Jain Gurjar Kavio Part 01

This comprehensive summary outlines the content and significance of "Jain Gurjar Kavio Part 01," a descriptive catalog of Jain poets and their works in the Gujarati language from the 12th to the 15th century VS (Vikram Samvat).

Book Title: Jain Gurjar Kavio Part 01 Author(s): Mohanlal Dalichand Desai (Compiler), Jayant Kothari (Editor) Publisher: Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalay, Mumbai Publication Year: 1986 (Second Revised and Enlarged Edition)

Core Content:

This volume is a monumental work that meticulously lists and describes the literary contributions of Jain poets who wrote in the Gujarati language during a significant medieval period (12th to 15th century VS). The book serves as a critical reference for scholars and researchers interested in Jain literature, medieval Gujarati literature, and the history of religious poetry in India.

Key Features and Significance:

• Comprehensive Catalogue: The book provides an extensive and detailed list of Jain poets from the specified period. It goes beyond mere names, offering descriptions of their works, their time periods, and often, details about their manuscripts, origins (gachchha), and lineage.
• Authoritative Compilation: Mohanlal Dalichand Desai spent approximately four decades meticulously collecting and documenting this vast body of literature. His work involved personally examining thousands of manuscripts from various Jain libraries and private collections, demonstrating immense dedication and scholarly rigor.
• Revised and Expanded Edition: The second edition, edited by Jayant Kothari, aims to rectify limitations in the first edition, incorporate new findings, and present the information in a more organized and detailed manner. This includes consolidating materials previously spread across parts, reordering chronologically, and clarifying information.
• Preservation of Literary Heritage: The volume plays a crucial role in preserving and making accessible the rich literary heritage of the Jain community in Gujarat. Much of this literature remained in manuscript form, making it inaccessible to the wider scholarly community before this compilation.
• Scholarly Value: The book is praised for its scientific approach, detailed descriptions of works (including beginning and ending passages where available), and the chronological ordering of poets and their creations. This allows for a study of the evolution of Gujarati language and Jain literary traditions over centuries.
• Inclusion of Supplementary Material: Beyond the poet and work listings, the original compilation by Desai included valuable supplementary materials like a list of Jain gachchhas, genealogical tables (gurupattavalis), and even a brief history of the Old Gujarati language. While the revised edition focuses on refining the primary catalog, the depth of Desai's original research is acknowledged.
• Dedication to Jain Literature: The publication is a testament to the Mahavir Jain Vidyalay's commitment to promoting and preserving Jain literature. The significant financial investment and editorial effort highlight the importance placed on this endeavor.
• Appreciation and Recognition: The introductory sections and the "Opinions" (Abhipraya) section feature heartfelt tributes from prominent literary figures like KeshavaLal H. Dhruva, Narsinhrao Bholanath Divetia, and Anandshankar Bapubhai Dhruva. They acknowledge the monumental nature of Desai's work, the depth of his research, and the invaluable service he rendered to Gujarati and Jain literature.

Content Breakdown (Based on the Index and Preface):

The book is structured chronologically, categorizing poets by the Vikram Samvat century they belonged to:

• Introduction and Acknowledgements: The volume begins with editorial notes, acknowledgments from the publishers (Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalay), and the editor (Jayant Kothari), who expresses gratitude for the opportunity to revise and republish Desai's seminal work. They highlight Desai's exceptional contribution and the need for an updated edition.
• Descriptive Catalogue: The main body of the book is the catalog itself, listing poets and their works. The index (Anukramanika) at the end provides a comprehensive list of the poets covered, along with their corresponding page numbers. The poets are presented with their names, affiliations (gachchha, guru lineage), and details about their works, often including manuscript information, approximate dates, and sometimes even snippets of their compositions.
• Chronological Progression: The catalog progresses through the centuries, starting from the 12th century VS (Vikram Samvat) and moving forward, detailing poets and their works.
• Scholarly Apparatus: The text includes extensive sections on abbreviations used, providing crucial keys for understanding the manuscript and source references. This section is vital for researchers to trace the origin of the information presented.
• Corrections and Additions: The revised edition explicitly mentions the improvements made, such as consolidating scattered information, refining the chronological order, adding supplementary information from other sources, and correcting previous errors or ambiguities.

Overall Impression:

"Jain Gurjar Kavio Part 01" is more than just a catalog; it's a scholarly achievement that brings to light a significant, yet often obscure, segment of Indian literary history. It underscores the profound and sustained contribution of the Jain community to the development of Gujarati literature and highlights the meticulous work of scholars like Mohanlal Dalichand Desai and Jayant Kothari in preserving and disseminating this vital cultural heritage. The book is an indispensable resource for anyone delving into the rich tapestry of Indian literature and the history of Jain intellectual traditions.