Jain Kavya Dohan Part 01 - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Kavya Dohan Part 01" by Mansukhlal R Mehta, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Jain Kavya Dohan Part 01 Author(s): Mansukhlal R Mehta Publisher: Mansukhlal Mehta Mumbai Publication Year: 1913 (implied by the Bombay publication date)

Overall Purpose: This book, compiled and published by Mansukhlal Ravjibhai Mehta, is the first part of a series intended to bring to light and make popular the ancient Gujarati Jain poetic works. The author aims to present selections from old Gujarati Jain poets, filling a perceived gap in earlier compilations like "Bruhat Kavya Dohana" which had limited inclusion of Jain literature.

Introduction and Author's Vision (Pages 7-9): The introduction highlights the importance of preserving and propagating ancient Gujarati literature, with a special emphasis on Jain works. Mansukhlal Mehta dedicates this volume to Shri Ichharam Suryaram Desai, the editor of the "Gujarati" newspaper, acknowledging his significant contribution to Gujarati literature and his willingness to connect with and promote Jain literature. Mehta expresses his belief that the non-Jain literary figures who brought Jain literature to the attention of the wider Gujarati public played a crucial role in this revival. He explains that the inspiration for "Jain Kavya Dohana" came from the monumental "Bruhat Kavya Dohana" project initiated by Shri Ichharambhai and the efforts of Shri Kisholal Mohanlal Jhaveri. He aims to present Jain poetry in a similar popular format.

Addressing the Neglect of Jain Literature (Pages 8-11, 23): Mehta addresses the historical underrepresentation of Jain poets in broader Gujarati literary anthologies. He attributes this to several factors:

Lingering Anti-Jain Sentiments: He believes that the historical debates and sentiments against Jainism in the non-Jain community, though diminished, still contributed to the exclusion of Jain works.
Scarcity of Jain Literature: He notes the perceived scarcity of Jain literature, but also criticizes the "neglectful attitude" (ઉપેક્ષા બુદ્ધિ) of some Jain scholars themselves towards their own vast literary heritage.
Difficulty in Accessing Jain Literature: He points out the challenges faced by non-Jain scholars in obtaining and understanding Jain literature due to its specialized vocabulary and philosophical underpinnings. He specifically quotes Dalpatram's "Kavya Dahana" preface, which, despite including thirty poets in its first part, contained only one Jain poet, and mentions that the compilers of "Kavya Dahana" themselves admitted to not including many Jain poems because of their use of Magadhi and other diverse words, indicating a lack of effort in understanding and appreciating Jain poetry at the time. Mehta argues that the inclusion of Jain Gujarati literature, despite some unique word usage, is essential for a comprehensive understanding of Gujarati literary history, comparing it to the ongoing evolution of language itself. He firmly believes that ancient Jain poetry should not be excluded or dismissed due to its linguistic nuances or religious context, as it forms a vital and distinct branch of Gujarati literature.

The Nature and Importance of Jain Rasas (Pages 17-20, 28-29): A significant portion of the book is dedicated to discussing the "Ras," a popular form of Jain poetry.

Definition and Origin: Mehta traces the origin of the "Ras" to the "Ras" found in the Srimad Bhagavatam. He explains that these works often narrate the lives and teachings of great personalities, conveying moral and religious principles through stories.
Content and Style: Jain Rasas are characterized by their narrative structure, often presenting detailed descriptions of miraculous or divine events to illustrate moral and ethical teachings. While some might get bogged down in miraculous descriptions, they generally aim to lead the reader towards virtue and righteousness.
Musicality and Structure: Rasas were not written in rigid verse or meters but were composed in specific rhythms and melodies, often with musical accompaniment, suggesting their performance and devotional context. He compares the "Kadva" form used by poets like Premanand with the "Vadhan" (form) and "Dhal" used in Jain Rasas. He notes the presence of dehra or sorathi dehra (couplets) at the end of many dhals (stanzas).
Contentious Topic of Gujarati Language Origin: Mehta reiterates his belief, debated in literary conferences, that Jain literature has a deep connection with the very birth and development of the Gujarati language. He argues that Jain sages played the first and most significant role in the cultivation of Gujarati poetry. He also highlights that Jain poets, through their Rasas, influenced the lives and destinies of the Gujarati people, especially during the medieval period.
Historical Significance: He mentions that works like "Ranekdevi and Raakhengarna bolta duha" show significant changes from their original forms, emphasizing the evolution of language. He provides examples from Hemchandracharya's Prakrit grammar to illustrate language development and the need for adaptation for modern readers.

Key Jain Poets and Works Mentioned: The book lists and discusses various Jain poets and their works, highlighting their contributions to Gujarati literature. Notable poets and works include:

Shreeman Anandghanji Maharaj: A highly regarded spiritual figure and poet of the 17th century from the Shwetambar sect. His known works include "Stavanavali" and "Bahateri" (or "Bahoteri"), which are analyzed in detail, including their linguistic and geographical origins. Mehta expresses his diligent, though not entirely successful, efforts to uncover historical details about Anandghanji's life.
Pandit Shri Nemvijayji: A 17th-century poet from the Khartar Gachchha, whose work "Shilavati ne Ras" (part 1) is presented. This includes detailed analysis of the historical context and the linguistic characteristics of his poetry.
Pandit Shri Vijayji: Mentioned in the index as the author of "Padya Ratnavali" (a collection of 72 poems).
Pandit Shri Dharmmandir: A 17th-century poet from the Khartar Gachchha, guru Shri Man Dya Kushal Maharaj. His work "Moh ane Vivek" (Desire and Viveka) is included, analyzed for its philosophical depth and its critique of ritualistic practices.
Pandit Shri Shrimad Vijayji: Mentioned as the author of an unpublished work that requires printing, indicating his significant, yet largely unknown, contribution.
Pandit Shri Veervijayji: The author of "Dhammil Kumar" and "Chandrashekhar," which are analyzed extensively, covering their narratives, philosophical points, and linguistic aspects.

Analysis of Anandghanji's Work (Pages 31-47): Mehta dedicates significant space to analyzing the works of Anandghanji Maharaj. He discusses:

Linguistic Analysis: He meticulously examines the language used in Anandghanji's "Stavanavali" and "Bahateri," concluding that the Gujarati dialect leans towards Kathiawadi, particularly the Machhu Kanthi and Zalawadi regions. He contrasts this with standard Gujarati and speculates on the poet's likely geographical influences.
Philological Approach: Mehta emphasizes the importance of philology in understanding historical texts and how changes in language over time can obscure their original meaning. He notes that the printed versions of Anandghanji's works have undergone alterations by different publishers, which hinders accurate philological study.
Spiritual and Philosophical Content: He highlights Anandghanji's profound spiritual realization, describing his works as a "concentrated essence of truth" that can awaken spiritual consciousness in the reader. He also touches upon the controversy around Anandghanji's detachment from worldly affairs and his adoption of a simple yogic appearance.
The "Ras" as a Literary Form: He discusses the "Ras" as a literary genre, its narrative structure, its use of different poetic meters and devotional themes, and its significant impact on the devotional practices of the community.

Critique of Previous Works and the Need for a New Approach (Pages 11-16): Mehta acknowledges the efforts of previous scholars like Poet Dalpatram, but critiques their limited inclusion of Jain poets. He argues that the research and analysis of Jain literature have been insufficient, leading to a disconnect in the broader Gujarati literary landscape. He stresses the need for a more sympathetic and thorough approach to understand the unique contributions of Jain poets.

Jainism's Contribution to Gujarati Language and Literature: Mehta strongly asserts that Jain poets have played a foundational role in the development of the Gujarati language and literature. He argues that their works, even with their specific terminology, are integral to understanding the language's evolution and richness. He implicitly challenges the notion that religious or sectarian literature should be segregated from the national literary heritage.

The "Rasa" as a Key Jain Literary Form: The book details the characteristics of the Jain "Ras" genre, including its narrative structure, ethical teachings, devotional content, and its musical and performative aspects. It highlights how these Rasas were composed to impart religious and moral lessons in a way that was accessible to the common populace, especially during times of societal upheaval.

Specific Works and Poets: The book presents selections from the works of several key Jain poets, including:

Anandghanji: His Stavanavali (hymns to the Tirthankaras) and Bahateri are analyzed in detail, focusing on their language, spiritual content, and potential origins.
Nemvijayji: His Shilavati ne Ras is presented, offering insights into historical narratives and the poet's lyrical skill.
Dharmmandir: His spiritual rasas are discussed, emphasizing the spiritual depth and poetic quality.
Chandrashekhar: His narrative poems are presented, highlighting their intricate plots and lyrical expressions.
Veervijayji: His works like Dhammil Kumar and Chandrashekhar are extensively analyzed, covering their historical context, philosophical themes, and poetic prowess.

Emphasis on Spiritual and Ethical Teachings: Throughout the summary of the poets and their works, Mehta consistently emphasizes the spiritual and ethical underpinnings of Jain literature. He points out how these poets used their narratives to convey lessons on detachment, non-violence, truth, good conduct, and the ultimate goal of liberation. He argues that this spiritual depth makes Jain poetry invaluable for the holistic development of readers.

Call for Further Research and Preservation: The book implicitly calls for greater recognition, research, and preservation of Jain literary heritage, suggesting that many valuable works might still remain unearthed or unappreciated.

Overall Significance: "Jain Kavya Dohana Part 01" is a pioneering work that aimed to democratize access to Jain literary treasures. It sought to rectify historical omissions and to present the richness, spiritual depth, and artistic merit of ancient Jain Gujarati poetry to a wider audience, contributing significantly to the understanding and appreciation of Jain heritage within the broader context of Indian literature.