Khartargaccha Pattavali Sangraha

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Khartargaccha Pattavali Sangraha," based on the provided catalog link and pages:

Book Title: Khartargaccha Pattavali Sangraha (Collection of Khartargaccha Succession Lists)

Compiler: Shri Jinvijayji

Publisher: Babu Puranchand Nahar

Publication Context: The book was published in Kolkata in Vikram Samvat 1988 (Veer Nirvana Samvat 2458). It was distributed on the occasion of the Udhyapan (celebration of completion) of Gyana Panchami Tap by Shrimati Indrakumariji, wife of Babu Puranchand Nahar.

Publisher's Foreword (Nivedan): The publisher expresses pleasure in presenting this collection of ancient succession lists of the Khartargaccha. They highlight that detailed information will be found in Shri Jinvijayji's "Kinchit Vaktavya" (A Few Words). The publisher emphasizes the high value of succession lists as historical sources for the Jain tradition, believing they will be beneficial to both Jain and non-Jain history enthusiasts. A name index, arranged alphabetically, is included for further utility. The publisher hopes that further historical resources will be published by fellow community members in the future.

Compiler's Preface (Kinchit Vaktavya): Shri Jinvijayji recounts the long journey of this collection's publication. It was ready for printing approximately 67 years prior but remained unpublished due to unknown circumstances. He credits Babu Puranchand Nahar's persistent encouragement for its eventual release, saving it from potential destruction.

The preface details the origin of the collection:

• Initial Discovery: While publishing "Jain Sahitya Sanshodhak" in Pune, Shri Jinvijayji received an old Pattavali from Shri Keshavlal P. Modi of Ahmedabad. This contained the "Khartargaccha Suri Parampara Prashasti" (Praise of the Khartargaccha Acharya Succession), which he considered the oldest he had seen. He immediately made a copy for potential inclusion in his publication.
• Expansion: Shri Modi sent another Pattavali in prose. When the composition of the first Pattavali resulted in blank pages, Shri Jinvijayji decided to include the "Brihat Pattavali" by Upadhyay Shri Kshamakalyanji to provide a history of the Khartargaccha Acharyas up to the 16th century. He also included an even older Pattavali, deeming it particularly valuable due to its differences.
• Ambitious Plans and Setbacks: The compiler then conceived of compiling a more comprehensive historical work on the Khartargaccha, incorporating various Pattavalis, text colophons (Prashastis), and other historical materials he had collected. This was intended to form a definitive historical text for a significant branch of the Shvetambara Jain Sangha. However, taking up the position of Acharya at the Archaeological Institute in Ahmedabad disrupted his plans. The extended time and financial commitment required for the larger project, coupled with the press owner's demands for payment, led him to postpone the grander vision.
• Publication by Babu Puranchand Nahar: The printed collection eventually came to the attention of Babu Puranchand Nahar, who decided to publish it at his own expense, dedicating it to his wife's Gyana Panchami Tap.
• Further Delays: Even after agreeing to write a preface, further delays occurred due to Shri Jinvijayji's involvement in the Gujarat Vidyapith, a trip to Europe, and later, participation in the Satyagraha movement and imprisonment. These experiences profoundly shifted his focus towards social and political issues.
• Renewed Focus and Shanti Niketan: After his release from prison, Shri Jinvijayji was drawn to Shanti Niketan and the Vishvabharati University. The academic environment reignited his scholarly interests. He had a long-standing commitment to editing 24 historical works. The enthusiasm and generosity of Shri Bahadur Singhji Singhi enabled him to take on the responsibility of the Singhi Jain Gyana Peeth and the Singhi Jain Granthamala, which brought his focus back to such projects.
• Final Push: Despite recurring reminders from Shri Naharji, the compiler's old ideas and writings had become unclear, and the original manuscripts were not readily available. His Hindi writing had also diminished due to prolonged engagement with Gujarati. However, with the arrival of his personal literature collection and the rediscovery of old papers and notes, he was finally able to write these lines.

Significance of Khartargaccha: Shri Jinvijayji emphasizes the crucial role of the Khartargaccha's Acharyas, monks, and lay followers in shaping the Shvetambara Jain Sangha into its current form. He asserts that only the Tapagaccha rivals its influence, and in many aspects, the Khartargaccha's impact is even more significant. He connects the Khartargaccha's influence to the valor, generosity, intelligence, and business acumen of the Oswal community, particularly in Rajasthan over the past thousand years. He concludes that the brilliant history of the Khartargaccha is not just an important chapter in Jain history but a distinct chapter in the history of Rajasthan itself. He laments the potential loss of valuable historical material for this compilation and expresses hope for more extensive collections in the Singhi Jain Granthamala in the future. He also commends Babu Puranchand Nahar's significant contribution in publishing the collection of Jain inscriptions from Jaisalmer, which further illuminates the history of Jainism in Rajasthan.

Content of the Book (Based on the Index - Page 4): The collection includes:

1. Kinchit Vaktavya (Compiler's Preface)
2. Khartargaccha Suri Parampara Prashasti (Praise of the Khartargaccha Acharya Succession)
3. Khartargaccha Pattavali [1]
4. Punah (by Kshamakalyanji) [2]
5. Brihat Pattavali Ki Anupurti (Supplement to the Great Pattavali)
6. Parishishta (Appendix)
7. Khartargaccha Pattavali [3]
8. Anukramanika (Index)

Key Pattavalis (Succession Lists): The text contains multiple Pattavalis, primarily detailing the lineage of the Khartargaccha Acharyas. These lists, particularly the "Khartargaccha Suri Parampara Prashasti" and the numbered Pattavalis [1], [2], and [3], provide biographical information, key achievements, and the succession of gurus within the tradition, often with dates and significant events. Pattavali [1] and [2] are particularly extensive, listing numerous Acharyas from ancient times up to the 17th-18th centuries CE, detailing their birth, initiation, key events, significant works, periods of leadership, and nirvana. Pattavali [2] also discusses the origins of various branches (shakhas) and sects within the Jain tradition, often stemming from schisms or differing interpretations.

In essence, the "Khartargaccha Pattavali Sangraha" is a historical compilation of immense value for understanding the succession and development of the Khartargaccha, a prominent branch of Jainism, and its significant influence on Jain history and the broader history of regions like Rajasthan.