Jain Pandulipiya Evam Shilalekh Ek Parishilan

This book, "Jain Manuscripts and Inscriptions: An Overview" by Rajaram Jain, published by the Fulchandra Shastri Foundation and Shri Ganesh Varni Digambar Jain Sansthan, is a comprehensive study of Jain manuscripts and inscriptions. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars and students interested in the historical and cultural heritage of Jainism.

The book explores the significance of manuscripts and inscriptions as invaluable treasures of ancient knowledge. It delves into the origin and development of manuscripts, the materials used for writing in ancient times, and the various types of manuscripts and scripts. The author highlights the crucial role of Jain inscriptions, eulogies, and colophons in shaping Indian history and culture.

Key aspects covered in the book include:

• Origin and Development of Manuscripts: The book traces the evolution of manuscripts, from early writing materials to the development of paper and different script forms.
• Writing Materials and Techniques: It details the use of materials like birch bark (bhojpatra), palm leaves (tadbhadra), and paper, along with the tools and techniques employed in their preparation and writing.
• Types of Manuscripts: The text classifies manuscripts based on their material, shape, and content.
• Scripts and Languages: It discusses the various scripts used in Jain manuscripts, including Brahmi and Kharosthi, as well as regional and unique scripts. The influence of Persian language and script on Jain literature is also examined.
• Jain Inscriptions and Their Historical Significance: The book emphasizes the contribution of Jain inscriptions, particularly from regions like Karnataka, to understanding the socio-political and cultural landscape of ancient and medieval India. It discusses famous inscriptions like the one by Kharavela and their importance in historical reconstruction.
• Contribution of Jain Literature to Indian History: The author highlights how Jain manuscripts and inscriptions provide invaluable primary sources for understanding various facets of Indian history, including the lives of rulers, patrons, scholars, and societal norms.
• Jain Literature in Persian: The book sheds light on Jain literary works that were translated into or written in the Persian language, showcasing the interaction between Jainism and the broader cultural milieu.
• Manuscripts Preserved Abroad: It mentions the vast number of Indian manuscripts, including Jain ones, that are preserved in libraries and institutions in European and Asian countries.
• Specific Examples and Case Studies: The book provides detailed accounts of significant Jain manuscripts and inscriptions, discussing their content, historical context, and the scholars who worked on them. Examples include the contributions of Jain poets and writers, the role of Jain patrons, and the impact of Jain culture in various regions like Karnataka and Gujarat.
• Preservation and Dissemination: The author addresses the challenges faced in preserving and disseminating this precious heritage, including the loss of manuscripts due to natural calamities, neglect, and foreign invasions. He also suggests measures for the future conservation and study of these materials.
• The Role of the Fulchandra Shastri Foundation: The book is published in commemoration of the centenary celebrations of Siddhantacharya Pt. Phoolchandra Shastri, acknowledging his significant contributions to Jain studies.

"Jain Manuscripts and Inscriptions: An Overview" is praised for its scholarly rigor, extensive research, and presentation of new and interesting material that illuminates the rich literary and historical tradition of Jainism. It is considered an important contribution to the field of Indology and Jainology.