Jain Siddhant Bhavan Granthavali Part 01

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Jain Siddhant Bhavan Granthavali Part 01," authored by Rushabhchand Jain and published by Jain Siddhant Bhavan, Arra:

Overview:

This volume is the first part of a multi-volume catalog of handwritten manuscripts preserved in the Shri Devakumar Jain Oriental Library, also known as Jain Siddhanta Bhavan, located in Arrah, Bihar, India. It aims to provide a detailed list of Sanskrit, Prakrit, Apabhramsha, and Hindi manuscripts, marking the beginning of a series of such catalogues to be published by the library. The publication highlights the institution's commitment to preserving and promoting Jain learning and ancient Indian culture.

Key Contents and Structure:

• Comprehensive Catalogue: The primary purpose of this volume is to catalog the vast collection of manuscripts housed in the library. It aims to provide scholars and researchers with an accessible reference tool.
• Two-Part Structure: Each volume of the "Sri Jain Siddhanta Bhavan Granthavali" is divided into two parts:
  • Part One: This section lists the manuscripts with essential information, presented in Roman script and following an eleven-column scientific methodology. These columns include:
    1. Serial Number
    2. Library Accession/Collection Number
    3. Title of the Work
    4. Name of the Author
    5. Name of the Commentator
    6. Material (e.g., paper, palm leaf)
    7. Script and Language (Sanskrit, Prakrit, Apabhramsha, Hindi)
    8. Size, Folio/Leaf Number, Lines per Page, and Letters per Line
    9. Extent (Complete/Incomplete)
    10. Condition and Age (including dates in Vikram Samvat or AD)
    11. Additional Particulars (e.g., published, copied by, location of copying)
  • Part Two (Parishista/Appendix): This part offers more detailed information about the manuscripts listed in the first part. Crucially, it includes the text of the opening and closing portions of each manuscript, along with its colophon (concluding remarks).
• Classification of Manuscripts: The manuscripts are broadly categorized into eleven heads for ease of consultation:
  1. Purana, Carita, Katha (Myths, Biographies, Stories)
  2. Dharma, Darsana, Acara (Religion, Philosophy, Conduct)
  3. Nyaya Shastra (Logic and Epistemology)
  4. Vyakaraṇa (Grammar)
  5. Kosha (Lexicon/Thesaurus)
  6. Rasa, Chanda, Alankara & Kavya (Poetics, Metrics, Rhetoric & Poetry)
  7. Jyotisha (Astronomy/Astrology)
  8. Mantra, Karmakanda (Mantras, Rituals)
  9. Ayurveda (Medicine)
  10. Stotra (Hymns)
  11. Puja, Patha-Vidhana (Worship and Ritual Manuals)
• Extensive Collection: The catalogue details nearly 1000 manuscripts, with the library's total collection exceeding 6000 handwritten paper and palm-leaf manuscripts. Many of these are described as rare and previously unpublished.
• Scientific Methodology: The cataloguing process adheres to a scientific methodology, ensuring accuracy and detail in the descriptions.
• Invaluable Resource: The work is lauded as a significant contribution to Oriental studies, particularly Jainology and ancient Indian culture. It provides valuable insights into the religious practices, socio-economic life, and literary traditions of ancient India. The colophons, in particular, offer crucial information regarding the history of manuscript copying, the provenance of texts, and the transmission of knowledge.

Historical Context and Significance of the Institution:

• Bihar's Jain Heritage: The foreword highlights Bihar's pivotal role in Jainism, being the birthplace of the last Tirthankara, Mahavira. The Jain Siddhanta Bhavan in Arrah continues this legacy in the modern era, serving as a vital center for Jain learning.
• Establishment and Growth: The introduction details the history of the Jain Siddhanta Bhavan, tracing its origins to the inspiration of Bhaṭṭāraka Harṣakīrti. It mentions the contributions of Babu Devakumār Jain, who established the institution and amassed a significant collection. The subsequent efforts of his successors in expanding the library and promoting Jain culture are also noted.
• Broader Activities: Beyond cataloguing, the Bhavan is involved in procuring and preserving manuscripts, publishing important Jain texts (e.g., in the "Sacred Books of the Jainas" series), and bringing out research journals.
• Global Recognition: The collection gained international recognition through exhibitions and appreciation from renowned scholars.

Key Features and Contributions:

• Detailed Manuscript Descriptions: The catalogue provides granular detail on each manuscript, making it highly useful for research.
• Inclusion of Colophons: The inclusion of colophons is a significant aspect, offering historical data about copyists, places of copying, and the lineage of manuscripts, which is invaluable for textual criticism and historical study.
• Identification of Rare Works: The cataloguing helps in identifying and bringing to light rare and previously unpublished Jain works.
• Contribution to Cultural Heritage: The publication is seen as a crucial step in safeguarding and disseminating India's cultural heritage, particularly in the realm of Jain studies.

In essence, the "Jain Siddhant Bhavan Granthavali Part 01" is a meticulously compiled and scientifically organized bibliographic resource that serves as a gateway to the rich manuscript collection of the Jain Siddhanta Bhavan, Arrah, offering immense value to scholars of Jainism and ancient Indian literature.