Pirdan Lalas Granthavali

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Pirdan Lalas Granthavali" by Agarchand Nahta, based on the provided catalog link and the text itself:

Book Title: Pirdan Lalas Granthavali Author: Agarchand Nahta Publisher: Sadul Rajasthani Research Institute, Bikaner

Overview:

"Pirdan Lalas Granthavali" is a significant publication by the Sadul Rajasthani Research Institute, Bikaner, compiled and edited by the renowned scholar Agarchand Nahta. This work is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich literary heritage of Rajasthan, with a particular focus on devotional poetry and historical writings. The book showcases the life and works of Pirdaan Lalas, a significant devotional poet from the 18th century, whose writings are characterized by their spiritual depth and adherence to the tradition of devotionalism prevalent in that era.

Key Aspects and Contents:

1. Establishment and Mission of Sadul Rajasthani Research Institute:

   • The institute was founded in 1944 with the inspiration of Shri K.M. Panikkar and the patronage of Maharaja Shardul Singhji Bahadur of Bikaner.
   • Its primary aim is to serve Sanskrit, Hindi, and especially Rajasthani literature, and to foster the all-round development of the Rajasthani language.
   • Over the 16 years prior to this publication, the institute had been actively involved in various literary pursuits, including:
     • Compilation of a vast Rajasthani-Hindi Dictionary: Aiming to collect over two lakh words, with a significant portion already edited and containing details on grammar, etymology, meaning, and examples.
     • Compilation of a vast Rajasthani Idiom Dictionary: Estimating over fifty thousand idioms in daily use, with ten thousand already edited with Hindi meanings and Rajasthani examples.
     • Publication of Modern Rajasthani Literary Works: Several works of contemporary Rajasthani writers had been published.
     • Publication of 'Rajasthan Bharati': A research journal that had been praised by scholars for its articles on Rajasthani language, literature, archaeology, history, and art. Special issues dedicated to figures like Dr. Luigi Pio Tessitori and Prithviraj Rathore were highlighted.
     • Research, Editing, and Publication of Ancient and Important Rajasthani Texts: A major objective was to preserve and make accessible ancient literary treasures through proper editing and printing.

2. Focus on Pirdaan Lalas:

   • The "Granthavali" specifically focuses on the collected works of Pirdaan Lalas, a devotional Charan poet who flourished in the latter half of the 18th century.
   • Pirdaan Lalas is noted for his reverence for and remembrance of the earlier poet Ishardas, whom he considered his spiritual guru. The text includes evidence of this guru-disciple relationship through Pirdaan Lalas's writings, where he mentions Ishardas as his guru.
   • The time period of Pirdaan Lalas is established as approximately 1760-1763 CE, based on the manuscripts and their inscriptions.
   • The introduction by Agarchand Nahta highlights the significance of Pirdaan Lalas's contribution, especially in preserving the works of Ishardas, some of which might have been lost if not included in Pirdaan Lalas's collections.
   • Despite efforts, detailed biographical information about Pirdaan Lalas was limited, only confirming his residence in Judhiya village (Marwar) and mentioning his son, Haridas.
   • The publication includes several of Pirdaan Lalas's works, such as "Narayan Neh," "Parmesar Puran," "Hinglaj Raso," "Alakh Aradh," "Ajapa Jaap," "Gyan Charit," and "Patag Pahar," along with many Dingal songs.

3. Thematic Content of Pirdaan Lalas's Works:

   • The introduction by Chandradan Charan elaborates on the spiritual and literary aspects of Pirdaan Lalas's poetry.
   • Devotional Themes: His poetry is primarily devotional, praising deities like Ram, Krishna, and Hinglaj Devi. He explores both the formless (nirgun) and formful (sagun) aspects of God.
   • Influence of Ishardas: Pirdaan Lalas was deeply influenced by Ishardas's compositions, evident in his repeated references to him as a guru. He even meticulously compiled Ishardas's works within his own collections.
   • Liberalism and Inclusivity: A remarkable feature of Pirdaan Lalas's work is his broad-mindedness. He offered salutations to various deities and revered figures from different religious traditions, including Jain Arhats and Rishabh, and frequently invoked "Allah" (the Muslim concept of God), seeing all these as different names of the supreme being.
   • Literary Style: His poetry employs various poetic meters like Doha, Chaupai, Gaha, Motidam, Kavit, and Dingal songs. He is praised for his mastery of language and his ability to express profound spiritual emotions. His writing reflects both the serenity of devotion and the fervor of the Charan tradition, sometimes incorporating powerful descriptions reminiscent of Veer Ras (heroic sentiment).

4. Editorial and Publication Process:

   • The publication highlights the challenges faced by the institute, primarily financial constraints, which hindered the regular publication schedule.
   • It expresses gratitude to the Government of India (Ministry of Scientific Research and Cultural Affairs) and the Government of Rajasthan for their financial assistance, which enabled the publication of 31 books in that particular fiscal year, including "Pirdan Lalas Granthavali."
   • The compilation and editing process involved extensive research, collection of manuscripts from various libraries and private collections, and meticulous cross-referencing.
   • Special thanks are extended to various institutions and individuals who provided access to rare manuscripts, which were crucial for the publication.

Significance:

"Pirdan Lalas Granthavali" serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts of Rajasthani literature and Jain devotional traditions. It not only sheds light on the poetry of Pirdaan Lalas but also contributes significantly to the understanding of religious and cultural syncretism in Rajasthan. The book stands as a testament to the Sadul Rajasthani Research Institute's dedication to preserving India's rich literary and spiritual heritage.

This summary is based on the provided text, detailing the organizational background, the core content related to Pirdaan Lalas, the themes of his work, and the publishing context.