidas, representing a peak of creative output. This period also saw the influence of the Bhakti movement, with Jain poets integrating spiritual devotion into their works.
- Parivartankal (Transitional Period) - 18th to 19th Century: This period saw further evolution in language, with the increasing influence of Persian and the emerging Khari Boli dialect. While Braj Bhasha and older forms persisted, the seeds of modern Hindi were sown. Spiritual and moral themes continued, but some works also reflected the changing social and political landscape. The emergence of Khari Boli in Jain literature is noted.
- Navayug (New Era) - 19th Century onwards: This period is marked by the consolidation of Khari Boli, the influence of modern literary trends, and the publication of significant works that made Jain philosophy and history accessible to a wider audience.
Notable Authors and Works: The book extensively discusses numerous Jain poets and scholars, providing brief descriptions of their contributions and quoting examples of their works. Key figures include:
- Mahakavi Pushpadanta: Praised for his Apabhramsa epics like Mahapurana, Yashodharcharitra, and Nagkumaracharita.
- Kavi Banarasidas: Considered a towering figure, known for his autobiography Ardha-Kathanak (hailed as a remarkable early Hindi autobiography), Samaysar Natak, and Banarasivilas. His contribution to Khari Boli is particularly emphasized.
- Kavi Rajamalla Pandeya: Noted for his Pingalshastra, which documented poetic meters and influenced later Hindi literature.
- Kavi Bhudaradas: Recognized for his Parshva Purana and Jinshatak, praised for their independent composition, refined language, and moral teachings.
- Kavi Bhagvatidas: Celebrated for his spiritual and moral verses, critiquing the sensuality of contemporary poetry and advocating for purity.
- Pandit Todarmal: A significant reformer and scholar of the 19th century, known for his scholarly prose works like Gommatasar Vachnika, Moksha Marg Prakashak, and his emphasis on philosophical clarity and simple language.
- Pandit Jayachandra: Credited with numerous translations and commentaries on important Jain philosophical texts.
- Kavi Vrindavan: Considered a leading poet of the 19th century, known for his devotional verses, spiritual depth, and his work on prosody (Chhand Shatak).
Gadyamayi Sahitya (Prose Literature): The book also highlights the development of Jain prose literature, noting its early use in didactic and narrative works from the 13th century onwards. Prose works like Jagatsundari Prayogmala and later commentaries and treatises by scholars like Todarmal and Jayachandra are discussed.
The Importance of Jain Manuscripts: The author underscores the critical need for further research and preservation of Jain manuscripts housed in various collections across India, suggesting that many more valuable works await discovery.

Structure of the Book:

The book is organized chronologically, covering different periods of Hindi Jain literary history. It includes sections on:

Introduction (Nivedan) and Foreword (Prakathan)
Preface (Do Shabd)
The nature and characteristics of Hindi Jain literature
The origins of Hindi literature in Jain literature
A chronological division of Hindi Jain literature (Adikal, Madhyakal, Parivartankal)
Detailed discussion of authors and their works within each period
Appendices (Parishisht) containing selected verses and an index.

Overall Significance:

"Hindi Jain Sahitya ka Sankshipta Itihas" is a pioneering work that attempts to bring to light the extensive and often overlooked contribution of the Jain tradition to Hindi language and literature. It serves as a crucial resource for understanding the deep historical and cultural connections between Jainism and Hindi literary heritage. The author's passionate advocacy for the recognition of this literature aims to inspire further research and appreciation.