Jaina Gazette 1914

The Jaina Gazette, published monthly from Lucknow, was the official organ of the Bharat Jain Mahamandal (All-India Jain Association). The issues from June-July, August-September, October, November, and December 1914, offer a diverse range of content reflecting the concerns and activities of the Jain community during that period.

Key Themes and Content:

• Community Welfare and Development:

  • Obituaries: The passing of prominent Jains like Seth Maneckchand Hirachand of Bombay, Babu Dhannoolal Agarwala, and Seth Parmeshti Das Raniwala are noted with sorrow, highlighting their contributions to the community.
  • Education: The importance of education is emphasized, with mentions of the establishment of Jain boarding houses, schools for girls, and discussions on improving educational standards. The need for well-paid, efficient staff in educational institutions like the Rishabh Brahm Charya Ashram is highlighted, lamenting the lack of appreciation for sound education among some community members.
  • Social Reform: Several articles address social issues within the community, including the need for marriage reform (condemning child marriages, promoting widow remarriage – though this is later cautioned against by the editor), the eradication of superstitions, and the promotion of inter-caste marriages within the community to address dwindling numbers. The harmful effects of early marriages on female health and population growth are detailed, citing census data.
  • Charity and Philanthropy: Donations to the Bharat Jain Mahamandal, the Jain Literature Society, and the Imperial Indian Relief Fund (in response to the ongoing World War) are noted. The philanthropic efforts of Seth Maneckchand Hirachand are lauded, particularly his establishment of boarding houses and other institutions. The Malwa Nimad Digambar Jain Prantik Sabha's activities and the generous donations of Shrimati Besarbai for female education are also mentioned.
  • Financial Institutions: The Jain Bank of India, Limited, is advertised, encouraging Jains to subscribe and highlighting its services.

• Religious and Philosophical Discussions:

  • Jain Studies: An article by Dr. F. W. Thomas emphasizes the need for "Jain Studies" as a "Desideratum," advocating for the archaeological interpretation of Jain art and a uniform publication of the entire Jain canon.
  • Panchatantra and Jain Influence: Johannes Hertel's extensive article discusses the influence of Jain literature, particularly the Panchakhyan, on the Panchatantra and its various recensions across India and beyond. It highlights the significant contributions of Jains, especially the Shvetambaras of Gujarat, to Indian narrative literature.
  • Prasnottra (Q&A): A dialogue between Muni Udechandji and Mr. Alexander Gordon (Honorary Secretary of the Mahavira Brotherhood in London) covers fundamental Jain philosophical concepts like God, the soul, the nature of the universe, karma, and the substances (dravyas), offering a Western perspective on Jainism.
  • Jain Logic: A correspondence between M. W. von der Heyde and Mr. Gordon delves into the nature of "whole" and "part" in logic, with Mr. von der Heyde challenging some of Mr. Gordon's interpretations and advocating for a Jain understanding of the universe and individual souls.
  • Purusharth Siddhyupaya: Excerpts from this Jain text are presented, focusing on the principles of right belief (samyak-darshana) and right knowledge (samyak-gyana), emphasizing virtues like non-violence (Ahimsa), tolerance, and the importance of knowledge.
  • Thiru-Nuttarandhati: A Tamil Jain stotra is presented with a translation, discussing the attributes of Lord Arhat and Jain philosophy, including its historical context and the destruction of a Jain temple in Madras.
  • Dewali/Deep-Malika: The significance of Dewali is explained as commemorating Lord Mahavira's attainment of Nirvana, emphasizing the "illumination of Perfect Wisdom."

• Current Events and Broader Issues:

  • World War I: The impact of the ongoing World War is acknowledged, with reports of Indian troops in action and expressions of loyalty to the British Crown from the Jain community. The "Citizens of the World" movement advocating for peace is also discussed.
  • Humanitarian Concerns: An appeal for mercy regarding the large-scale butchery of animals in India is published, urging the Salvation Army to promote vegetarianism. The positive aspects of Jain adherence to vegetarianism are contrasted with the practices of other communities.
  • Evidence of Life After Death: An article by Viscount Mountmorres explores evidence for life after death, referencing scientific inquiry into psychic phenomena and citing cases of apparitions.
  • Archaeological and Historical Research: The importance of studying Jain antiquities and preserving Jain literature is stressed, with mentions of the Jain collection at the Deccan College Library in Poona and the work of the Jain Literature Society in London.
  • Legal Matters: The case of Pandit Arjun Lal Sethi, a Jain educationist arrested and detained without trial, is highlighted as a matter of grave concern, with appeals made to the government for justice and release.

• Organizational Activities:

  • Bharat Jain Mahamandal: Its activities and the importance of joining the Mahamandal and subscribing to the Gazette are promoted.
  • Jain Students' Brotherhood (Bombay) and Jain Brothers' Association (Allahabad): Reports on their activities, lectures, and reformist aims are provided.
  • Jaina Literature Society: Reports on its progress, publications, and membership are included.

The Jaina Gazette served as a crucial platform for disseminating information, fostering discussion, and promoting the welfare and intellectual growth of the Jain community in India and abroad during a period of significant social and political change.