Jain Sahitya Aur Itihas

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Book Title: Jain Sahitya aur Itihas Author: Nathuram Premi Publisher: Hindi Granthratna Karyalaya Publication Year: 1942

Overall Scope and Significance:

"Jain Sahitya aur Itihas" (Jain Literature and History) by Nathuram Premi is a seminal work that delves into the rich and often under-explored history of Jain literature, encompassing works written in Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Apabhramsa languages. The book aims to introduce readers to these diverse Jain texts and their authors, providing historical and chronological context.

Nathuram Premi, a distinguished scholar and editor, is recognized for his extensive contributions to Hindi literature and his significant role in bringing unpublished Jain works to light through the Manikchandra D. Jaina Granthamala. This book represents a culmination of his decades of research, compiled from his numerous papers and articles published in Jain journals and the introductions to the Manikchandra Granthamala volumes.

Key Themes and Content Areas:

The book is broadly divided into two main sections:

1. Jaina Literature: This section focuses on the study of various Jain authors, their works, their chronological placement, and references gathered from diverse sources. It covers a wide range of literary traditions within Jainism:

   • Grammar: Discussions on eminent grammarians like Devanandi and Śākaṭāyana and their Sanskrit grammar treatises.
   • Didactic Literature: Works by versatile writers like Āśādhara and Amitagati, noted for their moral and didactic value.
   • Drama and Literature: Exploration of playwrights like Hastimalla and Vādichandra, whose Sanskrit dramas have come to light.
   • Epic and Purāṇic Literature: Examination of influential authors and their works, including Virasena, Jinasena I and II, Guṇabhadra, and Camuṇḍarāya, whose compositions left a significant mark on subsequent Jain literature. The patronage they enjoyed from royal courts is also highlighted as a marker of their period.
   • Poetry and Commentaries: Recognition of Sanskrit masters like Vādīrājasūri, Mahāsena, and Dhanañjaya for their literary merit. Amṛtacandra and Padmaprabha are highlighted as spiritual poets whose commentaries are models of facile Sanskrit expression. Śrutasāgara is noted as a commentator, and Śricandra as an annotator. Prabhāchandra is mentioned as a voluminous writer, with his fame resting on his Nyāya treatises. Mallisena is noted as a poet with unique contributions in Jaina Tantric and ritualistic texts. Śubhacandra is identified as one of the later authors composing in both Sanskrit and Prakrit on diverse topics.
   • Apabhramśa Literature: Premiji's pioneering work in systematically presenting the material about Apabhramśa literary luminaries like Puṣpadanta, Svayambhū, and Tribhuvan Svayambhū. He is credited with clarifying the identity of Caturmukha.
   • Cosmography and Philosophy: Detailed studies of ancient Jain texts like Lokavibhāga, Tiloyapaṇṇatti, and Jambūdvīpapannatti, which deal with Jain cosmology.
   • Political and Ethical Treatises: In-depth analysis of works like Nītivākyāmṛta by Somadeva, demonstrating Premiji's critical approach to texts from a broader perspective.
   • Comparative Literature: Comparative studies of texts like the Paumacariya and Rādhmacarita, and the Jñānārṇava and Yogaśāstra, suggesting further avenues for research.
   • Rediscovery of Lost Works: Attention is drawn to texts like those of Sumati, Vajranandi, Mahāsena, and Prabhañjana, which were not yet discovered at the time of writing.
   • General Jain Topics: Inclusion of notes on general topics related to Jainism and the Jain community.

2. Jaina History and Society: This section delves into socio-historical aspects of Jainism.

   • Schisms and Sects: Discussion of important schisms like the Yāpanīya Saṅgha, which is mentioned alongside Digambara and Śvetāmbara Saṅghas in early inscriptions. Premi's analysis of Yāpanīya literature is considered insightful and requiring further investigation.
   • Ascetic Organizations: Examination of the Caityavāsa and Vanavāsa tendencies, tracing their development within both Digambara and Śvetāmbara ascetic organizations.
   • Holy Places and Pilgrimage: Critical scrutiny of literary evidence related to Jaina holy places, shedding light on their historical development. The article touches upon the monastic tours and records of journeys, with a specific focus on a critical study of Jaina holy places in the South, as described by Śīlavijaya in his Tīrthamālā.
   • Community Disputes: Historical reflections on quarrels within the Jain community regarding the ownership of holy places, intended as an eye-opener for those involved in litigation.

Methodology and Scholarly Approach:

Nathuram Premi's work is characterized by:

• Extensive Research: Premiji's dedication to visiting Jaina Bhandāras, taking notes on manuscripts, and collecting information about authors and their compositions is evident. He gathered details from literary and epigraphic sources, including the work of scholars like Bühler, Bhandarkar, Peterson, Rice, and Narasimhachar.
• Critical Analysis: He subjected literary evidence to critical scrutiny and conducted comparative studies of texts.
• Scholarly Rigor: The introduction highlights Premiji's remarkable forethought, earnest scholarship, readiness to correct himself, unbiased approach, and balanced judgment. He is described as a scholar who prioritizes truth and is open to new facts and interpretations.
• Self-Made Scholar: Premiji is presented as a self-taught scholar who achieved eminence through modest devotion to study and rigorous work habits, despite not having formal university education.
• Contribution to Knowledge: His work is seen as a valuable supplement to existing scholarship, such as Winternitz's treatment of Jaina Literature in his History of Indian Literature. He contributed new facts and sometimes modified or confirmed known details in Indian history and literature.

Impact and Legacy:

"Jain Sahitya aur Itihas" is considered a foundational text for students of Indian literature and Jaina literature in particular. Premiji's studies have been a source of inspiration for younger generations of Jain scholars. His work has enriched the Hindi language with solid facts and the results of patient labor, earning him gratitude. The book is lauded for making extensive, previously scattered, information about Jain authors and works accessible to a wider audience.

Overall, the book is a monumental scholarly achievement that systematically organizes and presents a vast body of knowledge on Jain literature and history, making it an indispensable resource for researchers and students in the field.