Jain Granth Aur Granthkar - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Granth aur Granthkar" by Fatehchand Belani, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Jain Granth aur Granthkar (Jain Texts and Authors) Author: Fatehchand Belani Nyayatirtha, Vyakaranta, Nyayaratna Publisher: Jain Sanskruti Sanshodhan Mandal Banaras Publication Date: October 1950

Overall Purpose: This book aims to provide Hindi-speaking scholars with a chronological introduction to Jain literature, organized by century. It acknowledges that while newer materials may have become available since its initial intended publication date, it still serves as a foundational resource for understanding the vast contributions of Jain scholars across various branches of Indian literature throughout the centuries. The author emphasizes that a complete understanding of Indian literature is impossible without recognizing and integrating Jain contributions, rather than dismissing them as mere sectarian works.

Key Features and Content:

Chronological Organization: The primary organizing principle is by century, from the pre-Vedic period to the 20th century.
Inclusion of Both Traditions: The compilation includes works from both the Shvetambara and Digambara traditions. The author notes that initially, separate lists were considered, but to simplify the chronological ordering, Digambara authors are often placed after Shvetambara authors within the same century, without implying a strict sequential order.
Language Scope: The book primarily focuses on Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Apabhramsha texts. The exception noted is the inclusion of Anandghanji, whose works are likely in a later vernacular.
Content Scope and Limitations: The author admits that the compilation is not exhaustive and may not include all Jain texts and authors. The categorization of works is based on their titles, which might not always accurately reflect their full subject matter, as it was not possible to examine every text.
Indications of Text Size and Date: Where an author's name is followed by "श्लोक" (shlok) and a number, it indicates the approximate size of the work in verses. Numbers directly after a text name indicate its probable composition date in Vikram Samvat.
Influential Sources: The author expresses gratitude for the significant use of "Nasahityapanon Sankshipt Itihas" by M.D. Desai and "Jain Sahitya aur Itihas" by Nathuram Premi.
Categorization of Jain Canonical Literature (Agam): The text meticulously lists and categorizes the Agamic literature, including:
- 84 Agam (Shvetambar Sammat):
  - 1-11: Eleven Angas (e.g., Acharanga, Sutrakritanga)
  - 12-23: Twelve Upangas (e.g., Aupapatika, Vyakhyaprajnapti)
  - 24-27: Four Mulasutras (e.g., Avasyaka Sutra, Dashavaikalika)
  - 28-29: Two Chulika Sutras (e.g., Nandi Sutra, Anuyogadvara)
  - 30-35: Six Cheda Sutras (e.g., Nishitha, Brihatkalpa)
  - 36-45: Ten Prakirnakas (e.g., Chatursharana, Virastava)
  - 46: Kalpasutra
  - 47: Yatishitakalpa
  - 48: Shradhakhitakalpa
  - 49-50: Pakshika Sutra, Kshamaapan Sutra (as parts of Avasyaka Sutra)
  - 51: Vandittu
  - 52: Rishibhashita
  - 53-72: Twenty Other Payannas (various supplementary texts)
- 73-83: Twelve Niyuktis: These are commentaries or expositions on the Agamas, with Bhadrabahu credited for many of them.
- 84: Vishesh Avasyak Bhashya: A major commentary.
- Note on numbering: The text mentions that including the extinct Drishtivada adds 85 to the count, and different counting methods exist.
Chronological Listing of Authors and Works: The bulk of the book is dedicated to a chronological listing of authors and their works, categorized by century, starting from the 4th century BCE. This extensive list covers a wide range of genres, including:
- Agamic Literature: Commentaries, Niyuktis, Bhashyas, etc.
- Philosophical Works (Darshanik): Texts on logic, epistemology, metaphysics.
- Poetry and Drama (Kavya, Natak): Epics, dramas, devotional poetry.
- Narrative Literature (Katha, Charitra): Stories, biographies of saints and kings.
- Grammar (Vyakarana): Works on Sanskrit and Prakrit grammar.
- Cosmography/Geography (Bhugol): Texts describing the universe.
- Miscellaneous (Prakirnak): Works on various subjects.
- Rituals and Practices (Achar, Samachari): Texts on conduct and rituals.
- Medical (Vaidyak): Works on medicine.
- Mantras and Tantras (Mantra, Tantra): Works on magical and ritualistic practices.
- Commentaries on Agamas: Many scholars are listed for their extensive commentaries on the core Jain scriptures.
Notable Authors and Works Mentioned (Examples across centuries):
- Pre-Vedic/Early Period: Mention of works associated with early Acharyas.
- 4th Century BCE: Shambhusuri.
- 3rd Century BCE: Bhadrabahu Swami.
- 2nd Century BCE: Shyamaacharya.
- 2nd Century CE: Arya Rakshit, Padalipta Suri.
- 2nd-3rd Century CE: Gunadhara, Pushpadanta-Bhutabali (Kashaya Pahuda, Shatkhandagama). Kundakundacharya (Pravachanasara, Samayasara, Niyamasara, etc.). Vimal Kavi (Paumchariu).
- 3rd Century CE: Shivasharma Suri. Umaswati (Tattvartha Sutra, Jambu Dwipa Samasa).
- 4th-5th Century CE: Siddhasena Divakara (Sammata Tarka, Nyayavatara).
- 5th-6th Century CE: Bhadrabahu (various Niyuktis), Vattakera (Mulachara), Shivarya (Aradhana), Sarvanandi (Loka Vibhaga), Yati Vrshabhacharya (Tiloya Pannatti).
- 6th Century CE: Devanandi (Pujyapada) (Sarvarthasiddhi, Jainendra Shabdaavatara). Chandraping Mahattara. Devagani Kshama Shramana (Devavachaka). Mallavadi.
- 7th Century CE: Jinabhadra Kshama Shramana, Sanghadasa Kshama Shramana, Dharmasena Gani, Dharmadasa Gani (?), Mantunga Suri (?), Singani (Simhasuri). Samantabhadra (Aptamimansa, Yuktianushasana). Haribhadra Suri (Upadeshamala, Pancha Vastuka).
- 8th Century CE: Gunandhi (Shabdarnava), Somadeva Suri (Shabdarnava Chandrika), Charukirti (Shabdaprakriya).
- 9th-12th Century CE: Abhayandi (Mahavrutti), Shruta Kirti (Panchavastu Prakriya), Prabhachandra (Shabdambhojabhaskara), Mahachandra (Laghu Jainendra).
- 9th Century CE: Udyotana Suri (Kuvalayamala). Jinamitra Acharya, Parameshthi Vagartha Sangraha, Virasena (Dhavala commentary), Jinamitra (Jaya Dhavala commentary), Dhananjay (Dhananjaya Nama Mala), Vidyananda (Aptapariksha, Ashtasahasri).
- 10th Century CE: Jayasingha Suri, Shilacharya (Tattvaditya) (Acharanga Tika), Shilaka Deva (Chauppanna Mahapurusa Charitam). Charukirti (Nyayavatara Tika). Chandrakirti (Vilasavati Katha). Nemisadhu (Avasyaka Vrutti). Dharmopadeshamala Vivarana. Nemichandra Suri (Sukhabodha Tika on Uttaradhyayana). Gunachandra Suri. Shalibhadra Suri. Chandrapravra Mahattara. Vardhamanacharya (Manorama Charitra). Abhayadeva Suri (Navangi Tika).
- 11th Century CE: Jambusuri (Manipati Charitra). Jinashataka. Abhayadevasuri. Dhanesvarasuri (Surasundari Katha). Pushpadanta (Trishashthi Mahapurusha Gualankara). Jasaharachariu. Mahasena (Jayagani's disciple) (Pradyumna Charitra). Mahacharya Mahasena (disciples of Jinagani) (Shabdambhojabhaskara). Ajitasena's disciples. Viranandi. Indranandi (Shrutavatara). Kanakanandi. Madhukara (Nemichandra's disciple). Shri Chandra (Mahapuraṇa on Pushpadanta). Prabhachandra (Hrichandra, Somadeva, Ananta Kirti). Amitagati. Madhavasara.

The list continues extensively, covering authors and works up to the 20th century, with detailed entries often including the century, author's name, genre, and sometimes the work's approximate size or specific nature. The compilation showcases the remarkable breadth and depth of Jain literary production across philosophy, literature, grammar, history, and more.

In essence, Fatehchand Belani's work is a valuable historical bibliography and an important effort to document and contextualize the immense and often overlooked literary heritage of Jainism within the broader landscape of Indian literature.