Punyavijayji Sangruhit Prachin Lekhan Samgri Tatha Chitradinu Pradarshan

This document is a catalog for an exhibition of ancient manuscripts and paintings collected by Muni Punyavijayji, organized by the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Bharatiya Sanskriti Vidyamandir (L.D. Indology) in Ahmedabad.

Key Information:

• Title: Punyavijayji Sangruhit Prachin Lekhan Samgri tatha Chitradinu Pradarshan (Exhibition of Ancient Manuscripts and Paintings collected by Muni Punyavijayji)
• Organizer: Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Bharatiya Sanskriti Vidyamandir, Ahmedabad
• Purpose: To showcase the valuable collection of ancient manuscripts, illustrated manuscripts, and other artifacts donated by Muni Punyavijayji to the institution.
• Occasion: The exhibition was held on the first anniversary of Muni Punyavijayji's demise, which was on July 3, 1972.
• Muni Punyavijayji's Contribution: The institution's foundation in 1957 was due to Muni Punyavijayji's donation of ten thousand manuscripts and seven thousand printed books. After his passing, his disciple, Muni Darshanavijayji, donated the remaining materials.
• Exhibition Highlights: The catalog lists a vast array of items, categorized by cabinets, including:
  • Illustrated Manuscripts: Featuring various themes such as stories from the Puranas (like Shrimad Bhagwat), Jain religious narratives (lives of Tirthankaras, Sati Sulsa, Sati Subhadra, Sati Sita, Chandanbala, Mrigavati), historical figures, mythological characters, folk tales (Dhola-Maru, Madhumalti), and devotional art (Rag-Ragini paintings).
  • Vastrapat (Textile Paintings): These are painted cloths depicting religious scenes, mandalas, and geographical maps of Jain cosmology (Adhai Dweep, Jambudweep, Meru Parvat).
  • Vijnaptipatras (Letters/Petitions): These include important historical letters between Jain sanghs (communities) and Acharyas, detailing requests for Chaturmas (monsoon retreat) or invitations for temple consecrations. Some letters mention significant historical events, like an imperial decree.
  • Other Artifacts: The catalog also lists items such as inkpots, writing implements, manuscript covers, palm-leaf manuscripts, birch-bark manuscripts, and even items made from human bones (as part of tantric practices).
  • Chronology: The exhibits span a wide period, from the 8th century CE up to the 20th century, with many items dating from the 17th to 19th centuries.

Overall Significance:

The exhibition and its catalog serve as a testament to the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Jainism. Muni Punyavijayji was a prolific collector and scholar, and this collection represents a significant repository of Jain literature, art, and historical documents. The detailed listing in the catalog provides valuable insights into the types of manuscripts, their subject matter, and their historical periods, making it an important resource for scholars and enthusiasts of Jain studies and Indian art history.