Prakashit Jain Sahitya

"Prakashit Jain Sahitya" (Published Jain Literature) is a comprehensive bibliographic work compiled by Pannalal Jain and edited by Jyoti Prasad Jain, published by Jain Mitra Mandal, Delhi. This book, released in the year 2484 of the Jain era (1958 CE), serves as a catalog of Jain literature published up to 1945 CE. It meticulously lists published works across various languages, including Hindi, Sanskrit, Prakrit, Apabhramsha, Urdu, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, and English.

The book is structured into several key sections:

• Foreword and Preface: These sections provide introductory remarks and express gratitude to individuals and institutions that contributed to the compilation and publication of the book.
• Contents: A detailed table of contents outlines the book's organization, including various categories of Jain literature and related subjects.
• Index of Abbreviations: A list of abbreviations used throughout the text clarifies various terms and references.
• Introduction (Jain Sahitya - Ek Anushilan): This extensive section offers a deep dive into the history of Jain literature and its promotion. It discusses:
  • The historical development of Jain literature, tracing its origins and evolution.
  • The impact of printing technology on the dissemination of Jain works.
  • The necessity and state of Jain publications.
  • The contributions of Jain authors.
  • A historical overview of printing and the evolution of Jain publishing.
  • A periodization of Jain literature into distinct eras: the early period, the progressive era, and the contemporary era.
  • Contemporary periodicals.
• List of Published Jain Literature: This is the core of the book, providing an extensive list of published Jain works. The literature is categorized by language (Hindi, Sanskrit, Prakrit, Apabhramsha, Urdu, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, English) and further sub-categorized by genre, author, and publication details. The list includes a vast array of works covering religious scriptures, philosophical treatises, historical accounts, literary works, and more.
• Important Speeches on Jainism: A section dedicated to significant speeches delivered on Jainism.
• Jain Periodicals: A list of Jain periodicals, highlighting their importance and contribution to the dissemination of Jain thought.
• Urdu, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, and English Jain Literature: Dedicated sections for Jain literature published in these languages, reflecting the widespread influence of Jainism.
• Appendices: These sections provide valuable supplementary information:
  • Public Jain Libraries and Manuscript Collections: A directory of libraries holding significant Jain literary resources.
  • Jain Literary Organizations: Information on institutions dedicated to promoting Jain literature and studies.
  • Jain Booksellers: A list of booksellers who play a crucial role in making Jain literature accessible.
  • Contemporary Authors and Literary Figures: A list of prominent scholars and writers contributing to Jain literature.
  • Prominent Bhajan Virtuosos: Individuals known for their contributions to Jain devotional music.
• Concluding Remarks: A final note or request to readers and institutions.
• Errata: A list of corrections for any errors found in the published text.

Key Themes and Contributions:

• Comprehensive Bibliography: The book stands as a monumental effort to catalog the vast corpus of published Jain literature, providing an invaluable resource for researchers, scholars, and enthusiasts.
• Historical Context: It offers a historical perspective on the development of Jain publishing, highlighting the challenges faced and the progress made over time.
• Language Diversity: The inclusion of literature in multiple languages demonstrates the pan-Indian and international reach of Jainism and its literary output.
• Promotional Efforts: The book implicitly highlights the dedication of Jain organizations like the Jain Mitra Mandal in promoting Jainism through literature.
• Call for Further Research: By listing numerous authors, works, and institutions, it also serves as a guide for future research and efforts to preserve and promote Jain literary heritage.

"Prakashit Jain Sahitya" is a vital reference for understanding the scope and depth of Jain literature and the significant efforts made to preserve and propagate it. It reflects the Jain community's commitment to intellectual and spiritual pursuits through the written word.