Jain Sahitya

This document provides a comprehensive overview of Jain literature, authored by Agarchand Nahta. It is divided into sections covering the origins, ancient literature, literature in Sanskrit, Apabhramsha, and folk languages, the utility of Jain literature for linguistics, its preservation, and its diverse subject matter.

Key Highlights:

• Origins: Jainism is presented as India's oldest religion, with its roots tracing back to Lord Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankara. He is credited with bestowing various arts and sciences upon humanity, including the Brahmi script and mathematics. The name "Bharat" for India is attributed to his son, Emperor Bharat. The teachings of all Tirthankaras are considered a unified source of knowledge, with Lord Mahavir's words being the most accessible through the "Dvadasanga Ganipitaka."

• Ancient Jain Literature: The earliest Jain literature was primarily in Prakrit, as Jain scholars followed Lord Mahavir's practice of preaching in the vernacular. The "Angas" and "Upangas" are considered the oldest extant Jain literature. The 14 "Purvas," though now lost, were a crucial part of early Jain knowledge. The "Tattvartha Sutra" by Acharya Umasvati is highlighted as the first major Sanskrit Jain text, revered by both Shvetambara and Digambara sects.

• Sanskrit Literature: Post the decline of Prakrit's influence, Jain scholars also began composing in Sanskrit, contributing significantly to philosophical, logical, and grammatical works. Notable scholars include Samantabhadra, Siddhasena, Pujyapada, and Akalanka.

• Apabhramsha and Folk Languages: Jain scholars played a pivotal role in the development of Apabhramsha literature, with poets like Svayambhu, Pushpadanta, and Dhanapala creating extensive works. This led to the emergence of literature in regional languages like Rajasthani, Gujarati, and Hindi, starting from the 13th century. Jainism also embraced folk narratives and music, enriching the literary landscape with devotional songs and stories.

• Linguistic Utility: Jain literature is invaluable from a linguistic perspective. Jain monks, due to their extensive travels for religious propagation, documented linguistic changes and the evolution of words across different regions. The preservation of manuscripts in Jain libraries has provided a rich source for studying the development of Indian languages.

• Preservation and Contribution: Jain traditions have a strong emphasis on preserving and protecting literature. Jain libraries house vast collections of ancient manuscripts, some dating back to the 10th century. Jain scholars also actively engaged with and commented on non-Jain religious and philosophical texts, contributing to their understanding and propagation. Their role in the development of writing and painting styles is also acknowledged.

• Subject Diversity: Jain literature covers a wide array of subjects beyond religious doctrine, including grammar, lexicography, prosody, poetics, medicine, astrology, mathematics, gemology, and more. Many of these works are considered unique and highly valuable, even by non-Jain scholars.

• Notable Works: The text highlights several unique Jain literary contributions:

  • Angavijja: A treatise on various sciences and culture.
  • Vasudevahindi: A narrative containing mythological and folk tales.
  • Dravya Pariksha: A significant work on Indian numismatics.
  • Shaptasandhana Mahakavya: A unique Sanskrit epic by Banarasi Upadhyay Meghvijay.
  • Shapabhuyikavya: A characteristically Jain Sanskrit work by Jinan.
  • Pashvihyavya: A work on ornithology by Hasdev.
  • Ashtalaxmi: A work by Samayasundar presenting over a million interpretations of a simple sentence.
  • Ardha Kathānak: An autobiography by Banarasi Das.

In essence, "Jain Sahitya" by Agarchand Nahta underscores the vastness, historical significance, linguistic importance, and rich diversity of Jain literature, emphasizing its contribution not only to Jainism but to the broader spectrum of Indian culture and knowledge.