Prachin Malva Ke Jain Vidwan Aur Unki Rachnaye

This document, "Prachin Malva ke Jain Vidwan aur unki Rachnaye" (Jain Scholars of Ancient Malwa and Their Works) by Tejsinh Gaud, is a biographical and bibliographical survey of Jain scholars who were active in the Malwa region of India. The author aims to provide a brief introduction to these scholars and their literary contributions, acknowledging that much of the information is scattered and that many Jain texts may still be undiscovered.

The document then proceeds to detail several prominent Jain scholars and their works:

1. Acharya Bhadrabahu: Considered the sixth Ther (senior monk) after Lord Mahavir. His important works include 'Dasau', 'Das Nijjuti', and the highly significant 'Kalpa Sutra' in Jain religious literature.

2. Kshapanaka: One of the nine gems in the court of Emperor Vikramaditya. He is known for four works: 'Nyayavatar', 'Darshan Shuddhi', 'Sammati Tarka Sutra', and 'Prameyaratna Kova'. 'Nyayavatar' is particularly praised for its conciseness and comprehensive coverage of Jain logic within just 32 verses. Chandrprabh Suri wrote a special commentary on it called 'Nyayavatar Nivritti'.

3. Arya Rakshit Suri: Born in Mandsaur, he was the son of Somdev and Rudrasoma. His father was a scholar, and his younger brother, Phalgurakshit, also became a Jain monk at Arya Rakshit's behest. After initial education at home, he went to Pataliputra for further studies. Upon his return, his mother urged him to study Jain philosophy and especially the 'Drishtivada'. Following her wish, he was initiated by Acharya Tosaliputra and studied Jain philosophy and Drishtivada. Later, in Ujjain, he studied under Acharya BhadraGupta Suri and then Arya Vajraswami. He served as a leader for thirteen years after Vajraswami's death. He divided the Agamas into four parts: Karanacharananuyoga, Ganitanuyoga, Dharmakathanuyoga, and Dravyanuyoga. He also authored 'Anuyoga Dwara Sutra', an important Agama representing Jain philosophy. He passed away in Mandsaur in Vir Samvat 583.

4. Siddhasen Diwakar: Recognized as a pioneer of logic and Sanskrit literature in the Jain tradition. He had a significant connection with Ujjain and Vikram. His works include:

   • 'Sammati Prakaran': Written in Prakrit, it was the first text in Jain literature to clearly and logically establish Jain views and doctrines, influencing later Shvetambara and Digambara scholars. He is also considered the first Sanskrit hymn writer in the Jain tradition.
   • 'Kalyanmandir Stotra': A 44-verse hymn to Lord Parshvanath, describing his journey to the Punnat country with his Sangha. The poetry is noted for its clarity and has a richness of narrative, possibly based on a Prakrit work.
   • 'Vardhaman Shatrinshati Stotra': A 32-verse hymn praising Lord Mahavir, characterized by clarity and devoid of artificiality or puns.
   • Commentary on 'Tattvarthadhigama Sutra': This commentary, written with great scholarship, is on a foundational text to which many great Jain Acharyas contributed.

5. Jinsen: Belonging to the Panpat sect. He is distinct from the author of the 'Adi Purana'. He was a disciple of Kirtisena. Jinsen's 'Harivansha' is a historical narrative and character-based epic. It was composed in Vardhamanpur (present-day Badnawar, Dhar district). It holds the third position among Digambara narrative collections.

6. Harisena: Another Acharya from the Panpat Sangh, following the lineage of Muni Bhattarak Sri Harisena, Bharat Sena, Harisena. His 'Kathakosh' was composed in Vardhamanpur or Badnawar during the reign of King Vinayakpal. Vinayakpal was a Pratihar dynasty king whose capital was Kannauj. A copper plate grant from 988 Vikrami Samvat has been found. His 'Kathakosh', completed a year later (989 Vikrami Samvat, 853 Shak Samvat), is a vast work of twelve and a half thousand verses in Sanskrit. It contains 157 stories, including biographies of historical figures like Chanakya, King Shaka, Bhadrabahu, and Vararuchi. According to this Kathakosh, Bhadrabahu was residing near Ujjain, and his disciple, King Chandragupta, was also present.

7. Mantunga: There are conflicting views on his life, with his period estimated around the 7th or 8th century. He composed stotra poetry similar to Mayura and Bana. His 'Bhaktamara Stotra' is equally respected by both Shvetambara and Digambara sects. This stotra became so popular that "problematic stotra poems" were written based on its concluding lines. Several such problem-based compositions are available.

8. Acharya Devsen: He completed his work 'Darshana Sar' in a temple of Parshvanath in Dhara on Margashirsha Shukla 10, V.S. 990. He also wrote 'Aradhana Sar' and 'Tattva Sar'. 'Alap Paddhati' and 'Naya Chakra' are also attributed to him. His works are very useful for understanding the nature of Syadvada and Nayavada.

9. Acharya Mahasen: He was a disciple of Ladbagad Sangh's Purnachandra. He was a disciple of Acharya Jayasen's great-granddisciple and a disciple of Ganasen Sari. He composed 'Pradyumna Charita' in the mid-11th century. He was in the court of Munja and revered by him. Neither his work nor other works provide a precise date of composition.

10. Amitagati: He was an Acharya of the Amitagati II Mathur Sangh, a disciple of Madhavasen Suri and great-granddisciple of Nemishen. Amitagati was a jewel in the court of Vakpati Raj Munja. He was a learned scholar with writings on various subjects. His work 'Pancha Sangraha' was created in Masutika Pur (present-day Masud Biloda, near Dhar) in V.S. 1073. He was a highly talented scholar, also holding a high position in Sanskrit literature. In V.S. 953, Ramasen, the guru of the Mathurs, established a Mathur Sangh in the Kashtha Sangh. Amitagati belonged to this Mathur Sangh. His guru lineage is as follows: Virsen - Nemishen - Madhavsen - Amitagati (II) - Shantisen - Amarsen - Shri Sen - Chandrakirti - Amarkirti. Amitagati wrote many texts in a period of 23 years from V.S. 1050 to 1073, primarily in Dhara or its nearby cities. It is highly probable that his gurus also resided in or near Dhara. His works include:

    • 'Subhashita Ratna Sandoha' (32 chapters, mostly using one meter per chapter), which discusses various aspects of Jain ethics, often contrasting them with Brahmanical views. It criticizes women and has a chapter dedicated to courtesans. The 28th chapter describes the omniscient beings of Jainism. It criticizes Brahmanism for its pursuit of women, indulgence in alcohol, and sensory pleasures.
    • 'Dharma Pariksha': Also criticizes Brahmanism with supporting anecdotal evidence.
    • 'Panch Sangraha': Mentioned above.
    • 'Upasakachara', 'Aradhana Samayik Path', 'Bhavana Dvātrimshatika', 'Yogasara' (Prakrit).
    • His unavailable works include: 'Jambudvipa Prajnapti', 'Chandra Prajnapti', 'Sardhadvaya Dvipa Prajnapti', and 'Vyakhyā Prajnapti'.

11. Manikyanandi: He was a resident of Dhara and studied philosophy there. His only known work is 'Parikshamukha', a sutra text on logic with 207 simple, clear, and profound sutras. He is praised for extracting philosophical nectar from Acharya Akalanka Deva's teachings.

12. Nayanandi: A disciple of Manikyanandi. His 'Sudarshana Charita' is a Khanda Kavya (epic poem) that deserves to be in the category of Mahakavyas (great epics). It was composed in V.S. 1100. His second work is 'Sakal Vividha Vihavihan', a large poetic work, whose preface provides significant historical material. While mentioning Harisingh Muni as the inspiration for the work, he also refers to contemporary Jain and non-Jain scholars like Shri Chandra, Prabhachandra, and Shri Kumar, as well as King Bhoja, Bachcharaj, and Prabhu Ishvara. This work is historically important. Both of his works are in Apabhramsha language.

13. Prabhachandra: Among the prominent disciples of Manikyanandi. He was a skilled commentator on Manikyanandi's 'Parikshamukha' and a scholar of both philosophy and doctrine. He studied in Dhara and gained recognition from King Bhoja, developing his scholarship. He authored several extensive philosophical works, including:

    • 'Prameya Kamala Martanda': A philosophical commentary on Manikyanandi's 'Parikshamukha', composed during King Bhoja's reign.
    • 'Nyaya Kumuda Chandra': Considered an authentic work on Jain logic.
    • 'Aradhana Katha Kosha': Narrates the lives of Chandragupta, Samantabhadra, and Akalanka.
    • 'Pushpadanta's Mahapurana': Commentary.
    • 'Samadhi Tantra Tikā'.
    • 'Adhyatma Rahasya' (Yogasara): Composed of 72 Sanskrit verses, it elaborates on the path of self-purification, self-realization, and spiritual experience.
    • **'Mulārādhana Tikā', 'Ishtopadesha Tikā', 'Bhupala Chaturvimsatika Tikā', 'Aradhana Sara Tikā', 'Amara Kosha Tikā', 'Kriyākalāpa' (Grammar), 'Kāvyālaṅkāra Tikā' (Rhetoric), 'Sahastranama Stavana Sateek', 'Jina Kalpa Sateek' (also known as Pratishthasaroddhara, a part of Dharmamrita), 'Trishashti Smriti Shastra Sateek', 'Nitya Mahodyota Abhishekpath Snana Shastra', 'Ratnatraya Vidhana', 'Ashtangahridayadyotini Tikā' (commentary on Vagbhatta's Ayurveda text 'Ashtanga Hridayam'), 'Dharmamrita Mula', 'Bhavya Kumuda Chandrika' (commentary on Dharmamrita).
    • He also wrote a commentary on difficult terms in Devnandi's 'Tattvartha Vritti'. Works like 'Ashtapahuda Panjika', 'Moolachara Tikā', and 'Aradhana Tikā' are also attributed to him but are not available. Prabhachandra's period is estimated to be the latter half of the 11th century and the first half of the 12th century.

14. Ashadhara: A highly learned scholar of Sanskrit literature, originally from Mandalgadh. Due to the invasions of Shahabuddin Ghori, he moved to Dharanagari, the capital of Malwa, for his and his family's safety. He was a Shrāvaka of the Baghelwal caste. His father was Sallakshan, and his mother was Shri Ratni. His wife, Saraswati, was virtuous and well-educated. He had a son named Chhahad. His birth year is not precisely known, but based on historical facts, it's estimated to be around V.S. 1234-35. He lived in Nalchha (Dhar district) for 35 years, making it the center of his literary activities. His works include:

    • 'Sagar Dharmamrita': Describes the transgressions of the seven deadly sins, the daily routine of a Shrāvaka, and the state of a seeker's meditation. It was completed in V.S. 1296.
    • 'Prameya Ratnakara': A work establishing the importance of Syadvada.
    • 'Bhartesvarabhyudaya': Describes the grandeur of Bharata.

15. Shri Chandra: A resident of Dhara and Acharya of the Ladbagad Sangh and Balakaragan. His works include:

    • Commentary on Ravishhena's 'Padma Purana'.
    • 'Purana Sara'.
    • Commentary on Pushpadanta's 'Mahapurana'.
    • Commentary on Shivakoti's 'Bhagavati Aradhana'.
    • 'Purana Sara' was written in V.S. 1080 as a commentary on 'Padma Charita', with a commentary on 'Uttar Purana' in V.S. 1087, during King Bhoja's reign. In the commentaries, Shri Chandra mentions two theoretical scholars from Dhara, Sagar Sen and Pravachana Sen, indicating the presence of many Jain scholars and Acharyas in Dhara at that time. His guru was Shri Nandi.

16. Kavi Damodar: Came to Malwa from Gurjar country in V.S. 1287 and was pleased with Sallakhanpur in Malwa. He belonged to the Medetom family. His father, Kavi Malhan, composed the character of Dallha. His elder brother was Jinesh Deva. Kavi Damodar, residing in Sallakhanpur, composed 'Neminatha Charita' in V.S. 187 during the reign of the Parmar king Devapal, as instructed by Prithvidhar's son Ramchandra and requested by Mallhputra Nagdev.

17. Bhattarak Shrutakirti: A scholar of the Nadi Sangh Balakaragan and Saraswati Gachchha. He was a disciple of Tribhuvanmurti and a scholar of Apabhramsha language. All his available works are in the 'Paddhadia' meter of Apabhramsha. Four works are available:

    • 'Harivansh Purana': Completed in Jerrhat city at the Neminatha temple on Magh Krishna Panchami, Monday, Hast Nakshatra, in V.S. 1552.
    • 'Tilakamanjari': A prose poem with vigorous language.
    • Commentary on his younger brother Shobhanmuni's stotra work.
    • 'Rushabha Panchashika', 'Mahavira Stuti', 'Satyapuriya', 'Mahavira Utsaha' (Apabhramsha), and 'Virathui'.

18. Kavi Dhanpal: Originally a Brahmin, he converted to Jainism through his younger brother. His father was Sarva Deva. He was a jewel in the court of Vakpati Raj Munja. Munja bestowed upon him the title of Saraswati. He had equal command over Sanskrit and Prakrit. Being a courtier of Munja, his period is fixed in the 11th century. He wrote many works, including:

    • 'Paiya Lachchhi Nama Mala': The author's sister Sundari wrote this in Dhara Nagari in V.S. 1029, during the looting of Manyakhet by the Malvanarendra. This event is also historically confirmed. In V.S. 1029, Malvanarendra looted Manyakhet. This is confirmed by historical evidence. This is a glossary of Prakrit words in the style of Amara Kosha, with about a thousand Prakrit words in 250 gathas. It is divided into four sections. Most names and their synonyms are tadbhava (derived forms), with true deshi (native) words constituting about five parts.

19. Kavi Veer: An Apabhramsha language poet. Works like 'Varanga Charita', 'Shantinatha Charita', 'Saddhay Vir Amba Devi', and 'Jambusami Charu' are known from him, but none of the first four are available. According to the concluding inscription of his fifth work, 'Jambusami Charu', it was written in V.S. 1076. The poet depicts the life of Jambuswami in 11 Sandhis. The 'Jambusami Charitra' by Veer preserves the folk life of 11th-century Malwa. The importance of Veer's literature lies not only in Malwa's geographical, economic, political, and folk culture but most significantly in the development of the Malvi language.

20. Merutuṅgāchārya: Wrote his famous historically rich work 'Prabandha Chintamani' in V.S. 1361. It has five chapters. Additionally, there is 'Vichara Shreni', 'Sthaviravali', and 'Mahapurusha Charita' or 'Upadesha Shataka', which contains information about the Tirthankaras Rishabh Dev, Shantinath, Neminath, Parshvanath, and Vardhaman Mahavir.

21. Taran Swami: The founder Acharya of the Taran Panth. Born in Puhupavati Nagari in 1448. His father, Radha Sav, held a position in the court of Delhi Sultan Bahlol Lodi. He was educated by Shri Shrutasagar Muni. He composed fourteen works:

    • 1. Shrāvaka Āchāra, 2. Māla Jī, 3. Paṇḍita Pūjā, 4. Kalama Battīsī, 5. Nyāya Samuccaya Sāra, 6. Upadeśa Śuddha Sāra, 7. Triyaṅgī Sāra, 8. Cōvīs Ṭhāṇā, 9. Mamala Pāhu, 10. Sunna Svabhāva, 11. Siddha Svabhāva, 12. Ravāta kā Viśeṣa, 13. Chhadmastha Vāṇī, and 14. Nāma Mālā.

22. Mantri Mandan: Great-grandson of Jhanjhan and son of Bahad. He was a multi-talented individual. He was the Prime Minister of the Sultan of Malwa, Hoshang Ghori. His works include:

    • 1. Kāvya Maṇḍana: Describes the story of the Pandavas.
    • 2. Śṛṅgāra Maṇḍana: A work on Śṛṅgāra rasa, containing 108 verses.
    • 3. Sārasvata Maṇḍana: A commentary on Sarasvata Vyākaraṇa, containing 3500 verses.
    • 4. Kādaṃbarī Maṇḍana: A condensation of Kadambari, narrated to the Sultan, composed in V.S. 1504.
    • 5. Campū Maṇḍana: A Jain version based on the story of the Pandavas and Draupadi, composed in V.S. 1504.
    • 6. Candra Vijaya Prabhandha: Composed in V.S. 1504, it describes the phases of the moon, its battle with the sun, and its victory.
    • 7. Alaṅkāra Maṇḍana: A work in five chapters on literature, describing the characteristics, types, and styles of poetry, defects and qualities of poetry, rasa, and alaṅkāras. Composed in V.S. 1504.
    • 8. Upsarga Maṇḍana: A work on grammar.

23. Dhanadraj: Dhanpal's cousin brother. He composed three works (Ethics, Romance, and Detachment). The preface to Nitishatak indicates it was written in Mandapdurg in V.S. 1490.

The author concludes by stating that Malwa has not lacked Jain scholars and that further research in this direction could lead to a comprehensive work on Jain scholars and their compositions. The author expresses hope that attention will be given to this area of study.