Mevadpradesh Ke Prachin Dingal Kavi

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mevadpradesh ke Prachin Dingal Kavi" (Ancient Dingal Poets of Mewar Region) by Dev Kothari, based on the provided pages:

The book "Mevadpradesh ke Prachin Dingal Kavi" by Dev Kothari, published in the Z_Nahta_Bandhu_Abhinandan_Granth, focuses on the ancient Dingal poets of the Mewar region in Rajasthan. Mewar, historically known as "Medpat," encompasses the present-day districts of Udaipur, Chittorgarh, and Bhilwara. This region has long been a land of valor, courage, self-respect, and sacrifice, where numerous warriors have flourished. Its poets have created and preserved a vast body of literature in various languages amidst the sounds of war.

Key Points:

• Dingal as the Primary Language: The text highlights that Dingal (which evolved from an earlier form called Divangir) has been the primary language of poets in Mewar from the time of Acharya Haribhadrasuri (757-827 CE) until the present day. Initially influenced by Apabhramsha, Dingal gradually developed into an independent language.

• Early Literary Contributions: Research indicates that in the early period, up to the latter half of the 14th century CE, the poetry produced in Mewar was primarily by Jain monks.

• Emergence of Charana Poets: During the reign of Maharana Hammir (1383-1421 CE), the scattered songs of the Charana poet Soda Barath Baruji are found. Following this, the poetry of Charana poets, along with that of Jain monks, became increasingly available.

• Other Contributing Communities: While Charana poets contributed significantly in refined Dingal, Jain monks and poets from other castes (Rajputs, Bhats, Dhadhis, Dholis, etc.) also played a role, though their work is often influenced by the vernacular language. Charana poetry tends to use more tadbhava words, while non-Charana poetry incorporates more colloquial language.

• Notable Jain Poets and their Works: The article then proceeds to introduce prominent ancient Charana and non-Charana poets and their works:

  • Acharya Haribhadrasuri: Considered the first poet of Dingal, he was a scholar and author of 144 works, around 100 of which are currently available. His works like Neminaah Charia, Dhurtaakhyan, and Sambodh Prakaran showcase the evolving form of Dingal.
  • Harisena: A Digambara Jain poet from Chittor, he authored Dhamma Parikkha (circa 1044 CE), a work consisting of 11 sections and 100 stories.
  • Jinvallabh Suri: Active in the first half of the 12th century CE, he was a respected poet and author. His work Baddhanavakar is well-known, and it exhibits the developing form of Dingal.
  • Jindatt Suri: A prominent disciple of Jinvallabh Suri, he was a scholar of Sanskrit, Prakrit, Apabhramsha, and vernacular languages. His work Gadhar Sarddhasatak is famous. His compositions like Charchari, Upadesh Rasayan, and Kaal Swaroop Kulakam are in Apabhramsha-Dingal.
  • Baruji of Soda Barath: Hailing from Gujarat, he is considered the "first national poet" for his role in inspiring Maharana Hammir through his songs to expel foreign rulers from Chittor. He died by suicide.
  • Melag Mehad: A Charana poet active during the reign of Maharana Mokalsingh (1454-1490 CE).
  • Hiranand Gani: A contemporary of Maharana Kumbha (1490-1525 CE), he was highly respected and held the title 'Kaviraja'. His works include Suparshvanath Charitra, Kalikal Ras, and others.
  • Jinharsh Gani: A disciple of Acharya Jayachandrasuri, he composed Vastupal Charitra Kavya during Maharana Kumbha's reign.
  • Pithwa Misan: A Charana poet contemporary to Maharana Kumbha.
  • Baruji Bogsa: A Charana poet of the Bogsa clan, patronized by Maharana Kumbha.
  • Khangar Mehadu: A Charana poet of the Mehadu branch, contemporary to Maharana Kumbha, whose songs describe Kumbha's valor.
  • Todarmal Chhandada: His song related to Kunwar Prithviraj killing Lalla Khan Pathan is famous. He was a contemporary of Maharana Raymal.
  • Rajshil: A disciple of a Kharatargachhiya sadhu, he composed Vikram-Khapar Charit Chaupai during Maharana Raymal's reign.
  • Jamnaji Barath: Remembered as a national poet, he inspired Maharana Sangram Singh (Sanga) to fight against the enemy after he was incapacitated in the battle with Babar.
  • Gajendrapramod: A disciple of the Tapagachhiya Hemvimal Suri, contemporary to Maharana Sanga.
  • Kesariya Charana Haridas: Maharana Sanga was so impressed with his poetic talent and loyalty that he gifted him the kingdom of Chittor.
  • Mahpera Deval: A Charana poet whose family migrated from Marwar. Maharana Sangram Singh (Sanga) was impressed by his poetry and granted him a village.
  • Dharmasamudra Gani: A Jain monk contemporary to Maharana Sanga, he authored several works including Prabhakar Gunakar Chaupai.
  • Barath Bhana Misan: A contemporary of Maharana Ratansingh, he was a renowned poet. He left Mewar due to a disagreement with the Maharana.
  • Mirabai: A renowned devotional poet whose life and works are widely celebrated. Her language is Rajasthani, deeply influenced by the simpler words of Dingal.
  • Maharana Udai Singh: The founder of Udaipur city and son of Maharana Sanga, he was interested in literature and composed poetry in Dingal.
  • Ramasaandu: A contemporary of Maharana Udai Singh, he authored Belirana Udai Singhri. He died fighting the Mughals at the Battle of Haldighati.
  • Karmasi Asiya: A poet patronized by Maharana Udai Singh. He also composed a short work in praise of Suja Balesha of Nadol.
  • Sukaviray: Possibly a contemporary of Maharana Sanga, Vikramaditya, and Udai Singh, known for his 31 chhappayas.
  • Maharana Pratapsingh: The valorous Maharana, he composed poetry in Dingal, including a famous elegy on his horse Chetak.
  • Gordhan Bogsa: A contemporary of Maharana Pratap, he fought alongside him at the Battle of Haldighati and described it in his songs.
  • Surayach Tapariya: A Charana poet contemporary to Pratap, he met Prithviraj Rathore in Delhi and was praised by Emperor Akbar.
  • Jada Mehadu: Also known as Asakaran, he was a contemporary of Maharana Pratap. His life spanned from 1555 to 1662 CE.
  • Hemaratna: A Jain monk who composed Gora Badal Padmini Chaupai during Maharana Udai Singh's reign.
  • Narendrakirti: A Jain follower who composed Anjana Ras in 1652 CE.
  • Maharana Amarsingh: Successor to Maharana Pratap, he was a patron of poets and scholars and composed poetry in Mewari.
  • Manchandra: A disciple of Acharya Jinrajsuri, he authored Vachchraj Hansraj Ras during the reigns of Maharana Amarsingh and Karnsingh.
  • Govind: A Charana poet contemporary to Maharana Jagatsingh, known for his praise of the Maharana.
  • Kalyandas: A Bhat poet who composed Gun Govind during Maharana Jagatsingh's reign, containing devotional descriptions of Rama and Krishna.
  • Labdhoday: A Jain monk who composed several works, including Padmini Charit Chaupai and Ratnachud Manichud Chaupai, in Mewar.
  • Rao Jogidas: A contemporary of Maharana Jagatsingh, he composed songs praising the Maharana's generosity.
  • Dharmasingh: A Jain monk whose work Shivji Acharya Ras provides historical significance for the Lonkagachh sect.
  • Bhuwankirti: A Kharatargachhiya follower who composed Anjana Sundari Ras and other works.
  • Maharana Rajsingh: A poet himself and a patron of poets, his reign saw the creation of significant Dingal works like Rajvilas and Sangat Raso.
  • Kishordas: A poet patronized by Maharana Rajsingh, he authored the historical Dingal epic Rajprakash.
  • Girdhar Asiya: A Charana poet of the Asiya branch, author of Sangat Singh Raso, a historical work describing the character of Shakti Singh.
  • Jati Mansingh: Associated with the Shvetambara Vijaygachha, he composed the famous historical epic Rajvilas and also wrote a commentary on Bihari Satasai.
  • Saidan: A Charana poet whose unfinished work Sammat Sar is a book on rain invocation.
  • Pira Asiya: A Charana poet contemporary to Maharana Rajsingh, known for his songs describing the perception of Hindu rulers by Akbar.
  • Mana Asiya: A Charana poet contemporary to Maharana Jaysingh, known for his songs describing Jayasingh's defense of Hinduism against Aurangzeb's attacks.
  • Udayaraj: A Jain monk contemporary to Maharana Jaysingh, whose chhappaya is cited.
  • Rao Dayaldas: Author of Rana Raso, a historical work covering the rulers of Mewar from early times up to Maharana Karnsingh.
  • Daulatvijay: A Jain monk and author of Khumana Raso, which describes the rulers of Mewar with the title Khumana from Bapa Rawal to Maharana Rajsingh.
  • Barath Chaturbhuj Soda: A Charana poet and descendant of Soda Barath, contemporary to Maharana Amarsingh II.
  • Yati Kheta: A disciple of Kharatargachhiya Dayavallabh, he composed Udaipur Gazal and Chittor Gazal.
  • Karnidan: A renowned poet from the Kaviya branch, who served several rulers including Maharana Sangram Singh II, and later Maharaja Abhay Singh of Jodhpur. His works include Surajprakash and Abhay Bhushan.
  • Pataji Asiya: A Charana poet contemporary to Maharana Sangram Singh II, author of the historical work Surtaann Gun Varnan.
  • Jivaji Bhada: Possibly a contemporary of Maharana Arisingh, known for his songs praising the Maharana.
  • Jasvantsagar: A Jain monk whose work Udaipur ko Chhand provides detailed information about Udaipur city.
  • Kusales: A Dhooli (mendicant) poet, contemporary to Maharana Amarsingh II and Sangram Singh II, author of Battis Khan Varnan.
  • Nath Kavi: Son of Kusales, he composed the epic Dev Charitra during Maharana Arisingh's reign.
  • Suggansagar: A Jain monk who composed Dhalmanjari or Ram Ras for the sons of Seth Kapur in Udaipur.
  • Kishana Adha: A descendant of the famous poet Durasa Adha, he was a protégé of Maharana Bhim Singh. His works include Bhimvilas and Raghuvarjas Prakash, a treatise on poetic meters. He also assisted Colonel Tod in collecting historical material.
  • Rishi Raychandra: The third Acharya of the Jain Shvetambara Terapanth sect, contemporary to Maharana Bhim Singh and Jawahar Singh. Much of his literature remains unpublished.
  • Doon Darvesh: A poet of the Lohar caste, his works are primarily didactic and include Kakaba Battisi and Deen Prakash. He was highly respected by Maharana Bhim Singh.
  • Rishi Chauthmal: He composed the didactic Rishidatta Chaupai while residing in Devgarh.
  • Kavi Rod: A Jain poet who described the Maratha attempt to loot the Rishabhdev temple and the valor of its defenders.

• Vast Unresearched Corpus: The author concludes by mentioning that besides these prominent poets, many other ancient poets existed in Mewar, whose works and contributions are scattered and require extensive research. He lists some of these poets (Dula, Kalu Deval, Asiyamala, etc.) and notes the existence of thousands of uncredited Dingal songs on various themes related to Mewar rulers, warfare, spirituality, etc., highlighting the need for further scholarly exploration to uncover the full literary heritage of the region.