Khartarvaccha Sahitya Suchi

This document, "Khartarvaccha Sahitya Suchi" (A Catalog of Khartar Gachchh Literature), compiled by Agarchand Nahta and Bhanvarlal Nahta and edited by Mahopadhyay Vinsagar, is a monumental bibliography of the vast literary output of the Khartar Gachchh, a prominent lineage within Jainism.

The introduction highlights the significant role the Khartar Gachchh has played in the preservation and propagation of Jainism and its literature for over a thousand years. It credits the Gachchh with actively combating the decline of Jain traditions during the medieval period and for converting numerous non-Jains to the faith. The text emphasizes the widespread dissemination of Jain teachings across India, from royal palaces to humble dwellings, and the subsequent establishment of numerous temples and the commissioning of countless idols by followers. The Gachchh's contribution to building vast libraries filled with palm-leaf and paper manuscripts, including rare Jain and non-Jain texts, is also noted.

The work of compiling this bibliography has been ongoing for forty years, involving extensive travel across India and the collection of information from various published and unpublished sources. The list is primarily organized chronologically and by author.

The editors express their gratitude to Mahopadhyay Vinaysagar for his meticulous work in editing and organizing this extensive list, which involved creating thousands of index cards and arranging the work by subject and alphabetically.

The bibliography itself is a comprehensive listing of works produced by the Khartar Gachchh, categorized into several major sections:

• Agam Tikaen (Commentaries on Agamas): This section lists numerous commentaries on the sacred Jain scriptures, including works on the Anuttaropapataik Dash, Antakrit Dashang, Avarang, Uttaradhyayan, Dashavaikalik, Nishiith, and other key Agamas. The entries detail the author, title, estimated century of composition, whether printed or manuscript, and the location where it was found.

• Siddhantik-Prakaran (Theological Treatises): This section covers works on Jain philosophy, spiritual practices, and theological discussions, including treatises on metaphysics, karma, the soul, and spiritual progress.

• Vaidhanik, Siddhantik Prashnottar evam Charchik Granth (Legal, Theological, Question-Answer, and Debate Texts): This category includes works that address legal interpretations, theological debates, and question-answer formats related to Jain doctrine and practice.

• Kavya - Sahitya tatha Tikaadi Granth (Poetry, Literature, and Commentaries): This extensive section lists a vast array of poetic works, literary compositions, and critical commentaries on classical literature, often by renowned Jain scholars. It includes Mahakavyas (epic poems), lyrics, dramas, and commentaries on significant literary works, both within and outside the Jain tradition.

• Kavya-Katha-Charitra (Poetry, Stories, and Biographies): This section is dedicated to narrative literature, including stories of Jain Tirthankaras, historical figures, and exemplary individuals, often presented in poetic or narrative forms.

• Parva-Vyakhyan (Festival Explanations): This part lists commentaries and explanations related to Jain festivals and observances, detailing their significance and rituals.

• Pattavali evam Geet (Succession Lists and Songs): This section contains genealogies of the Khartar Gachchh lineage, lists of spiritual leaders, and devotional songs or compositions related to the Gachchh's history and teachings.

• Yoga: This section lists works pertaining to Jain yogic practices and spiritual development.

• Darshan (Philosophy): This part focuses on philosophical treatises, including works on Jain epistemology and ontology.

• Nyaya (Logic): This section covers works on Jain logic and dialectics.

• Vyakarana (Grammar): This lists grammatical works, including commentaries on Sanskrit and Prakrit grammars.

• Kosh (Lexicons): This includes dictionaries and thesauruses.

• Chhandah-Shastra (Prosody): This section covers works on poetic meter and prosody.

• Kavya (Poetry): This lists poetic compositions.

• Sangita (Music): This section includes works related to Jain music and devotional songs.

• Vastushastra (Architecture/Building Science): This lists texts on architectural principles and temple construction.

• Mudra - Ratna - Dhatu (Coins, Gems, Metals): This covers texts on numismatics, gemology, and metallurgy.

• Mantra (Incantations/Mantras): This section lists works related to Jain mantras and their applications.

• Ayurveda (Medical Science): This includes Jain medical texts and treatises.

• Jyotish Ganita (Astrology and Mathematics): This lists works on Jain astrology, astronomical calculations, and related mathematical subjects.

• Kaka-Phagu-Veli-Vivahalo-Sandhi-Chaupai-Rasaadi (Various Folk and Narrative Forms): This extensive category encompasses a wide variety of vernacular literary forms, including narrative poems (chaupais), songs (rasas), devotional verses (velis), and other popular literary genres used for storytelling and disseminating religious teachings.

The bibliography is a testament to the intellectual richness and prolific literary tradition of the Khartar Gachchh, showcasing their deep engagement with Jain philosophy, literature, history, and various branches of knowledge. It serves as an invaluable resource for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in the study of Jain literature and the history of the Khartar Gachchh.