Prakrit Pandulipi Chayanika

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prakrit Pandulipi Chayanika" by Kamalchand Sogani, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Prakrit Pandulipi Chayanika (प्राकृत-पाण्डुलिपि चयनिका) Author: Dr. Kamalchand Sogani (डॉ. कमलचन्द सोगाणी) Publisher: Apbhramsa Sahitya Academy (अपभ्रंश साहित्य अकादमी)

Overall Purpose: "Prakrit Pandulipi Chayanika" is a collection of selected Jain texts in Prakrit, presented in manuscript form. Its primary aim is to facilitate the study and understanding of Prakrit manuscripts, particularly for students and scholars. The book provides a bridge between the ancient script and its modern interpretation, making the rich literary heritage accessible to contemporary readers.

Key Themes and Content:

1. Preservation and Revival of Prakrit Language:

   • The book highlights the crucial role of manuscripts in preserving India's culture and literature before the advent of printing.
   • It emphasizes the decline in the ability to read and understand ancient scripts and languages like Prakrit.
   • The publication is presented as a national and socio-cultural effort to revive the Prakrit language.
   • The Jainvidya Sansthan (Institute of Jainology) at Shri Mahavirji has been actively involved in teaching Prakrit through correspondence and has published several related books. This "Chayanika" is a continuation of that effort.

2. Introduction to Prakrit Manuscripts:

   • The book acknowledges the unique writing style of manuscripts, where words are often joined, मात्रा (vowel signs) are placed in specific ways, paragraphs are not common, and certain letters have distinct forms. This was done to maximize information within limited space.
   • It explains that the transition to printed books changed these conventions, making them easier to read but gradually leading to a loss of manuscript reading skills.

3. Methodology and Structure:

   • The "Chayanika" includes selected verses (पाठ) from important Jain Prakrit texts.
   • Crucially, for each selected Prakrit text, a modern transliteration or adaptation (आधुनिक पद्धति में रूपान्तरण) is provided alongside the manuscript text. This side-by-side presentation is designed to help students learn to read and understand the manuscripts by comparing the original with its modern equivalent.
   • The book also includes a "Prakrit Pandulipi Akshar Chart" (पाण्डुलिपि अक्षर चार्ट) which serves as a visual guide to different Prakrit letters and their variations as found in manuscripts.

4. Contents of the Selection (Texts Included): The table of contents and the manuscript pages reveal the following Prakrit texts are included:

   • Bhagavati Aradhana (भगवती आराधना): Featured in two selections (पाठ १ and पाठ २).
   • Ashtapahud (अष्टपाहुड): A significant selection of this text, with multiple parts (पाठ ३, पाठ ४, पाठ ५, पाठ ६, पाठ ७).
   • Dashavaikalik (दशवैकालिक): Presented as पाठ ७.
   • Kummaputtachariyam (कुम्मापुत्तचरियं): Included in several parts (पाठ ८, पाठ ९, पाठ १०).
   • Uttaradhyayan (उत्तराध्ययन): Featured in multiple selections (पाठ ११, पाठ १२, पाठ १३).

5. Focus on Rajasthan's Manuscript Collections:

   • A significant portion of the introductory and concluding sections discusses the importance of manuscript collections in Rajasthan.
   • It acknowledges the pioneering work done in cataloging these manuscripts, specifically mentioning the five-volume "Rajasthan ke Jain Shastra Bhandaron ki Granth Suchi" (ग्रन्थ सूची) compiled by Dr. Kasturchand Kasliwal and Pandit Anoopchand Nyaytirth.
   • The book highlights that Rajasthan has been a center of literature, with rulers and citizens actively supporting and preserving manuscripts.
   • Key manuscript repositories in Jaipur (Jainvidya Sansthan, Bade Mandir, Tholiyon ka Mandir, Badichandji ka Mandir, Lunakaranji Pandya ka Mandir, Patodi ka Mandir), Nagaur, and Jaisalmer are mentioned as significant repositories of Prakrit and Apabhramsa literature.
   • It notes the prevalence of paper manuscripts from the 13th century onwards, with some rare cloth and palm-leaf manuscripts also found, primarily in Jaisalmer.

6. Dedication: The book is respectfully dedicated to the late Pandit Chainsukhdasji Nyayatirth, recognizing him as a rescuer of manuscripts.

Significance: "Prakrit Pandulipi Chayanika" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in Jain scriptures, Prakrit literature, and manuscript studies. By bridging the gap between ancient manuscripts and modern understanding, it plays a vital role in ensuring that this important facet of Jain heritage remains accessible and appreciated by future generations. The inclusion of modern transliterations makes complex Prakrit texts more approachable for a wider audience.