Puratattvacharya Jinvijayji

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text about Puratattvacharya Shriman Jinavijayji:

The book, authored by Atmanandji and published by Z_Arvachin_Jain_Jyotirdharo_001288.pdf, celebrates the life and contributions of Puratattvacharya Shriman Jinavijayji, a globally renowned figure among archaeologists and Indologists. He was a lifelong devotee of learning and a great sage who significantly enriched Indian literature and satisfied the intellectual thirst of countless scholars worldwide through his founding, direction, and management of various research institutions, manuscript collections, and ancient text series.

Early Life and Spiritual Journey:

Born Kishan Singh on January 27, 1888, in the village of Pehli in the Bhilwara district of Rajasthan, into a Parmar Rajput family, Jinavijayji's early life was marked by hardship. His ancestors had participated in the 1857 rebellion against the British, leading to the confiscation of their property and the loss of many family members. His grandfather had to seek refuge and eventually settled with his sons in Rupayali with the support of a local Thakur. His father served as an officer in the forest department.

His father's death in 1898 left the family in a precarious state, jeopardizing Kishan Singh's education. He was taken in by the Jain monk Shri Devihans, who recognized the boy's exceptional intelligence and encouraged his father to ensure his education. However, after a short period, Shri Devihans passed away due to an accident. Kishan Singh, despite his adversities, remained dedicated to learning. He studied for two to two and a half years in Mandya and then moved to Chittorgarh, where he engaged in farming.

It was in Chittorgarh that he encountered a Shravaka Jain Sthanakvasi monk. His curiosity and companionship led him to become a Sthanakvasi monk himself. During this time, he memorized several key Jain texts. However, his insatiable thirst for knowledge and limited study opportunities prompted him to leave the sect after considerable deliberation. He renounced his monastic attire near the ruins of Ujjain on the banks of the Shipra River.

Pursuit of Knowledge and Academic Contributions:

After living in Ratlam and surrounding areas, he traveled to Ahmedabad for further studies, but this did not materialize. He eventually met a compassionate monk named Sundaravijayji in Pali, Marwar, where he took initiation and adopted the name Jinavijayji.

His intellectual journey deepened when he joined the company of the renowned Jain Acharya Vijayvallabhsuriji in Khavad. This association broadened his studies and matured his interest in historical research. His study of "Veerbhumi Rajasthan" ignited his fascination with the past of Rajasthan and Mewar. In Patan, he meticulously studied ancient manuscripts and palm-leaf writings from a historical perspective.

During his Chaturmas in Mehsana, he connected with Acharya Kantivijayji and his disciples, who provided continuous inspiration and support. In memory of Acharya Kantivijayji, he initiated the Shri Kantivijay Jain Itihas Granthamala, which published numerous important works highly respected by scholars.

Post-initiation, he began writing articles in Gujarati, published in "Jain Hiteshi" and "Mumbai Samachar." He retrieved and extensively researched Jain grammatical texts related to Shakatayana from the Patan Bhandar, producing a detailed article. He also published a comprehensive list of Jain manuscript collections in Patan. These writings brought him significant recognition in the Gujarati and Hindi literary circles.

While residing in Vadodara, he edited and published the extensive Prakrit text 'Kumarapala Pratibodha'. During his Chaturmas in Mumbai, the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute was established in Pune. Accepting their invitation, he traveled to Pune and founded the "Jain Sahitya Sanshodhak Samiti" (Jain Literature Research Committee). He also launched the research journal and book series named "Jain Sahitya Sanshodhak." His stay in Pune proved to be a turning point, leading to his acquaintance with prominent freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak and revolutionary Shri Arjanlal Shethi. These interactions infused him with thoughts of national independence, and he was deeply influenced by Tilak's political ideologies.

Transition to Archaeology and Public Life:

After deep contemplation, he decided to renounce his Shvetambara Murtipujak monastic life, finding the inactivity of the renounced state incompatible with the nation's dependence. He announced his decision in newspapers. Mahatma Gandhi invited him to Ahmedabad, and he commenced his railway journeys. Gandhi ji and the Vidyapeeth staff appointed him to the Archaeology Department, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life. He transitioned from a Jain monk to the Head of the Archaeology Department.

During his eight years at the Archaeology Department, his revolutionary nature led to significant changes in his thoughts and perspectives. The department's important collection of books was largely a result of his choices. His favorite subjects were the history and language of ancient Gujarat. His academic pursuits encouraged him to learn German and engage with German scholars. Gandhi ji also supported his desire to travel to Germany. With this encouragement and an invitation from the renowned German scholar Professor Hermann Jacobi, he traveled to Germany in 1928, staying for about a year and a half. There, he exchanged ideas with Indologists at the Universities of Bonn, Hamburg, and Leipzig. In Berlin, he established 'Hindustan House' to foster and strengthen Indo-German friendship, which later became a vital center for Indo-German contact and facilitation.

He returned to India at the end of 1929. Faced with a choice between remaining in the academic and literary sphere or embracing the call for independence, he deferred the former and chose the latter in 1930. He participated in the Salt Satyagraha, initiated by Gandhi ji's Dandi March, and was imprisoned in Nashik jail. There, he met K.M. Munshi, with whom he had extensive academic discussions.

Despite his involvement in the freedom struggle, his destiny was intertwined with academic pursuits. He traveled to Shantiniketan and engaged in detailed discussions with Shri Bahadur Singh Sindhi, a prominent Jain literature enthusiast from Kolkata. This led to the plan for establishing the Sindhi Jain Gyanpeeth, and he offered his services. The Sindhi Granthamala was launched, with 'Prabandh Chintamani' being the first publication. He also initiated a Jain hostel at Shantiniketan, with Shri Bahadur Singh Sindhi bearing the financial responsibility. He spent about three years at Shantiniketan. Due to the climate not suiting him, he decided to shift his work to Mumbai or Ahmedabad. During this period, he went to Mumbai for Pandit Sukhlalji's operation and, at the earnest request of Munshi ji, agreed to collaborate with the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. He integrated the work of the Sindhi Jain Granthamala with the Bhavan's activities, skillfully managing both.

He remained detached from the "Quit India" movement of 1942. During that time, he was invited to organize the Jaisalmer knowledge repositories, where he stayed for about five months, copying around 200 manuscripts. He then returned to Mumbai and continued his role as the Director of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, guiding the editing and publication of texts and students' doctoral studies.

Later Life and Legacy:

He was deeply concerned with the problems of the country and society. As post-independence issues became more complex, his focus increasingly shifted towards agriculture, physical labor, and self-reliance. As a result of this contemplation, he established the 'Sarvodaya Sadhana Ashram' on April 28, 1950, on land acquired from the Thakur of Randeria village near Chittorgarh. During Saint Vinoba Bhave's padyatra in Rajasthan, he dedicated this ashram to Vinoba ji.

At his suggestion, the Rajasthan Archaeology Department plan materialized on May 13, 1950, and he became its director. He dedicated himself to the agricultural development activities of the ashram and his services to the Archaeology Department. In 1952, he was appointed an honorary member of the prestigious German Oriental Society, a distinction achieved by very few Indians, recognizing his unique research in Indian studies.

In 1961, the Government of India honored him with the title 'Acharya'. This title was conferred upon him for his original, historical, and extensive work in the study, research, and publication of ancient materials related to Indian and Jain studies.

The Rajasthan Archaeology Department began its work in Jaipur, accumulating numerous handwritten and printed texts related to archaeology and history. Publication work also commenced on a large scale. As a testament to his tireless efforts, a new building was constructed in Jodhpur by the Rajasthan government to provide stability to this work, inaugurated by the then Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Mohanlal Sukhadia, in 1959. This institution became recognized nationwide as a unique center for Indian studies and archaeological manuscripts and printed works. He served as the honorary director of this institution until 1967.

Jinavijayji had a deep attachment to Chittorgarh, primarily due to its glorious historical narrative and its significance as the spiritual land of the great Jain scholar Acharya Haribhadrasuri. Out of profound respect and devotion to him, Jinavijayji established the Shri Haribhasuri Smarak Mandir opposite Chittorgarh's famous fort, making it a notable landmark. He also constructed the 'Bhamashah Bharati Bhavan' in memory of the renowned Jain philanthropist Bhamashah. Throughout his life, he founded numerous institutions and served as a source of inspiration for many organizations, scholars, and knowledge-seekers.

Even after reaching the age of 80, his health weakened, and his eyesight diminished. However, his dedication to Indian archaeology, Jain philosophy, and the ancient glory of Chittorgarh, along with his scholarly interests, never waned until the end of his life.

Conclusion:

A review of the life of the revered Muni Jinavijayji reveals that he dedicated his entire life to the service of Goddess Saraswati, particularly in the field of archaeology. He also inspired others to take an interest in research and created the necessary resources for them. After spending his later years in his initial workplace, Ahmedabad, his physical weakness increased with age. Muni Jinavijayji breathed his last on June 3, 1976, a Thursday. Thus ended the life of a lifelong devotee of learning and an unparalleled archaeologist-acharya.