Mudrit Jain Swetamber Granth Namawali

This document, titled "Mudrit Jain Swetamber Granth Namawali (Guide)" and authored by Buddhisagar, is a comprehensive catalog of printed Jain texts, primarily from the Swetambar tradition. Published by Adhyatma Gyan Prasarak Mandal, it aims to provide a systematic and accessible reference for researchers, scholars, and enthusiasts of Jain literature.

The catalog is a result of a resolution passed at the Jain Sahitya Parishad in Surat in 1980 (Samvat 1980). The initiative was led by Acharya Shrimad Buddhisagarji Maharaj, who directed the Adhyatma Gyan Prasarak Mandal to undertake the task. The Mandal recognized the need for financial resources and skilled scholars to compile such a list, as Jain literature is vast and spread across numerous libraries in India and beyond.

Key features and content of the catalog:

• Comprehensive Scope: The catalog aims to list printed Jain books, inscriptions, indices, and maps. It includes details such as the author, the place and year of composition, the contents of the work, and any commentaries or translations.
• Methodology:
  • It acknowledges the immense task of surveying Jain manuscripts and printed materials, recognizing that many libraries and collections are yet to be cataloged.
  • The work involved engaging scholars to visit major libraries in cities like Vadodara, Ahmedabad, and Surat, inspecting collections, and compiling lists of books.
  • Initially, the intention was to provide detailed information for each text, including its creator, place and time of creation, subject matter, and any related commentaries or translations. However, the final arrangement of texts followed an alphabetical order due to various circumstances.
  • It incorporates the work of the renowned French scholar Dr. Guérinot, whose catalog of Jain texts up to 1895 and inscriptions up to 1905 is included, presented in alphabetical order.
• Categorization and Organization: The catalog is structured to facilitate easy access to information. It includes:
  • A list of places where Jain books are available.
  • Information on Jain book distributors, booksellers, and other organizations.
  • A comprehensive index of numbers and letters to aid in finding information.
  • The main catalog section lists printed Jain Swetambar texts alphabetically, with page numbers assigned from the beginning. Each entry includes details about the author, repository, and numbers.
  • The inclusion of prices for some books where available.
  • A "Supplement" section for books that became available after some pages were printed.
  • A dedicated section for the catalog compiled by the French scholar Dr. Guérinot, listing authors and titles alphabetically.
• Challenges and Acknowledgment: The preface acknowledges the vastness of the task and the potential for incompleteness, as many collections remain unexamined. It also highlights the dedication of the individuals involved, particularly Advocate Vardhaman Swarupchand, who was responsible for compiling the lists, and Advocate Keshavlal Premchand Modi for his continuous support.
• Inspiration and Legacy: The catalog is presented as a testament to the inspirational drive of Acharya Buddhisagarji Maharaj, who emphasized action and duty over mere rhetoric. His commitment to the project despite the challenges underscores his dedication to the preservation and dissemination of Jain knowledge.
• Content Details (from the alphabetical listing): The catalog contains an extensive alphabetical listing of Jain texts, starting from "A" and covering a vast range of subjects. The entries provide titles, authors, languages (Gujarati, Hindi, Sanskrit, English, French, etc.), prices (where applicable), and sometimes details about translations or commentaries. It also includes lists of institutions, libraries, and even specific individuals associated with the availability or publication of these works. The latter part of the document also includes the foreign scholars' contributions (pages 373-404) and a detailed index of places (pages 63-372).

In essence, "Mudrit Jain Swetamber Granth Namawali" is a significant bibliographical work that serves as a valuable resource for understanding the breadth and depth of the printed Jain literary heritage, driven by the vision of Acharya Buddhisagarji Maharaj.