Prabandhavali Collection Of Articles Of Late Puranchand Nahar

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Prabandhavali - Collection of Articles of Late Puranchand Nahar," based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Prabandhavali - Collection of Articles of Late Puranchand Nahar Author: Puranchand Nahar Publisher: Vijaysinh Nahar Language: Hindi (with some Bengali and Sanskrit excerpts) Focus: This book is a collection of essays and articles written by the late Puranchand Nahar, a prominent scholar and researcher in Jain history and archaeology. The publication was completed by his son, Vijaysinh Nahar, who found it to be his duty to bring his father's unfinished work to completion.

Key Themes and Content:

The collection of articles, "Prabandhavali," delves into various aspects of Jain literature, history, archaeology, social customs, and the broader context of Indian culture. The underlying sentiment throughout the text is a deep respect for Jain heritage and a concern for its preservation and dissemination.

Here's a breakdown of the major themes and specific topics discussed in the provided excerpts:

1. The Importance and Richness of Jain Literature:

• The preface and introductory remarks (Prastavana) emphasize the vastness and high quality of Jain literature, which exists in Prakrit, Sanskrit, Apabhramsa, Gujarati, Rajasthani, Hindi, and Tamil.
• It is highlighted that Jain literature significantly contributes to the overall richness of Indian literature, and without it, Prakrit literature would be greatly diminished.
• The text laments that much of this valuable literature remains hidden in manuscripts and libraries, inaccessible to the public.
• There's a call to action for the Jain community to actively research, preserve, and publish this ancient literary treasure.

2. The Scholarly Work of Puranchand Nahar:

• Puranchand Nahar is presented as a dedicated scholar whose passion for literature and archaeology was innate and lifelong.
• His commitment is evident in his extensive work, including the "Jain Lekh Sangrah" (Collection of Jain Inscriptions) in three volumes, which is credited with significantly advancing the understanding of Jain history and archaeology.
• Other notable works mentioned are "Pawapuri Tirtha ka Prachin Itihas" (Ancient History of Pawapuri Tirth), "Epitome of Jainism," and "Prakrit Sutra Ratnamala."
• His dedication is illustrated by his efforts to collect inscriptions, even facing difficulties for the sake of preserving historical records. The establishment of the "Gulab Kumari Library" is also mentioned as a testament to his commitment to collecting and preserving knowledge.
• He is praised by esteemed scholars like Pt. Mahavir Prasad Dwivedi and Mahakavi Pt. Maithilisharan Gupt for his vast scholarship and diligent work.

3. Jain History and Archaeology:

• Ancient Inscriptions: The book includes articles discussing specific inscriptions, such as the trilingual inscription found in Murshidabad (containing Hindi, Bengali, and Persian), and two Hindi inscriptions from Rajgir related to ancient water springs. These are analyzed for their historical significance and linguistic content.
• Jain Tirthas: There are detailed discussions on important Jain pilgrimage sites like Pawapuri (mentioning the Jal Mandir and the ongoing disputes) and Rajgir (discussing inscriptions found at Vaitaharigiri and Suryakund).
• Historical Periods and Figures: The text touches upon various historical periods, including the Mughal era and the influence of foreign rulers. It discusses figures like Maharaja Gandharvasingh and the context of inscriptions from that time.
• Sects and their Antiquity: A significant article explores the antiquity of the Shvetambar and Digambar sects, presenting arguments based on inscriptions, scriptural evidence, and the historical development of practices like image worship and the use of clothing by ascetics. The author argues for the greater antiquity of the Shvetambar tradition based on available evidence.
• Origin of Oswals: An article attempts to trace the origins of the Oswal community, discussing various theories and ancient texts that link their ancestry to Rajput lineages and their conversion to Jainism. The author highlights the need for further research in this area.

4. Social and Cultural Commentary:

• Women's Education (Stri Shiksha): Puranchand Nahar expresses strong views on the necessity of women's education for the progress of society, particularly within the Jain community. He criticizes the lack of educational opportunities for women and the prevailing social customs that hinder it.
• Literature and Society: An essay explores the intrinsic connection between literature and society, how they influence each other, and the role of literature in societal progress and addressing social issues. The power of literature to bring about change is illustrated through anecdotes.
• Religious Liberalism and Tolerance: The author champions religious tolerance, drawing examples from Jain scriptures where compassion extended even to animals. He contrasts this with the intolerance of some other religious communities and praises the Jain tradition of respecting and commenting on non-Jain works. The inscription from Rajgir mentioning Muslim rulers' assistance in Jain temple construction exemplifies this religious harmony.
• The "Current Problem" (Vartaman Samasya): This article discusses a contemporary issue within the Jain community, likely related to monastic ordinations (Deeksha), highlighting the divisions and disputes that arise from differing interpretations of scripture and practice. The author emphasizes the need for unity and a focus on core principles rather than sectarian conflicts.
• "Kuan Bhang" (Well of Poison): This piece uses the idiom to illustrate how a mistake or misinterpretation by a prominent figure can lead to widespread error within a community. It discusses the historical debate surrounding the poem "Gora Badal ki Katha," questioning the claims about its author and prose nature.
• Oswal Society's "Agnikund" (Fire Pit): This essay critically examines internal societal issues within the Oswal community, attributing their decline to factors like internal divisions, lack of education, social malpractices (like child marriage), and sectarian disputes within Jainism itself (Shvetambar vs. Digambar, various gacchas).

5. Specific Studies and Examples:

• "Magashish": This article explains the origins of the "Bhojak" Brahmins who serve the Jain community in Rajasthan, discussing their unique blessings and their historical relationship with Jainism. It analyzes the numerical symbolism in their blessings.
• "Chaurasi": The author explores the prevalence and significance of the number "84" in Jainism and broader Indian culture, appearing in concepts like the 84 lakh life forms, the 84 main seats of Yoga, the 84 types of jewels, and the 84 major classifications of people or castes.
• "Lokmanya ka Sansmaran": This is a personal recollection and tribute to Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, describing the profound impact of his passing on the people of Bombay and the solemn public mourning that followed.
• "Kalkatte mein Kala Pradarshani": This is a speech delivered at an art exhibition in Kolkata, highlighting the importance of preserving and promoting Indian art and culture. It pays tribute to prominent artists and patrons.
• "Ashuddh Kumkum (Kesar)": This article addresses the issue of adulteration in saffron, a costly and revered spice, particularly emphasizing the unhygienic and ethically problematic ingredients found in imported saffron, urging Jain followers to avoid its use in religious practices.

Overall Tone and Purpose:

The book serves as a testament to Puranchand Nahar's intellectual prowess and dedication to Jain studies. His writings reflect a deep commitment to historical accuracy, a nuanced understanding of religious traditions, and a strong desire to enlighten his community and the broader public about the rich heritage of Jainism. The collection aims to:

• Educate: Provide detailed historical, archaeological, and literary information about Jainism.
• Preserve: Safeguard and promote the study of ancient Jain texts and artifacts.
• Reform: Encourage social reforms within the Jain community, particularly concerning women's education and the resolution of internal disputes.
• Promote Tolerance: Advocate for religious understanding and mutual respect among different faiths.

In essence, "Prabandhavali" is a scholarly compilation that offers valuable insights into Jainism's past and present, urging a greater appreciation and active engagement with its profound traditions.