Mevad Me Rachit Jain Sahitya

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Mevad me Rachit Jain Sahitya" by Shantilal Bharadwaj, focusing on its key themes and content:

Mevad me Rachit Jain Sahitya (Jain Literature Composed in Mewar) by Shantilal Bharadwaj highlights the significant and rich contribution of Jain literature, particularly from the Mewar region of Rajasthan, to the broader landscape of Indian literature and culture. The book argues for the profound connection between religion, philosophy, and literature, asserting that Jain literature embodies this synthesis effectively.

Key Themes and Arguments:

• Literature as a Measure of Social Welfare: The author posits that literature's true value lies in its ability to promote social welfare. Jain literature, deeply rooted in principles of compassion, truth, non-violence, and renunciation, is presented as a prime example of literature that guides society towards a healthy social order.

• The Intertwined Nature of Religion and Poetry: Bharadwaj argues against separating religion from poetry. He draws parallels between the birth of religion and poetry, citing scholarly opinions that suggest excluding religious themes would impoverish Hindi literature (e.g., by losing poets like Tulsidas and Surdas). However, he cautions against overly didactic religious literature that sacrifices aesthetic appeal (rasata). Successful literary creation, he suggests, is born when it becomes the creator's dharma.

• The Historical Neglect of Jain Literature: The book addresses the historical oversight of Jain literature by certain literary critics. Several reasons are proposed:

  • Language Evolution: Jain saints adopted evolving vernacular languages (Prakrit, Apabhramsha, and later regional languages) while staying within linguistic norms, which might have made their work less accessible to those focused on classical Sanskrit.
  • Patronage and Scholasticism: Scholars who enjoyed royal patronage might have prioritized Sanskrit texts and debates, neglecting Jain literature composed in other languages.
  • Internal Isolation: At times, Jainism became more inwardly focused, leading to its literature becoming an object of research rather than a vibrant part of public life.

• Jain Literature's Progressive Outlook on Language: The progressive approach of Jain saints towards language, adopting and adapting it to connect with the masses, is highlighted. This flexibility contributed to the effectiveness of their religious doctrines and allowed for the internal development of the literature itself.

• Jain Literature's Place in Hindi Literary History: The book asserts that tracing the history of Hindi literature invariably leads back to the glorious period of Jain literature in Prakrit and Apabhramsha. It poses a rhetorical question: if Sufi poet Jayasi is readable, why not Jain poet Swayambhu? The author notes a growing movement for the research and appreciation of Jain literature.

• The Spiritual Core of Indian Philosophy: Indian philosophy, including Jain philosophy, is described as fundamentally spiritual, prioritizing the purification of the soul over intellectual dominance as seen in Western philosophy. Jain scriptures emphasize the interconnectedness of faith, knowledge, and action (Samyak Darshan, Samyak Gyan, Samyak Charitra), outlining a path towards spiritual liberation.

• Jain Philosophy and Ethics: Jainism posits the soul as truth and that impurity and suffering arise from ignorance and attachment. It advocates for developing reason and eradicating desires. Jain literature is characterized as a repository of moral education aimed at uplifting and making individuals virtuous, with its core tenets being universally applicable.

• The Multilingual Nature of Jain Literature: Jain literature has been composed across centuries in numerous Indian languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, and Rajasthani, showcasing its vast geographical and linguistic reach.

• Prominent Jain Scholars and Authors: The book lists numerous significant Jain literary figures who have contributed immensely, including:

  • Acharya Haribhadra: A pivotal figure from Rajasthan (Chittorgarh) who is credited with reforming the Jain tradition and combating the corrupt practices of the Chaityavasi sect. He is recognized as the first Sanskrit commentator on Jain scriptures and a prolific writer, with works covering philosophy, logic, and narrative literature.
  • Siddhasen Divakar: Honored as a pioneer of logic and the first Sanskrit poet in the Jain tradition.
  • Nayachandra: Praised for his poetic skill, compared to Amarachandra and Shriharsha.
  • Acharya Hemachandra: A renowned scholar whose "Trishashthishalakapurush Charitra" is considered a masterpiece of world literature.
  • Haribhadrasuri: His "Dhurtakhyan" is cited as an excellent example of original compositional methodology in Indian literature.
  • Swayambhu: Referred to as the "Valmiki of Apabhramsha," a significant contributor to the Apabhramsha language.
  • Jindattasuri: A scholar of grammar, lexicography, poetry, and other fields, who emphasized moral values and was a contemporary of the renowned literary critic Mammata.
  • Somesundarsuri: Associated with Delwara (Mewar), he composed the "Santikaram Stotra," recited daily in the Jain community.
  • The text also mentions many other poets, playwrights, storytellers, essayists, historians, and epic poets who have contributed significantly to Jain literature in various genres.

• Jain Acharyas and Mewar: The text details the significant presence and influence of Jain Acharyas in Mewar.

  • Acharya Siddhasen Divakar: Was the first Acharya to enter Chittorgarh.
  • Acharya Haribhadra: Had a close association with Rajasthan, particularly Chittorgarh, and worked to correct deviations within the Jain faith.
  • Acharya Jinvallabh Suri: Promoted the "Vidhimarga" in Chittorgarh, challenging the Chaityavasi sect.
  • Acharya Jindatt Suri: A successor of Jinvallabh Suri, whose literary contributions spanned various regions including Mewar.
  • Acharya Somesundar Suri: Composed a significant stotra in Delwara.

• Historical and Archaeological Significance of Chittorgarh and its Vicinity: The book emphasizes the historical importance of Chittorgarh and its surrounding region (Madhyamika). It connects Madhyamika to Patañjali's Mahabhashya and mentions its role as a capital of the Shivis, with a branch settling near Chittorgarh. Madhyamika is also linked to a branch of the Jain Shvetambara monastic order. The region's history is intertwined with the emergence of Buddhism and Jainism.

• Specific Literary Works from Mewar: The latter part of the text provides a detailed list and description of Jain literary works composed in Mewar, highlighting:

  • Shalaka Sattari by Hematilaksuri.
  • Matrikaakshar Chaitya Paripati by Hemhansa.
  • Gurugunshattrinsika by Ratnashekharsuri.
  • Chittor Prashasti by Charitratna Gani.
  • Aitihasik Guru Shravaliya by Hemsar.
  • Vastupal Charit Kavya and Ratnashekhara Katha by Jinhanshgani.
  • Dhyan Pradeep by Munishala.
  • Chittor Chaitya Paripati by Pashuchandrasuri.
  • Vikram-Khapar Charitra Chaupai by Rajshil.
  • Gorabadal Padmini Chaupai by Hemratna Suri (noted for its resemblance to Jayasi's Padmavat).
  • Works by Manmuni, including Sanyog Battisi.
  • Anjanasundarika Ras by Bhuvanakirti.
  • Padmini Charitra by Labdhoday.
  • Dhanna ka Ras by Khetal.
  • Prantare ka Stavan by Tejsingh.
  • Bhimji Chaupai.
  • Anathi Sandhi and Ishukar Siddh Chaupai by Kavi Hem.
  • Kakka Battisi / Akshar Battisi by Mahesh.
  • Vairsingh Kumar Chaupai by Mohan Vimal.
  • Chandan Malayagiri Chaupai by Kesar Kavi.
  • Rishidatta Chaupai by Chauthmal.
  • Sthanakvasi Terapanthi Murti-pujakon ki Charcha by Deepvijay.
  • Kesariyaji ka Ras by Tejsingh and Sihavijay.
  • Dhalmanjari and Ram Ras by Sujnyansagar.
  • Udaipur ki Ghazal and Chittod ki Ghazal by Khetal.
  • Udaipur ko Chhand by Jasvantasagar.
  • Bhedpath Deshadhip Prashasti Varnan by Hem.

Conclusion:

The book "Mevad me Rachit Jain Sahitya" effectively makes a case for the recognition and study of the vast and historically significant Jain literary tradition, particularly its manifestations in the Mewar region. It argues that this literature is not merely religious but a vital component of Indian cultural heritage, offering profound insights into philosophy, ethics, and societal well-being. The author aims to bring to light the contributions of Jain scholars and poets and to rectify the historical neglect faced by this rich literary stream.