Kavivar Boochraj Evam Unke Samklin Kavi

The book "Kavivar Boochraj Evam Unke Samklin Kavi" (Kavivar Boochraj and His Contemporaries) by Dr. Kasturchand Kasliwal, published by Mahavir Granth Academy, Jaipur, is a significant contribution to the study of Jain literature in Hindi. The catalog link provided is jainqq.org/explore/090252/1.

Overall Aim and Scope:

The book aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to the life, works, and critical evaluation of five prominent Jain poets who were active between the Vikram Samvat years 1561 and 1600. These poets are Boochraj, Chhahal, Chaturumala, Garavdas, and Thakursi. The text also includes the original script of 44 of their compositions. Beyond these five, the book also offers brief biographical sketches of 13 other Jain poets from the same period, highlighting the richness and diversity of Jain literary output during that era.

Introduction by Shri Mahavir Granth Academy:

The academy emphasizes the critical need to publish and evaluate the literary works of Jain poets in Hindi. It acknowledges the growing research and interest in Jain Hindi literature within universities and research institutions. However, it lamSnts the lack of recognition for Jain poets in the broader history of Hindi literature, with most of them remaining obscure. The academy's mission, established in the late 1970s with the support of scholars from Jaipur, is to systematically publish all Hindi Jain literature in 20 volumes over a five-year plan. This ambitious project includes detailed biographies, critical analyses of their works, and the publication of these works for over 60 significant Jain poets. The academy's funding relies on membership fees, with various tiers of membership offering benefits, including receiving all 20 volumes. The book "Kavivar Boochraj Evam Unke Samklin Kavi" is presented as the second volume in this series.

Foreword by the President (Kanhaiyalal Jain Pahadia):

The president expresses joy in presenting the second volume of the academy's publication. He highlights the positive reception of the first volume, "Mahakavi Bramh Raymall Evam Bhattarak Tribhuvanakeerti," and acknowledges the continuous progress of the academy's mission. The current volume is lauded for its focus on five representative Jain poets of the 16th century, with a particular emphasis on the first-time publication and evaluation of their works. Dr. Kasturchand Kasliwal, the author and editor, is commended for his diligent research in uncovering and publishing these previously inaccessible works from Rajasthan's Jain manuscript collections. The president expresses gratitude for the societal support received but also calls for more members to ensure the successful publication of future volumes. He also thanks the editorial board members for their contributions.

Author's Note (Dr. Kasturchand Kasliwal):

Dr. Kasliwal underscores the vastness and diversity of Hindi literature and laments that the contribution of Jain poets to its development and enrichment is still largely unknown and unevaluated. He expresses his astonishment at the significance of these poets as they are discovered. The current volume focuses on five key poets of the period 1561-1600: Boochraj, Chhahal, Chaturumala, Garavdas, and Thakursi, along with 13 other contemporary Jain poets. He notes that while many Jain poets did not write epic poems, they contributed significantly by composing smaller works that attracted the general populace to Hindi literature. He proudly states that all 44 works included in this volume are being published for the first time, with at least 15 of them being entirely unknown until now. Dr. Kasliwal describes Boochraj as a master of allegorical poetry, Chhahal as versatile in both secular and devotional themes, Chaturumala as a composer of devotional songs, Garavdas as the author of the remarkable "Yashodhar Chaupai" written in the Chopai meter a century before Tulsidas, and Thakursi as a poet from a lineage of poets, whose works, though some are in Apabhramsa, are predominantly in Rajasthani with Punjabi influences. He also touches upon the socio-political context of the 16th century, noting the influence of Muslim rule and the transition from Apabhramsa to a stabilized form of Hindi.

Contents Overview (Table of Contents):

The book is structured as follows:

1. Introduction to Shri Mahavir Granth Academy
2. From the President's Pen
3. From the Author's Perspective
4. Editorial
5. History from Samvat 1560 to 1600
6. Poet Boochraj:
   • Biographical Introduction and Critical Evaluation of Works
   • Original Text of 44 works, including:
     • "Mayan Jjuh" (Mayan Yuddh - Allegory of the War of Desire)
     • "Santosh Jaytilaku" (Crest-jewel of Contentment)
     • "Nemishwar ka Barahmasa" (Nemishwar's Twelve Months - a poetic description of separation)
     • "Chetan Pudgal Dhamal" (Dialogue between Consciousness and Matter)
     • "Neminath Basantu" (Neminath in Spring)
     • "Tandarana Geet" (Tandarana Song)
     • "Bhuwankirti Geet" (Song in praise of Bhuwankirti)
     • "Parshvanath Geet" (Song to Parshvanath)
     • 11 songs and verses in various ragas
7. Poet Chhahal:
   • Biographical Introduction and Critical Evaluation of Works
   • Original Text of 6 works, including:
     • "Panch Saheli Geet" (Song of Five Companions)
     • "Bavani" (A collection of verses on various topics)
     • "Panthi Geet" (Traveler's Song)
     • "Veli Geet" (Veli Song)
     • "Vairagya Geet" (Song of Renunciation)
     • "Geet" (Song)
8. Poet Chaturumala:
   • Biographical Introduction and Critical Evaluation of Works
   • Original Text of 3 works:
     • "Nemishwar ko Urgano" (Nemishwar's Urgano - likely a narrative or descriptive poem)
     • 2 songs
     • "Krodh Geet" (Song of Anger)
9. Poet Garavdas:
   • Biographical Introduction and Critical Evaluation of Works
   • Original Text:
     • "Yashodhar Chaupai" (Chaupai narrative of Yashodhar)
10. Poet Thakursi:
    • Biographical Introduction and Critical Evaluation of Works
    • Original Text of 15 works, including:
      • "Simandhar Stavan" (Praise of Simandhar)
      • "Nemirajmati Veli" (Veli of Nemirajmati)
      • "Panchindriya Veli" (Veli of Five Senses)
      • "Chintamani Jaymal" (Jaymal of Chintamani)
      • "Kripana Chhanda" (Verse on miserliness)
      • "Sheel Geet" (Song of Virtue)
      • "Parshvanath Stavan" (Praise of Parshvanath)
      • "Sapt Vyasan Shatpad" (Six-footed verses on Seven Vices)
      • "Vyasan Prabandh" (Narrative on Vices)
      • "Parshvanath Jaymala" (Jaymala of Parshvanath)
      • "Rishabhdev Stavan" (Praise of Rishabhdev)
      • "Kavitta" (Poetic verse)
      • "Parshvanath Shakun Sattaisi" (27 verses on Parshvanath's omens)
11. Mangalacharan of the First Volume (referring to a previous publication)
12. Index

Key Themes and Content:

• Revival of Forgotten Literature: A primary objective of the book and the academy is to bring to light the often-overlooked contributions of Jain poets to Hindi literature.
• Poetic Styles and Themes: The poets discussed cover a range of themes, including devotion, ethics, philosophy, allegorical narratives, and descriptions of human emotions like separation and desire. Their works showcase diverse poetic styles, from short lyrical pieces to narrative verses.
• Historical Context: The book situates these poets within the historical period of the 16th century in India, noting the political and social conditions that may have influenced their writings.
• Linguistic Diversity: The analysis highlights the use of various vernacular languages and dialects, with influences of Rajasthani and Punjabi noted in the works of some poets.
• Scholarly Rigor: Dr. Kasliwal's work is characterized by extensive research, drawing from manuscript collections across Rajasthan. The inclusion of original texts is a cornerstone of the scholarly value.
• Call for Support: The publication emphasizes the financial needs of the academy and urges the community to support its mission by becoming members, ensuring the continued effort to preserve and promote Jain literary heritage.

In essence, "Kavivar Boochraj Evam Unke Samklin Kavi" is a scholarly work dedicated to illuminating a significant, yet historically underrepresented, segment of Hindi literature, specifically the poetry produced by Jain scholars during a dynamic period of Indian history. It serves as a vital resource for understanding the breadth and depth of Jain literary contributions.