Hindi Jain Sahitya Parishilan Part 02

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Book Title: Hindi Jain Sahitya Parishilan Part 02 (A Critical Study of Hindi Jain Literature, Part 02) Author: Nemichandra Shastri Publisher: Bharatiya Gyanpith Overall Purpose: This book is a scholarly exploration and analysis of Hindi Jain literature, focusing on its development, key genres, prominent authors, and stylistic features. It aims to highlight the richness and contribution of Jain writers to the broader landscape of Hindi literature, often overlooked in traditional literary histories.

Key Themes and Content:

1. Universality of Literature: The author begins by asserting that literature, regardless of its origin or the religion of its creator, is a nourisher of humanity. Jain literature, with its emphasis on self-purification, has the potential to elevate both individual and social life. To label it as merely sectarian is a misconception. The true measure of literature is its ability to inspire and uplift humanity universally, a quality Jain literature possesses in abundance. The core of truth and beauty in literature is one, transcending religious boundaries.

2. Focus of the Book: This second part of the series delves into:

   • Modern Poetry: Examining the contemporary trends and various currents in Jain poetry.
   • Ancient and Modern Prose: Analyzing the evolution and characteristics of Jain prose writing.

3. Critique of Past Neglect: The author laments the historical neglect of Hindi Jain literature by critics and literary historians. He argues that this oversight is a form of discrimination against humanity itself and calls for a more inclusive and fair appraisal of this literary tradition.

4. Contribution to Hindi Literature: The book emphasizes that Jain writers have significantly contributed to the development of Hindi literature, particularly in prose. Pandit Daulatram, for instance, made a substantial contribution to the development of Khadi Boli prose. Jain scholars in the 14th and 15th centuries systematically organized prose through commentaries and dictionaries. The author notes the influence of the Brajbhasha dialect due to the geographical centers of Hindi Jain literature but points out that Khadi Boli elements are also present in prose written near Agra and Delhi.

5. Key Genres and Analysis:

   • Modern Poetry: The book discusses the continuation of traditional themes (devotion, renunciation, ethics, romance) in modern styles and languages. It acknowledges the influence of time and environment on the literature, leading to adaptations of older narratives.

     • Mahakavya (Epic Poetry): "Vardhaman" by Anoop Sharma is highlighted as a significant modern epic, praised for its Sanskritized Hindi, adherence to classical descriptive styles (nature, seasons), and its retelling of Lord Mahavir's life. However, the author critically points out instances where the poet has manipulated Jain narratives to align with Vedic themes (e.g., the serpent-subduing episode, the soul's journey) and notes that while it harmonizes certain sectarian beliefs (e.g., marriage of Mahavir), some descriptions (like Trishala's sensuous portrayal) are deemed psychologically unsuitable or out of place.
     • Khandakavya (Lyrical/Minor Epic Poetry): This section discusses several notable works like "Rajul," "Virag," "Veerta Ki Kasauti," "Bahubali," "Pratifalan," and "Anjana Pavanjay."
       • "Rajul" by Balchandra Jain is analyzed for its portrayal of Rajul's devotion and sacrifice, her journey through five sargas (sections): Darshan, Smaran, Virag, Virah, and Utsarg. The narrative focuses on the initial attraction, the separation due to Neimi's renunciation, and Rajul's unwavering resolve.
       • "Virag" by Dhankumar Jain "Sudhesh" is described as a work that conveys the message of detachment through the life of Lord Mahavir. It highlights Mahavir's internal conflict, his father's pleas, and his mother's emotional appeal, ultimately emphasizing his unwavering resolve for renunciation and universal compassion.
       • "Muktidoot" (likely referring to "Anjana Pavanjay") is discussed as a significant novel (later classified as a novel in the genre discussion) by Virendra Kumar Jain, M.A. The plot is based on the Puranic story of Pavanjay and Anjana, focusing on Pavanjay's ego, his eventual realization, and Anjana's role in his spiritual journey. The analysis discusses the integration of Puranic elements with the author's imaginative additions, the symbolic representation of characters (Anjana as nature, Pavanjay as ego, Hanuman as Brahma), and its relevance to modern human struggles with materialism and ego.
     • Sphut Kavitaen (Miscellaneous/Fragmentary Poetry): This section categorizes contemporary Jain poetry into two main trends:
       • Puraan Pravritti (Traditional Trend): Characterized by adherence to older themes and styles, often with a philosophical or ethical bent, but sometimes lacking artistic refinement. Authors like Babu Jagmohan Das are mentioned.
       • Nootan Pravritti (Modern Trend): This trend is further divided into three phases (1900-1925, 1926-1940, 1941-1955) and encompasses various sub-genres: Vrittatmak (narrative), Varnanatmak (descriptive), Acharatmak/Naitik (ethical/didactic), Bhavatmak (emotional), and Geyatmak (musical/lyrical). Numerous poets and their works are cited across these categories.

   • Hindi Jain Prose Literature:

     • Ancient Prose (14th-19th Century): This section traces the evolution of Jain prose, noting its early use for translations of Sanskrit and Prakrit texts into local dialects (like Dhadhari), and later into more refined Hindi. Key figures like Rajmal Pandey (criticized for using Dhadhari), Banarasi Das (praised for his refined Brajbhasha prose in "Paramarth Vachnika" and "Upadan Nimitt Ki Chithi"), Akhayraan Shrimal, and Pandit Hemraj (known for scholarly but sometimes pedantic style) are discussed. The influence of Rajasthani and Brajbhasha dialects is noted, along with the significant role of Jain authors in preserving and developing Hindi prose.
     • Modern Prose (20th Century): This era saw a significant growth in prose, moving beyond traditional commentaries to novels, stories, essays, and critical works. The book highlights how modern Jain prose increasingly engages with psychological analysis, societal issues, and philosophical reflections. The use of Khadi Boli is discussed, and the literary contributions of authors like Pandit Sadashuk, Pannalal Choudhary, Muni Atmashram, and others are acknowledged.
     • Novels: The analysis of novels focuses on "Manovati" by Jainendra Kishore, discussing its plot (a story of devotion and wealth), characterization (Manovati as an ideal, Buddhisena's flawed development), narrative style, and linguistic features, noting its early status in Hindi novel writing. "Anjana" (likely referring to "Muktidoot") by Virendra Kumar Jain is praised for its technical skill, character development (especially Anjana's psychological portrayal), dialogues, and symbolic representation, although some narrative expansion is noted. "Sushila" by Pandit Gopal Das Varaiya is presented as a moralistic novel with a complex plot and clear character archetypes.
     • Story Literature: This section emphasizes the didactic and entertaining nature of Jain stories, tracing their roots back 2000 years. It highlights their focus on dharma, karma, and the principles of Jainism. The discussion covers translated collections like "Aradhana Kathakosh" and "Brihat Kathakosh," as well as original works. Dr. Jagdish Chandra Jain's collection of 64 stories is noted for its blend of folklore, historical, and religious narratives. The analysis of stories like "Kanak Kumar" and "Maha Sati Sita" focuses on their emotional depth and adherence to Jain principles, with a critical note on narrative flow in some instances.
     • Drama: The book touches upon the development of Jain drama, mentioning its traditional roots and modern adaptations. Jayanendra Kishore is noted for writing several plays, though many remain unpublished. "Gyanoday" and "Akalank" are discussed as examples of plays with clear religious and historical themes, and "Vardhaman Mahavir" is analyzed for its attempt to portray Mahavir's life through dramatic elements, though the author points out limitations in character development and musical elements.

6. Classical Aspects of Hindi Jain Literature:

   • Language: The evolution of language from Apabhramsha and Old Hindi to modern Khadi Boli is discussed, highlighting the linguistic contributions of Jain poets and prose writers in refining the language.
   • Chhand Vidhan (Prosody): Jain poets extensively used various traditional Hindi and Sanskrit meters (Doha, Chaupai, Chhappay, Savaiya, Kavit, etc.) as well as custom-designed meters to express their emotions and themes effectively. The book praises the skillful weaving of meters and the musicality achieved by poets like Banarsi Das and Bhagvati Das.
   • Alankar Yojana (Poetic Devices): The authors meticulously analyze the use of Shabadalankaras (alliteration, rhyme, etc.) and Arthalamkaras (similes, metaphors, hyperbole, etc.) in Jain poetry. Poets like Banarsi Das and Bhagvati Das are recognized for their masterful and original use of these devices to enhance emotional impact and beauty.
   • Prakriti Chitran (Nature Depiction): Jain poets often used nature not just for aesthetic beauty but also as a symbolic representation of spiritual states (renunciation, detachment, cosmic cycles). The book discusses how nature is depicted to evoke specific emotions or convey moral lessons, with examples from various poets.
   • Pratik Yojana (Symbolism): The use of symbols from nature and daily life (serpent, poison, elephant, darkness, moon, flower, lamp, etc.) to represent abstract concepts like vices, virtues, spiritual states, and the human condition is explored. These symbols are analyzed for their effectiveness in conveying Jain philosophical ideas.
   • Rahasyavad (Mysticism): The book identifies a strain of mysticism in Hindi Jain literature, focused on the realization of the pure soul (Shuddhatma). This mysticism is characterized by detachment from worldly pleasures, intense devotion, and the quest for self-knowledge, often expressed through dialogues between the soul and the divine or through allegorical descriptions.

7. Prominent Authors and Works: Throughout the book, numerous poets, prose writers, playwrights, and essayists are mentioned, with significant attention given to figures like Banarsi Das, Bhagvati Das, Bhudhar Das, Daulat Ram, Nemichandra Shastri himself, Nathuram Premi, Jayanendra Kishore, and Jaganmohan Das.

Conclusion:

"Hindi Jain Sahitya Parishilan Part 02" is a comprehensive academic work that aims to bring to light the vast and significant contributions of Jain writers to Hindi literature. It celebrates their linguistic skill, artistic creativity, philosophical depth, and their role in shaping various literary genres, while also advocating for a more inclusive recognition of their place in literary history. The book serves as both a historical record and a critical appreciation of this rich literary heritage.