Jain Sahitya Me Kosh Parampara - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Sahitya me Kosh Parampara" by Vidyasagar Rai, based on the provided pages:

The text, "Jain Sahitya me Kosh Parampara" (The Tradition of Lexicons in Jain Literature), authored by Vidyasagar Rai, explores the rich history and development of lexicographical works within Jain literature. The author emphasizes that eloquence and poetry, considered the fruits of scholarship, are impossible without a profound knowledge of words, which is facilitated by lexicons (Kosh).

Understanding the 'Kosh': The term 'Kosh' signifies a treasury, repository, or collection. A lexicon, specifically a word-Kosh, is a compilation of words along with their meanings, etymology, and usage. Similar to grammar, lexicons are an integral part of linguistics, providing knowledge of vocabulary beyond what grammar typically covers, including etymologically derived (yaugik), conventional (rudh), and conventionally-derived (yogarudh) words.

Origin and Tradition of Lexicons: The tradition of lexicons is as old as language itself. In ancient India, this tradition was primarily oral. The text traces the origin of lexicons in India back approximately 2600 years, with earlier forms being 'Nighantus' (glossaries, often related to Vedic texts) which later evolved into 'Nama-mala' within Jain literature. While Nighantus were limited in scope, secular lexicons expanded to cover a wider range of worldly subjects, including nouns, indeclinables, gender, number, and meaning. Key figures like Vāska (after Nighantu) and Pāṇini (with his Aṣṭādhyāyī) contributed to the growth of lexicons. Initially, lexicons were in prose, but later they were compiled in verse. Lexicons are broadly categorized into two types: ekārthak kosh (monosemantic) and anekārthak kosh (polysemantic).

Lexicons in Jain Literature: Jain tradition upholds that the entire Jain canon is contained within the 'Dvādaśāṅgavāṇī' (Twelve Limbs of scripture). Within this, lexicographical literature is encompassed under 'Akṣara Vidyā' (knowledge of letters) among the five Mahavidyas. Initially, commentaries and glosses served the function of lexicons, but over time, this knowledge was systematically compiled into formal word-Kosh.

Key Jain Lexicographers and Their Works:

The text then details prominent Jain lexicographers and their significant contributions:

Dhanapala Jain: Author of 'Pāyālacchīnāmamālā' (c. 10th century CE), considered the first available Prakrit lexicon. Dhanapala, originally a Brahmin who converted to Jainism, compiled 276 verses containing synonyms for 268 words, with a significant inclusion of 'deshi' (native) words still in use today. Its importance is acknowledged by Hemachandra and Shaṅgadhar Paddhati.
Dhananjaya: Author of 'Dhananjaya Namamala' (9th or 10th century CE). Little is known about his lineage. His lexicon contains verses that demonstrate a method of creating new words by adding suffixes or prefixes.
Acharya Hemachandra: A highly influential figure, Hemachandra (c. 12th century CE) authored several important lexicons:
- 'Abhidhānacintāmaṇināmamālā': Modeled after the Amarakosh, it systematically categorizes words into six kāṇḍas (chapters): Devadideva, Deva, Martya, Tiryak, Nārak, and Sādhāraṇa. It contains 1541 verses and is considered richer in vocabulary than Amarakosh. It also demonstrates the influence of Prakrit, Apabhramsha, and deshi languages.
- 'Abhidhānacintāmaṇivṛtti': A commentary on the Abhidhānacintāmaṇināmamālā.
- 'Anekārthasangraha': A polysemantic lexicon, categorizing words based on the number of syllables.
- 'Nighanṭu Śeṣa': A comprehensive lexicon of medicinal plants, likely influenced by the Dhanvantari Nighaṇṭu.
- 'Deśīśabdasaṅgraha' (also 'Deśī Nāmamālā' or 'Raṇāvalī'): A lexicon specifically for native or deshi words.
Munishvara Jinadatta Muni: Authored 'Śilochha Kosh' as a supplement to Hemachandra's Abhidhānacintāmaṇi. His period is estimated around 1433 CE.
Sahajakīrti: Author of 'Sahajakīrti Nāmakosh' (16th-17th century CE), a lexicon with a distinct structure.
Padmasundara: Author of 'Sundarprakāśaśabdārṇava' (c. 17th century CE), a comprehensive work with 2668 verses, noted for its detailed analysis of words and meanings. He had a close relationship with Emperor Akbar.
Upadhyaya Bhanuchandragani: Author of 'Nāmasaṅgraha' (also known as 'Abhidhān Nāmamālā' and 'Vivikta Nāmasaṅgraha'), following the six-kāṇḍa structure of Hemachandra.
Harṣakīrti Sūri: Author of 'Śāradīya Nāmamālā' (c. 17th century CE), a significant lexicon for research.
Muni Sādhukīrti: Author of 'Śeṣa Nāmamālā' (17th century CE), a respected lexicon. He was honored by Akbar with the title 'Vādisiṅha'.
Sadhu Sundara Gani: Author of 'Śabda Ratnākara' (c. 1680 CE), a poetical work with six kāṇḍas.
Munidharasena: Author of 'Viśvalochana Kosh' (also known as 'Muktāvalī Kosh'), an extensive polysemantic lexicon of 2453 verses, organized by the initial letters of words.
Jinabhadra Sūri: Author of 'Apavarga Nāmamālā' (c. 12th century CE), unique for focusing on words formed from eight specific consonant groups, excluding some others.
Amarchandra Sūri: Author of 'Ekākṣara Nāmalikā' (c. 12th century CE), a concise lexicon of 21 verses.
Mahākṣapaṇaka: Author of 'Ekākṣara Kosh', a lexicon explaining the meanings of single letters.
Sudhākalasha Muni: Author of 'Ekākṣara Nāmamālā', containing 50 verses, referenced in the Artharatnāvalī (1646 CE).

The Tradition Before the 18th Century: The text lists several other significant lexicons compiled before the 18th century, including works by Dhananjaya, Hemachandra, Dharasena, Mahākṣapaṇaka, and Muni Sundara Sūri. It also mentions the numerous commentaries and glosses written on these works by various scholars.

Modern Lexicons (from the 19th Century onwards): The modern era of Jain lexicons began in the 19th century, influenced by Western lexicographical styles. Key modern works include:

Acharya Vijayarājendra Sūri: Author of 'Abhidhāna Rājendra Kosh' (published in seven parts, totaling approximately 4.5 lakh verses). This monumental work is an extensive compilation of Prakrit words from Jain Āgamas, with their Sanskrit translations, etymology, gender, and meanings according to Jain scriptures. It covers nearly every aspect of Jain Āgamic knowledge and is highly valued for its comprehensiveness.
Muni Ratnachandra: Author of 'Ardhamāgadhī Kosh'. This lexicon, originally in Gujarati and translated into Hindi and English, aims to rectify the shortcomings of the Abhidhāna Rājendra Kosh. It includes words from Prakrit dialects and features illustrations.
Pandit Hargovindadasa Tricamchanda Seth: Author of 'Pāyaśabdamaṅgaṇava'. Sethji undertook this work to address the lack of a pure and authentic lexicon for Prakrit, incorporating words from both Jain and non-Jain literature with their relevant citations and meanings.
Jugalkishore Mukhtar: Compiled 'Purātana Jain Vākya Sūchī' (Index of Ancient Jain Sentences), a vital resource for researchers with an index of verses from 64 original texts and commentaries.
Pandit Parmanand Shastri: Compiled the second part of 'Jain Praśasti Sangraha' (Collection of Jain Inscriptions), focusing on Apabhramsha works.
Mohanlal Banthia and Shrichand Choradia: Co-editors of 'Leśyā Kosh' (1966) and 'Kriyā Kosh' (1966), both based on a decimal system for classification and utilizing numerous Jain texts, providing valuable insights into Jain philosophy and practices.
J. L. Jaini: Editor of 'Jain Gem Dictionary' (1916), an important contribution to presenting Jain terminology in English.
Kshullak Jinendra Varni: Author of 'Jainendra Siddhanta Kosh' (published by Bharatiya Jñānapīṭh). This extensive lexicon, compiled over 20 years, covers about 6000 words and 2100 topics related to Jain philosophy, ethics, cosmology, and history, drawing from numerous Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Apabhramsha manuscripts.
Balachandra Siddhanta Shastri: Editor of 'Jain Lakṣaṇāvalī', a Jain technical term dictionary containing terms from 400 Śvetāmbara and Digambara texts.
Mohan Lal Mehta and K. R. Chandra: Co-editors of 'A Dictionary of Prakrit Proper Names' (1972), focusing on personal names found in Jain literature.
Dr. A. N. Upadhyaya: Editor of 'Jaina Bibliography', a comprehensive bibliography of Jain works and articles.

Conclusion: The text concludes by emphasizing the unbroken tradition of Jain lexicography from ancient times to the present. It highlights the evolution from rudimentary forms in manuscripts to comprehensive, compiled works. The author expresses hope that this tradition will continue to flourish, illuminating Jain literature and making its knowledge accessible to the common populace.