Kaccha Na Rajkavi Kanakkushalji

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Gujarati text about Yati Shri Kanak Kushalji, the Royal Poet of Kutch:

The text highlights the significant historical presence and influence of Jain Yatis (monks) in Kutch. It states that even half a century prior to the writing of this piece, there were about 150 Yatis in Kutch, though their numbers have since dwindled significantly, mirroring the trend in other parts of India.

The narrative traces the elevated status of Jain Yatis in the Kutch royal court back to Yati Shri Manakmerji. He was invited from Charadva village in Saurashtra by Rao Shri Khengarji to assist him with a divine sword and was then appointed to the Poshal (a Jain monastic establishment) in Bhuj. This marked the beginning of Yatis holding high positions in the royal administration. Traditionally, the education of the heir apparent of Kutch began with the head of the Poshal, Yati Maharaj, who would whisper the mantra "Namo Siddhanam" (Salutations to the Siddhas) into the prince's ear and then teach him the first letter. This tradition, the text notes, continues even today.

The text then details the reign of Maharao Shri Lakhpatji in the mid-18th century. He was a pleasure-loving, liberal, and literary-minded ruler, a devoted patron and supporter of fine arts. He is described as unparalleled in Kutch for his appreciation of literature, music, and art. Lakhpatji harbored a strong desire to make the otherwise isolated region of Kutch renowned throughout India through arts and crafts, a goal he largely achieved. The renowned Gujarati poet Nanhalal even stated that Bhuj was the throne of the Maharaos of Kutch, and the Brajbhasha Pathshala (school) was its crown of glory.

Maharao Shri Lakhpatji not only fostered the development of arts and crafts but also created a new domain for poetic art. Being a patron of poetry, he was also a poet himself, even a great poet. Alongside making Kutch a haven for arts, he established a center for teaching poetic art. Flipping the saying "Poets are born, not made," he started a school in Kutch for shaping poets. He possessed a special talent for identifying gems of the country. Just as he discovered Ram Singh Malam for craftsmanship, he discovered Yati Kanak Kushalji from the Tapa Gaccha of Marwar-Jodhpur, a diamond of poetry, and brought him to Kutch. He was appointed as the chief preceptor of the Brajbhasha Pathshala with great honor and the title of Bhattarak. The subsequent development of this school is testified by the words of the great Gujarati poet Nanhalal, who stated that the Poshal in Bhuj was a school for learning poetic art, and perhaps unparalleled in the world for creating poets. He further elaborated that many connoisseurs studied there and became court poets. The school taught poetic treatises, guiding students through the nine rasas (emotions), the nuances of seasons, and horticultural sciences like grafting and nurturing.

The text also references an article in the July 1858 issue of 'Buddhiprakash' by Dalpatram Dahyabhai, father of poet Nanhalal. He mentions that a school for teaching poetry has been running in Bhuj for many generations, with a teacher (Gorji) receiving a royal stipend. Students were provided with food and lodging by the state, and rewards were given based on their examination performance. Dalpatram described this poetry school as unique in all of Gujarat. The opinions of these two prominent poets underscore the importance of this institution.

Yati Kanak Kushalji is credited with igniting the passion for poetic art in a region like Kutch, which was unfamiliar with Brajbhasha. His auspicious beginning led to his fame growing like the waxing moon. Aspiring poets from Kutch, Kathiawad, Gujarat, Marwar, and Rajasthan would come to this institution to hone their skills, earn the title of 'poet', and then go on to become royal poets in various kingdoms, bringing glory to the institution.

The text then highlights the literary contributions of Kavi Kanak Kushalji. He authored "Lakhpat Manjari Namamala" in Samvat 1794 (1737 AD), which consists of 202 verses. The first 12 verses detail the history of the Jadeja dynasty, followed by the Namamala, concluding with 202 verses. The last two verses are quoted. He also wrote a commentary in Brajbhasha on the famous book "Sundar Shringar" by Sunder, a renowned poet in the court of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, dedicating it to Maharao Shri Lakhpatji. The opening lines of this commentary are also provided.

The significance of Kavi Shri Kanak Kushalji is further illustrated by two works composed by his disciples. These verses praise his profound knowledge, adherence to five vows (panch vrat), detachment from worldly passions, role as a giver of knowledge, his understanding of various Jain principles like pancha samiti and tri gupti, and his status as a great guru (Bhattarak Kanak Kushalsuri), renowned worldwide.

Finally, the text presents a hymn composed by Kavi Shri Kanak Kushalji in praise of the Devi (Goddess). This hymn, in the Bhujangi meter, elaborately describes the Goddess, her divine attributes, her celestial ornaments, and her powerful presence, emphasizing her role as the mother of Kutch and the bestower of happiness. The subsequent verses describe various aspects of the Devi's beauty and power, including her celestial adornments, the offerings made by gods, and her heroic deeds against demons like Chanda and Munda, and Mahishasura. The hymn concludes with prayers for prosperity, peace, and the divine grace of the Goddess for the land of Kutch.