Mevad Praesh Ke Prachin Dingal Kavi

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Mevad praesh ke Prachin Dingal Kavi" by Dev Kothari:

The book "Mevad praesh ke Prachin Dingal Kavi" by Dev Kothari explores the rich literary tradition of ancient poets who composed in the Dingal language in the Mewar region of Rajasthan. The text highlights Mewar's historical significance as a land of valor, pride, and sacrifice, and emphasizes the substantial literary output produced there across various languages, particularly Dingal.

Key Themes and Findings:

• Mewar as a Literary Hub: Mewar, historically known as Medpat, is identified as a region spanning Udaipur, Chittorgarh, and Bhilwara districts. It has been a cradle for countless warriors and a fertile ground for poets who created and preserved a vast body of literature amidst the sounds of warfare.

• The Evolution of Dingal: The Dingal language, which evolved from Apabhramsa, served as the primary language for poets in Mewar from the time of Acharya Haribhadrasuri (757-827 AD) until the present day. Initially influenced by Apabhramsa, it gradually developed into an independent language.

• Early Literary Contributions (Jain Monks and Charans): Research indicates that poetry composed by Jain monks dominated the Mewar literary scene until the latter half of the 14th century Vikram Samvat. Subsequently, starting with the reign of Maharana Hammir (1383-1421 AD), the works of Charan poets like Sodha Barath Baruji began to appear, and their contributions, along with those of Jain monks, grew in volume over time. This tradition continues to the present.

• Diversity of Poets: While Charan poets are noted for their sophisticated Dingal, Jain monks and poets from other communities (Rajputs, Bhats, Dhadhis, Dholis) also contributed, though their works are often more influenced by the vernacular language. This difference is reflected in the usage of tadbhava (derived) words in Charan poetry versus vernacular words in non-Charan poetry.

• Notable Poets and Their Works (Chronological Overview): The article proceeds to introduce a significant number of ancient poets from Mewar and their literary contributions, categorizing them and providing biographical details and key works. Some of the prominent figures and their contributions include:

  • Acharya Haribhadrasuri (757-827 AD): A learned scholar who wrote 144 works, with about 100 still available. His works like Minaha Charu, Dhurta Akhyan, and Lalit Vistara showcase the nascent Dingal language.
  • Harisena (10th Century AD): A Digambara Jain follower from Chittor, author of the renowned Dharma Pariksha in 1044 AD, a work with 100 stories in 11 sections.
  • Jinvallabh Suri (12th Century AD): A significant Jain acharya who propagated the Veedhi Marg in Chittor and composed works like Baddhanavkar, exhibiting evolving Dingal.
  • Jindatt Suri (12th Century AD): A prominent Jain acharya, proficient in Sanskrit, Prakrit, Apabhramsa, and vernacular languages. His Gadhar Sardhsatak and Upadesha Rasayan are noted, the latter showcasing Dingal's early form.
  • Baruji of Soda Barath: Considered the first national poet, he significantly inspired Maharana Hammir's victory at Chittor in 1400 AD through his patriotic songs.
  • Melag Mehadu (15th Century AD): A Charan poet patronized by Maharana Mokalsingh.
  • Hirananand Gani (15th Century AD): A contemporary and guru of Maharana Kumbha, honored with the title 'Kaviraja' and author of works like Supanath Charim.
  • Jinharsh Gani (15th Century AD): A disciple of Acharya Jayachandra Suri, who composed Vastupal Charit Kavya.
  • Peethwa Mishan (15th Century AD): A Charan poet contemporary of Maharana Kumbha.
  • Baruji Bogsa (15th Century AD): A Charan poet patronized by Maharana Kumbha.
  • Khengar Mehadu (15th Century AD): A Charan poet contemporary of Maharana Kumbha.
  • Todarmal Chhandra (16th Century AD): Contemporary of Maharana Raymal, known for his lyrical expression.
  • Rajshil (16th Century AD): A Jain monk who composed Vikram-Khapariya Charit Chaupai.
  • Jamnajee Barath: Revered as a national poet, he inspired Maharana Sangramsingh (Sanga) to fight again after being injured in battle against Babur.
  • Gajendra Pramod (16th Century AD): A Jain monk contemporary of Maharana Sanga, author of Chittor Chetya Paripati.
  • Kesariya Charan Haridas: Honored by Maharana Sanga with a land grant for his poetic prowess and loyalty.
  • Mahera Deval (16th Century AD): A Charan poet patronized by Maharana Sanga.
  • Dharmasamudra Gani (16th Century AD): A Jain monk, author of seven works including Prabhakar Ganakar Chaupai.
  • Barath Bhana Mishan (15th Century AD): A Charan poet contemporary of Maharana Ratan Singh.
  • Mirabai: A revered poetess whose devotional songs, deeply influenced by Dingal's simple vocabulary, are widely known.
  • Maharana Udaysingh: The founder of Udaipur city, he was also a poet in Dingal.
  • Ramasanad (16th Century AD): Author of Beli Rana Udaysinghri and a warrior who died fighting against the Mughals at Haldighati.
  • Karmasi Asiya (16th Century AD): A poet patronized by Maharana Udaysingh, known for his Dingle songs and a short work praising Suja Balesha.
  • Sukaviray: A poet likely contemporary of Maharana Sanga, Vikramaditya, and Udaysingh.
  • Maharana Pratapsingh: The valiant Maharana himself composed poetry in Dingal, including an elegy for his horse Chetak.
  • Gordhan Bogsa (16th Century AD): A Charan poet contemporary of Maharana Pratapsingh, who fought at Haldighati and described the battle.
  • Surayach Tapariya (16th Century AD): A Charan poet contemporary of Maharana Pratapsingh, who was well-received by Akbar.
  • Jada Mehadu (16th-17th Century AD): Known for his poetic skill, he assisted Jagmal in securing a pargana from Akbar and is the progenitor of the Jadawat branch of Mehadus.
  • Hemratna Suri (16th-17th Century AD): A Jain monk who composed the famous Gora Badal Padmini Chaupai.
  • Narendrakirti (16th Century AD): A Jain monk who composed Anjana Ras.
  • Maharana Amarsingh: Son and successor of Maharana Pratapsingh, he was a poet and patron of arts.
  • Manchandra (17th Century AD): A Jain monk who composed Bachhraj Hansraj Ras.
  • Govind (17th Century AD): A Charan poet contemporary of Maharana Jagatsingh, known for his lyrical praise of the Maharana.
  • Kalyandas (17th Century AD): Author of the devotional work Gun Govind.
  • Labdhoday (17th-18th Century AD): A prolific Jain monk who composed several Chaupai works, including Padmini Charit Chaupai and Ratanchud Manchud Chaupai.
  • Rao Jogidas (17th Century AD): A Charan poet contemporary of Maharana Jagatsingh, who advocated for generosity.
  • Dharmasingh (17th Century AD): A Jain monk who composed Shivji Acharya Ras.
  • Bhuvanakirti (17th Century AD): A Jain monk who composed Anjana Sundari Ras, Gaj Sukamal Chaupai, and Jambuswami Ras.
  • Maharana Rajsingh: A poet and patron of arts, under whom significant Dingal works like Rajvilas and Rajprakash were composed.
  • Kishordas (17th Century AD): Author of the historical Dingal epic Rajprakash, and instrumental in assisting Colonel Tod with historical data.
  • Girdhar Asiya (17th Century AD): Author of the Sagat Singh Raso, detailing the life of Shakti Singh, younger brother of Maharana Pratap.
  • Jati Mansingh (17th Century AD): Author of the historical Rajvilas and Sanyog Battisi.
  • Saeedan (17th Century AD): Author of an incomplete work Samatsar.
  • Peera Asiya (17th Century AD): A Charan poet known for his patriotic songs.
  • Mana Asiya (18th Century AD): A Charan poet contemporary of Maharana Jaysingh, known for his songs defending Hinduism.
  • Udayaraj (18th Century AD): A Jain monk contemporary of Maharana Jaysingh.
  • Rao Dayaldas: Author of the Rana Raso, a historical work on Mewar rulers.
  • Daulatvijay (18th Century AD): Author of the Khumana Raso, detailing the history of Mewar rulers.
  • Barath Chaturbhuj Soda (18th Century AD): A Charan poet patronized by Maharana Amarsingh II.
  • Yati Kheta (18th Century AD): Author of Udaipur Gazal and Chittor Gazal.
  • Karnidan (18th Century AD): A prominent poet who served multiple rulers, author of Surajprakash and other works.
  • Pataji Asiya (18th Century AD): Author of the historical work Surtaan Gun Varnan.
  • Jivaji Bhada (18th Century AD): A contemporary poet of Maharana Arisingh.
  • Jasvantsagar (18th Century AD): Author of Udaipur ko Chhand, describing the city.
  • Kusales (18th Century AD): A poet from the Dholi community, author of Battis Khan Vardan.
  • Nath Kavi (18th Century AD): Son of Kusales, author of Dev Charit.
  • Sugyansagar (18th Century AD): A Jain monk who composed Dhalmanjari or Ram Ras.
  • Kishna Adha (19th Century AD): A descendant of Dursa Adha, author of Bhimvilas and Raghubarjas Prakash, also assisted Colonel Tod.
  • Rishi Rayachandra (19th Century AD): A Jain Acharya whose extensive, largely unpublished, literary works are held by the Terapanth sect.
  • Doon Darvesh (19th Century AD): A poet whose works offer spiritual guidance.
  • Rishi Chauthmal (19th Century AD): Author of the instructive Rishidatta Chaupai.
  • Kavi Rod (19th Century AD): Author of Rishabdev Chhand, recounting an incident of Maratha looting at the Rishabdev temple.

• Need for Further Research: The author concludes by stating that many other poets and their works exist in Mewar, scattered and often unknown. He emphasizes the need for comprehensive research to uncover and preserve the literary heritage of these poets, including unknown Jain saints, to fully appreciate Mewar's literary glory.

In essence, the book is a detailed catalog and historical account of the poets and their significant contributions to the Dingal literary tradition in the Mewar region, highlighting the intertwined histories of poetry, royalty, and religious scholarship.