Prachin Gurjar Kavyasangraha

This Jain text, Prachin Gurjar Kavyasangraha (Part I), is a collection of ancient Gujarati poems, compiled and edited by the late Mr. C. D. Dalal, Sanskrit Librarian at the Central Library, Baroda. Published in 1920 under the authority of the Government of His Highness the Maharaja Gaekwad of Baroda, it is the first part of a larger work.

Key aspects of the book:

• Purpose: The collection aims to preserve and present significant works of ancient Gujarati poetry, offering a glimpse into the literary and religious heritage of the region.

• Content: Part I primarily contains the text of various ancient Gujarati poems. The table of contents (अनुक्रमणिका) and appendices list numerous works, including:

  • Rayangirirasu (रेवंतगिरिरासु): A poem describing the pilgrimage and sanctity of the Revanta mountain.
  • NeminathChatushpadika (नेमिनाथचतुष्पदिका): Likely a four-line verse composition related to Neminath.
  • Upadeshamala Kahana Chhappa (उवएसमाल कहाणयछप्पय): Stories or teachings in a six-line verse form (Chhappa).
  • Samararasu (समरारासु): A religious poem related to the deity Samar.
  • Shri Thulibhadra Fagu (सिरिथूलभद्दफागु): A poem in the Fagu genre, possibly about the Jain monk Thulibhadra.
  • Jambuswami Charita (जंबुसामिचरिय): A narrative about the life of Jambuswami, a Jain Tirthankara.
  • Saptakshetra (सप्तक्षेत्र): A text describing seven significant Jain pilgrimage sites or regions.
  • Kachhulirasu (कछूलीरास): Another Rasu poem, likely on a religious theme.
  • Shalibhadra Kakka (सालिभदकक): Possibly a narrative or devotional piece about Shalibhadra.
  • Duhamatrika (दूहामातृका): A collection of Dohas (couplets).
  • Charchrika (चर्चरिका): A type of devotional song or poem.
  • Matrika (मातृका): A text possibly dealing with matriarchal or foundational principles.
  • Samayakva Maii Upaya (सम्यक्त्वमाईच उपर): A text related to Samyakva (right faith) and its significance.
  • Shri Neminath Fagu (श्री नेमिनाथफागु): Another Fagu poem, this time about Neminath.
  • Aradhana (आराधना): A text likely focusing on devotion and worship.
  • Atichara (अतिचार): A text possibly discussing transgressions or faults.
  • Sarvatirtha Namaskara Stavan (सर्वतीर्थनमस्कारस्तवन): A hymn of salutation to all pilgrimage sites.
  • Navakara Vyakhyaan (नवकारव्याख्यानम्): An explanation or commentary on the Navakara mantra.
  • Pruthvichandra Charitra (पृथ्वीचन्द्रचरित्र): A biographical narrative about King Pruthvichandra.
  • Kharatarapattavalishatpadani (खरतरपट्टावलीषट्पदानि): Possibly verses related to the Kharatara Gaccha lineage.
  • Pethadarasu (पेथडरासः): A Rasu poem likely about Pethad Shah, a historical figure.

• Editorial Context: The foreword by J. S. Kudalkar indicates that due to the untimely death of the editor, Mr. C. D. Dalal, the first part is published with only the text. A second part, intended to contain a critical introduction and notes by Mr. Keshav Harshad Dhruva, was promised but its publication status isn't explicitly mentioned in this Part I. The foreword also acknowledges potential errors due to Dalal's workload.

• Publisher and Series: The book is published as part of the Gaekwad's Oriental Series, No. XIII, indicating its scholarly nature and support from the Baroda State Libraries.

In essence, Prachin Gurjar Kavyasangraha (Part I) is a foundational work for scholars and enthusiasts of ancient Gujarati literature, providing the raw textual material for further study and appreciation of Jain religious and poetic traditions.