Jain Kaviyo Ka Itihas Ya Prachin Hindi Jain Kavi - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Kaviyo ka Itihas ya Prachin Hindi Jain Kavi" (History of Jain Poets or Ancient Hindi Jain Poets) by Mulchandra Jain, published by Jain Sahitya Sammelan Damoha.

The book is an effort to highlight the significant contribution of Jain poets to Hindi literature, emphasizing their unique approach and the vastness of their literary output.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and content:

1. The Importance of Literature and Jain Literature's Role:

The preface stresses the vital role of literature in societal progress and shaping any era.
Jain literature is presented as having consistently brought glory to India through its sacred and extensive works, guiding beings towards peace, duty, and welfare.

2. Jain Contribution to Hindi Literature:

The book argues that Jain scholars have not lagged behind any Indian poet in contributing to Hindi literature.
They have showcased their pure talent and scholarship through poetry, a fact that is highly commendable.

3. The Nature and Significance of Hindi Jain Literature:

Hindi Jain literature is described as vast and significant.
Linguistically, it holds unique features not found in non-Jain literature. The Jain scholars' deep understanding of Prakrit and Magadhi (languages considered precursors to Hindi) is highlighted.
The book asserts that Jain scholars had a special hold on Apabhramsa, the language that existed between Prakrit and Hindi.
Hindi Jain literature is also noted for shedding light on the history of its time. Banarasidas's autobiography, for instance, offers a vivid picture of the tumultuous Muslim rule.

4. Reasons for the Obscurity of Hindi Jain Literature:

Secrecy of Jain Texts: Jain communities, fearing the destruction of their scriptures by other religious groups, tended to keep their texts hidden. This fear persisted even after circumstances changed, preventing the widespread dissemination of their works.
Impact of Printing: The advent of printing initially caused anxiety within the Jain community, fearing uncontrolled printing of their scriptures. While efforts were later made to publish these works, the lack of easy accessibility for Jains themselves hindered public revelation.
Public Indifference and Prejudice: A general lack of interest and even animosity towards Jainism by the public and some scholars (considering them atheistic or anti-Vedic) contributed to the obscurity. Many scholars were unaware of the existence and importance of Hindi Jain literature.
Indifference of Jain Scholars: The lack of interest from educated Jains, especially those educated in English, also played a role. Sanskrit scholars, on the other hand, sometimes overlooked the significance of Hindi.

5. The Dominant Theme of "Shanti Ras" (Peaceful Sentiment) in Jain Poetry:

A significant point is made about the prevalence of "Shanti Ras" in almost all Jain poetry, which is presented as the highest goal of literature.
This is contrasted with the majority of other Indian poets who were primarily focused on "Shringar Ras" (erotic sentiment).
The book argues that the focus on eroticism in non-Jain poetry led India to forget its duties and ideal characters, diminishing its strength and vigor. Erotic poets, often patronized by royalty, are seen as having contributed to India's decline by weakening public morale.
The primary goal of literature, according to the preface, is to foster good character, restraint, duty, and bravery, and to elevate the soul towards divinity and liberation.

6. Jain Poets' Rejection of Erotic Themes:

Jain poets actively rejected and condemned "Shringar Ras" and poets who indulged in it.
Poets like Banarasidas, Bhaiya Bhagwatidas, and Bhudaradas are mentioned as having criticized erotic poetry and erotic poets.

7. Focus on Human Duty and Self-Realization:

Jain poets channeled their artistic skill into depicting human duties and self-realization.
Their aim was the ultimate upliftment of humanity, driven by the purpose of universal welfare. They succeeded in portraying self-introduction and human duties with great skill.
Their poetry on devotion, detachment, teachings, and philosophical principles is considered exceptional. Jain poets are noted for their profound compositions on detachment and the impermanence of the world.

8. Classification of Hindi Jain Literature:

The book categorizes Hindi Jain literature into four types:
1. Philosophical Works: Dealing with profound spiritual and self-realization themes.
2. Hymns, Bhajans, and Prayers: Devotional songs and prayers.
3. Puranas and Biographies: Narratives of religious stories and lives of important figures.
4. Stories, Puja texts, etc.: Ritualistic and narrative literature.

9. Notable Jain Poets and their Works:

First Category (Spiritual/Self-Realization): Banarasidas, Bhagwatidas, Bhudaradas, etc., who focused on profound spiritual and self-realization topics.
Second Category (Hymns/Devotional): Dayantaray, Daulatram, Bhagchand, Budhjan, etc., who primarily composed devotional songs and prayers filled with spirituality and teachings.
Other Poets: Thousands of other Jain poets contributed to Puranas, biographies, and devotional literature, which are significant for their ideals and devotion, even if not always on the same literary level as the first two categories.

10. The Undiscovered Treasure of Hindi Jain Poetry:

The author laments that the extensive Hindi Jain poetic treasure lies scattered and undiscovered.
A call is made for its exploration, which could potentially enrich the history of Hindi literature with new gems.

11. Introduction to Two Great Jain Poets:

The book aims to introduce two prominent Jain poets from this vast body of literature.

12. Detailed Biography of Kaviwar Banarasidas: The book then delves into a detailed account of Kaviwar Banarasidas:

His Importance as a Poet: Highlighting poetry's ability to bring welfare, national pride, and to provide solace and guidance to humanity.
His Life and Works:
- Banarasidas is presented as a gifted Hindi poet with exceptional command over language and a unique artistic style.
- His autobiography, "Ardha-Kathanaka," is lauded as an unparalleled work in Indian autobiographical history, known for its realistic and honest portrayal of his life, including his flaws and strengths.
- Family Background: Details his lineage, his father Kharagsen's business acumen, and his paternal grandfather's position.
- Early Life and Education: Describes his birth, early education, and his engagement at a young age due to the political climate.
- Youthful Indulgences: Chronicles his descent into youthful excesses driven by wealth and freedom, including his involvement in poetry and worldly pleasures.
- Spiritual Awakening and Encounters: Details his encounters with spiritual figures, his brief deviation into extreme asceticism, his return to devotional practices, and his eventual disillusionment with superficial spiritualism.
- Commercial Ventures: Recounts his struggles and failures in business, highlighting his perseverance.
- Personal Life: Discusses his marriages and the profound loss of his first wife, his deep affection for her, and his subsequent marriages.
- Friendships: Mentions his close friendship with Narottamdas and his relationship with Nawab Kilich Khan.
- Loss of Children: Details the tragic loss of his nine children, including his youngest son at the age of nine, which deeply affected him.
- Social and Political Context: Describes the prevailing administrative conditions, the arbitrary actions of officials, and the general fear and disruption during times of political transition.
- The Plague: Recounts the devastating impact of the plague during his time.
- Economic Conditions: Illustrates the low cost of living during Emperor Akbar's reign through an anecdote.
- State of Education: Notes the prevailing indifference towards education among the general populace.
- Longevity: Mentions his observation on the average human lifespan of his time.
- Societal Values: Highlights the prevalent mutual affection and trustworthiness in society.
- His Rigorous Nature and Integrity: Emphasizes his strong convictions, self-respect, and his refusal to compromise his principles, even before royalty.
- His Kindness and Compassion: Illustrates his compassionate nature through an anecdote of his intervention for a soldier.
- His Final Days: Discusses the legends surrounding his peaceful demise in meditation.
- His Virtues and Flaws: Presents a balanced view of his character, acknowledging both his strengths and weaknesses as he himself did in his autobiography.

13. Detailed Account of Bhaiya Bhagwatidas: The book also dedicates a significant section to Bhaiya Bhagwatidas:

Context of his Time: Depicts the prevalent eroticism and decadence in contemporary poetry, where poets were engrossed in sensual descriptions and often distorted devotional themes.
Bhagwatidas's Idealistic Poetry: Contrasts this with Bhagwatidas, who maintained a pure and idealistic approach to poetry. He focused on themes of detachment, Vedanta, morality, and devotion.
His Life and Works:
- Born in Agra, his birth date is uncertain but his works suggest activity between 1731 and 1755 Vikram Samvat.
- His father was a respected merchant, and despite his business acumen, Bhagwatidas inclined towards poetry.
- He was well-versed in Hindi, Sanskrit, and other languages, including Persian and Gujarati.
- His poetry is described as simple, profound, and beneficial, offering solace and guidance.
Critique of Keshavdas's "Rasik Priya": Bhagwatidas's strong disapproval of Keshavdas's erotic work "Rasik Priya" is highlighted. He returned the book with a critical verse, emphasizing the importance of true poetry for societal upliftment and the responsibility of poets.
His Approach to Women: He viewed women with respect and purity, not as objects of lust, but as embodiments of virtue. He criticized poets who degraded women by portraying them solely as objects of desire.
His Literary Strengths: Bhagwatidas's poetry is praised for its clarity, use of language, inclusion of regional words, and its ability to convey profound spiritual messages through simple and beautiful language.
Major Works: "Brahm Vilas" is mentioned as a collection of 67 of his poems, including devotional songs, ethical teachings, and philosophical reflections. Other works like "Shat Ashottari" (108 verses), "Punya Pachchisika" (25 verses on merit and demerit), "Jain Dharma Pachchisika" (25 verses on Jainism), "Vais Paribaha" (22 types of hardships), and "Pancham Indriya Samvad" (dialogue of five senses) are described, along with his philosophical poems and a critique of various philosophies.

14. Analysis of Various Jain Works and Concepts: The book further analyzes various works and concepts attributed to these poets:

"Natak Samaysar": A highly revered work based on Kundakunda's Prakrit original, with Sanskrit and Hindi commentaries. It's praised for its profound spirituality and its unique ability to impart peace and self-realization.
"Banarsi Vilas": A collection of Banarasidas's poems, compiled by Jagjivan of Agra, comprising 60 poems on religious, ethical, detached, devotional, and spiritual themes.
"Shukra Adhyatmavad": Discusses a phase where Banarasidas explored dry spiritualism but eventually integrated it with practice.
Analysis of Numerous Poetic Works: The book extensively details and analyzes various poems and poetic forms like Doha, Soratha, Savaiya, Chaupai, Chhappaya, Kavitta, etc., attributed to Banarasidas and Bhagwatidas. These analyses cover a wide range of topics including:
- The Nature of Reality: Soul, Karma, Maya, Consciousness, and their interplay.
- Spiritual Concepts: Knowledge, Wisdom, Detachment, Devotion, Meditation, Liberation.
- Ethical Teachings: Virtues like truth, kindness, humility, and the pitfalls of vices like anger, pride, greed, and attachment.
- Social Commentary: Observations on societal norms, the conduct of people, and the flaws in various practices.
- Theology and Philosophy: Discussions on Jain philosophy, the nature of God, the efficacy of idols, and the critique of other religious systems.
- Literary Devices: Analysis of metaphors, similes, alliteration, and other poetic techniques used by the poets.

Overall Purpose: The book aims to shed light on the neglected but rich heritage of Hindi Jain poetry, emphasizing its unique spiritual and ethical contributions. It seeks to bring these valuable works to the attention of scholars and the general public, thereby promoting Jain literature and its enduring wisdom. The preface also highlights the mission of the Jain Sahitya Sammelan to preserve and propagate Jain scriptures and literature.