Nagri Pracharini Patrika Part 16

This document is Volume 16 of the "Nagri Pracharini Patrika," a quarterly research journal published by the Nagri Pracharini Sabha. The journal contains scholarly articles on various historical, linguistic, and cultural topics, with a particular focus on Indian history and literature.

Key contents and themes of this volume include:

• "द्विगर्त (डुगर) देश के कवि" (Poets of the Digar/Dugar Region): This is the most extensive section, starting on page 385 and continuing through page 412. Authored by Thakur Kant Singh Billauria from Jammu, it delves into the lives and poetry of poets from the Dugar region, which is historically associated with Jammu and Kashmir. The text includes excerpts of poems and their interpretations, often detailing historical events, political situations, and the lives of rulers and warriors of that era. It mentions figures like Maharaja Ranjit Dev, Raja Bhri Vrajrajdev, and kings from regions like Katoch, Jaswal, Guler, and Mandi, chronicling their battles, alliances, and territorial distributions. The section highlights the poetic style and the historical context of the verses.

• "शब्द-शक्ति का एक परिचय" (An Introduction to Word Power/Meaning): This article, written by Shri Padmanarayan Acharya, M.A., from Kashi, begins on page 413 and extends to page 512. It is a detailed philosophical and linguistic exploration of "Shakti" (power or potential) in words and language. It discusses:

  • The Nature of Language: The fundamental role of language and words in human knowledge and communication, drawing parallels with Vedic insights.
  • Theories of Meaning: It examines different theories of how words derive their meaning, discussing concepts like "Vachak" (denotative), "Lakshak" (indicative), and "Vyanjak" (suggestive) words, and their respective powers (Abhidha, Lakshana, Vyanjana).
  • Word-Meaning Relationship: It delves into the philosophical debate on the relationship between words and their meanings, discussing the concepts of "Shakti" as the connection between word and meaning, and exploring various philosophical schools' views (Mimansa, Nyaya, Grammarians).
  • Types of Shakti: It elaborates on the three primary powers of words: Abhidha (direct meaning), Lakshana (indirect or transferred meaning), and Vyanjana (suggestive meaning), providing examples for each.
  • Factors Influencing Meaning: The article discusses how context, grammar, etymology, and even cultural influences shape the meaning of words.
  • Theories of Word Meaning: It touches upon various theories regarding what constitutes the primary meaning of a word, such as the "Vyakti-vada" (individual) and "Jati-vada" (universal/category) debates, and the more nuanced "Vishiṣṭa-Shakti-vada" (qualified power).
  • The Role of Behavior and Tradition: It emphasizes how everyday usage and tradition play a significant role in establishing word meanings.
  • The Influence of Other Cultures: The article acknowledges the impact of foreign philosophical traditions, like Greek philosophy, on Indian linguistic thought.
  • The Concept of Logos: It draws a parallel with the Greek concept of "Logos."
  • The Relationship to Literature: It connects the understanding of word power to its application in literature and poetry.

• "तसव्वुफ अथवा सूफीमत का क्रमिक विकास" (The Gradual Development of Tasawwuf or Sufism): This is a comprehensive article by Shri Chandrabali Pandey, M.A., from Kashi, starting on page 443 and continuing to page 512. It provides a historical and philosophical overview of the development of Sufism, exploring its origins, influences, and evolution:

  • Origins of Sufism: It discusses the various scholarly debates about the origins of Sufism, mentioning influences from Islam, Aryan traditions, Vedanta, and Neo-Platonism.
  • The Role of Love (Ishq): A central theme is the concept of love (Ishq) in Sufism, discussing its various forms and its significance in spiritual development, from worldly love (Ishq-e-Majazi) to divine love (Ishq-e-Haqiqi).
  • Influence of Pre-Islamic Traditions: The article delves into the potential influences of pre-Islamic Arabian traditions, including ecstatic practices, dance, music, and the worship of deities like Baal, Chemosh, and Easter, and how these might have been reinterpreted within an Islamic framework.
  • The Role of Prophets and Mystics: It examines the contributions of various prophets and mystics, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, and early Islamic figures like Ali and early Sufi saints like Rabi'a al-Adawiyya and Mansur al-Hallaj.
  • The Impact of Other Religions and Philosophies: It details the significant influence of Zoroastrianism, Manichaeism, Buddhism, Greek philosophy (especially Neo-Platonism and Plato), and Indian philosophical traditions on the development of Sufi thought.
  • Key Sufi Concepts: The article explains core Sufi concepts like "Fana" (annihilation of the self), "Baqa" (subsistence in God), "Hal" (spiritual states), "Ilham" (divine inspiration), and the practices of "Sama" (spiritual concert).
  • Sufism within Islam: It discusses the complex relationship between Sufism and orthodox Islam, noting periods of conflict and acceptance, and how Sufis sought to integrate their mystical practices within the framework of the Quran and Hadith.
  • The Development of Sufi Orders: While not detailed, it implies the eventual formation of various Sufi orders and their practices.
  • Key Figures and their Contributions: It highlights the philosophical contributions of figures like Al-Hallaj, Abu Yazid al-Bistami, Junayd al-Baghdadi, and Imam Ghazali in shaping Sufi doctrines.
  • The Synthesis of Traditions: The article emphasizes how Sufism acted as a bridge, synthesizing various mystical and philosophical traditions within the broader Islamic context.

• Other Articles: The "Vishay Suchi" (Table of Contents) on page 2 also lists other articles, though the provided text primarily focuses on the first three listed entries:

  • "सम्राट् 'अशोक' अथवा 'संप्रति" (Emperor Ashoka or Samprati)
  • "जंबूद्वीप का धर्म, इतिहास तथा भूगोल" (Religion, History, and Geography of Jambudvipa)
  • "भारत में हूण-शासन" (Huna Rule in India)
  • "कुशानकालीन भारत" (India during the Kushan Period)
  • "रामचरित-मानसरे संवाद" (Dialogues in Ramcharitmanas)
  • "भारतवर्ष के साम्राज्य-काल का एक संस्कृत इतिहास" (A Sanskrit History of India's Imperial Period)
  • "विविध विषय" (Miscellaneous Topics)
  • "रामस्थानी हिंदी और कबीर" (Ramsthani Hindi and Kabir)
  • "शक-संवत्" (The Saka Era)
  • "चंदेल राजा परमाल (परमार्दिदेव) के समय का एक जैन शिलालेख" (A Jain Inscription from the time of the Chandel King Parmal (Paramardideva))
  • "महामहोपाध्याय महाकवि श्री शंकरलाल शास्त्री की जीवनी एवं उनके ग्रंथों का संक्षिप्त परिचय" (Biography and brief introduction to the works of Mahamahopadhyay Mahakavi Shri Shankarlal Shastri)

Overall Significance:

This volume of the Nagri Pracharini Patrika demonstrates the journal's commitment to rigorous historical and cultural research. The articles, particularly the detailed examinations of the Dugar region's poets and the philosophical underpinnings of word power and Sufism, offer valuable insights into Indian history, language, and spiritual traditions. The journal serves as a crucial resource for scholars interested in these fields.