Mahakavi Bramha Raymal Evam Bhattarak Tribhuvan Kirti Vyaktitva Evam Krutitva

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mahakavi Bramha Raymal Evam Bhattarak Tribhuvan Kirti Vyaktitva Evam Krutitva," based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Mahakavi Bramha Raymal Evam Bhattarak Tribhuvan Kirti Vyaktitva Evam Krutitva (Great Poet Brahm Raymal and Bhattaraka Tribhuvan Kirti: Personality and Works) Author/Editor: Kasturchand Kasliwal Publisher: Shri Mahavir Granth Academy, Jaipur

Overall Purpose and Vision:

The book is the inaugural publication of the Shri Mahavir Granth Academy, Jaipur, which was established with the ambitious goal of publishing the complete Hindi Jain literature in 20 volumes. The academy aims to bring to light the vast and significant literary contributions of Jain poets, which have often been overlooked or inadequleted in broader historical accounts of Hindi literature. The publication seeks to provide scholarly access to these works, benefiting researchers, students, and the general public alike.

Key Figures Introduced:

The first volume focuses on two prominent Jain poets from the first half of the 17th century:

1. Mahakavi Brahm Raymal: A poet from the Dhundhar region of Rajasthan, known for his works reflecting both spiritual depth and social relevance. He was a peripatetic poet, traveling through and composing verses inspired by the places he visited. His works are noted for their novelty and adherence to Puranic traditions, while also providing clear descriptions of the social conditions of his time.
2. Bhattarak Tribhuvan Kirti: A poet who was more active in the Vagad and Gujarat regions. He was also a musician and presented his works in various musical modes and rhythms.

Key Themes and Contributions:

• Revival of Lost Literature: The academy's primary objective is to rescue and publish the extensive Hindi literature produced by Jain poets, much of which is still available only in manuscripts stored in Jain scriptural libraries across India.
• Academic Rigor: The book aims to provide not just the texts but also biographical information and critical evaluations of the poets' works, enabling scholars and students to understand their contributions without extensive research in scattered manuscript collections.
• Recontextualization of Jain Poetry: The book aims to correct the perception that Jain literature is solely religious and lacks literary merit, emphasizing its historical significance and artistic value within the broader context of Hindi literature.
• Focus on the 17th Century: This specific volume highlights the early 17th century, a period when Jain poets were actively contributing to Hindi literature, influenced by the prevailing Bhakti movement but retaining their distinct Jain philosophical outlook.

Specific Content Highlights:

• The Book as a "First Flower": The Foreword (Adhyaksh ki Or se) and the author's preface (Lekhak ki Kalam se) emphasize that this book is the first in the academy's series, marking the beginning of a significant project.
• Brahm Raymal's Works: The book includes the complete texts of Brahm Raymal's Pradyumn Ras and Shripal Ras. A portion of his Paramhans Chaupai and Bhavishyattra Chopai are also presented. His works are noted for their spiritual content infused with social commentary.
• Tribhuvan Kirti's Works: The volume features the text of Tribhuvan Kirti's Jambuswami Ras.
• Musicality and Devotion: Both poets are recognized as musicians who infused their devotional poetry with musicality, making it engaging for audiences.
• Manuscript Origins: The book highlights the importance of original manuscripts, mentioning that a manuscript of Brahm Raymal's Paramhans Chaupai, penned by himself, is preserved in Jaipur. While Tribhuvan Kirti's original manuscript wasn't found, the collected work was transcribed by someone from his tradition.
• Editor's Acknowledgment: Dr. Kasturchand Kasliwal expresses gratitude to the scholars who assisted in the editing process and to the institutions and individuals who provided access to the manuscripts.

The Academy's Vision and Support:

• Five-Year Plan: The academy has a five-year plan to publish 20 volumes, covering at least 50 Jain poets, with the aim of releasing the entire body of Hindi Jain literature by 1982.
• Societal Support: The success of the academy relies on support from the community through memberships, with a target of 500 life members and 51 steering committee members.
• Patronage: The academy receives crucial support from patrons like Sah Ashok Kumar Jain and has secured commitments from influential figures in society, indicating a strong reception for this literary endeavor.

Historical Context of Brahm Raymal:

• Contemporary to Bhakti Era Giants: Brahm Raymal is placed within the era of Surdas and Tulsidas, indicating his contemporaneity with the major figures of the Bhakti movement in Hindi literature.
• Dhundhad Poet: His primary area of influence was the Dhundhad region.
• Distinction from Gujarati Brahm Raymal: The text clarifies that the Brahm Raymal discussed is distinct from a Gujarati scholar of the same name who focused on Sanskrit.
• Potential Identity as Brahmachari: The prefix 'Brahm' in his name suggests he might have been a Brahmachari (celibate ascetic).
• Literary Style: His poetry is described as being accessible to the common people, using popular styles and themes, often narrative, focusing on the lives of great Jain figures and advocating for devotion to the Tirthankaras as a means to attain merit and overcome vices.

Historical Context of Tribhuvan Kirti:

• Disciple of Udayasen: Tribhuvan Kirti belonged to the Bhattaraka tradition, being a disciple of Bhattarak Udayasen, who himself was a disciple of Bhattarak Udyasen. This lineage traces back to renowned scholars and spiritual leaders within the Jain tradition.
• Vagad and Gujarat Influence: His primary sphere of activity was in the Vagad and Gujarat regions.
• Musicality: He is noted for his musical talent, composing works that could be presented in various ragas and dhals, making them engaging for listeners.

Broader Context of Jain Literature in Hindi:

• The preface by Dr. Satyendra highlights the significant, yet often unrecognized, contribution of Jain scholars to Hindi literature, particularly their role in developing various poetic forms like Ras, Phag, Veli, and Pad.
• The text implicitly critiques historical oversights in Hindi literary criticism that have marginalized Jain contributions, citing the work of historians like Ramchandra Shukla.
• The efforts of scholars like Dr. Kasliwal are praised for bringing these "unknown and neglected links" of Hindi literature to light.

In essence, this book represents a scholarly initiative to preserve and promote a vital but underappreciated segment of Indian literary heritage, focusing on the lives and works of Brahm Raymal and Tribhuvan Kirti as key figures in the development of Hindi Jain poetry.