Rajashtnani Sahitya Me Jain Sahityakaro Ka Sthan

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Rajashtnani Sahitya me Jain Sahityakaro ka Sthan" by Purushottam Manoriya:

The book "Rajashtnani Sahitya me Jain Sahityakaro ka Sthan" (The Place of Jain Litterateurs in Rajasthani Literature) by Purushottam Manoriya highlights the significant contribution of Jain scholars and writers to the rich tapestry of Rajasthani literature.

The Spirit of Rajasthan and Literature:

The text begins by emphasizing Rajasthan's esteemed position in medieval Indian history, particularly its people's valor, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to protecting their religion and honor. Rajasthanis viewed a glorious death in battle as a festival, valuing it over mundane worldly pleasures. This spirit of valor made Rajasthan a land of heroes, as noted by historian James Tod, who famously stated that no small principality in Rajasthan lacked its Thermopylae, and few cities lacked their Leonidas. The author further suggests that Rajasthan also produced Homer-like poets alongside its warriors, highlighting the inseparable link between literature and the martial spirit of the region.

Defining Rajasthani Literature and its Classifications:

The author addresses the ambiguity surrounding the term "Rajasthani Literature," suggesting the most appropriate definition refers to literature composed in the Rajasthani language. Various scholars have attempted to classify Rajasthani literature. While some classifications include categories like "Jain-style," "Charani-style," and "Folksy-style," the author proposes a more comprehensive seven-part classification:

1. Jain Literature
2. Galhatya Literature
3. Pingal Literature
4. Pauranic & Bhakti Literature (Mythological and Devotional Literature)
5. Sant Literature (Saint Literature)
6. Lok Sahitya (Folk Literature)
7. Adhunik Sahitya (Modern Literature)

The Origin and Development of Rajasthani Language and Literature:

The book traces the origin of the Rajasthani language to the Nagar Apabhramsa prevalent in Rajasthan. While different opinions exist on the exact origin period, the text cites evidence suggesting the existence of a "Marudeshia" form of Rajasthani as early as 835 AD, as mentioned in Udyotan Suri's "Kuvalayamala." This points to the 9th century AD as a plausible starting point for Rajasthani language and literature. From the 9th century to the modern era, Rajasthani literature has seen continuous creation, preservation, and enrichment by various communities, including Brahmin scholars, Rajputs, Charans, and ascetics. The author emphasizes the significance of Rajasthani literature for its antiquity, thematic diversity, stylistic variety, and the abundance of both prose and poetry.

Distinguishing Dingle and Pingal Literature:

The text elaborates on Dingle, a prominent style within Rajasthani literature, primarily associated with the Charan community. While some scholars equate Dingle with Rajasthani poetry, the author clarifies that Dingle is a principal style encompassing various forms like Prabandh Kavyas, Muktak Geets, Doohas, etc. Dingle is noted for its powerful, often recited, verses that inspire valor and patriotism, and it is deeply rooted in Western Rajasthani (Marwari). The author also discusses Pingal, referring to traditional poetic meters in Rajasthani, often influenced by Shauraseni or Braj Bhasha.

The Vast Landscape of Rajasthani Literature:

The book delves into different genres:

• Mythological and Devotional Literature: This extensive body of work includes narratives based on the Puranas, featuring characters like Rama, Krishna, Shiva, Durga, Harishchandra, and Usha-Aniruddha. It also includes annotated Rajasthani translations of major Puranic texts.
• Saint Literature: Rajasthan has been a hub for various saint traditions, and the literature produced by saints like Dadu, Rajjab, and Sundardas emphasizes religious liberalism, the unity of the soul and the divine, and a path to liberation accessible to all.
• Folk Literature: This oral tradition encompasses folk songs, stories, proverbs, riddles, and folk dramas. The author notes that Jain litterateurs have also contributed to folk literature in various styles, often to propagate religious principles. The text stresses the urgent need to document this endangered folk literature.
• Modern Literature: With the advent of British rule, modern ideas and genres began to influence Rajasthani literature. Despite restrictions on publication, writers like Shivchandji Bhartiya and Gauri Shankar Ji Hirachand Ojha enriched the literature. Scholars like Muni Jinvijayji, Agarchand Ji Nahta, and Dr. Tessitori played a crucial role in its study and promotion.

The Prominent Role of Jain Litterateurs:

The core focus of the book is the significant contribution of Jain writers to Rajasthani literature, highlighting their foundational role. The author states that the oldest compositions in modern Indian languages are often found among Jain literature. The importance of Jain literature stems from its antiquity, abundance of prose, diversity of poetic forms, and its ability to guide life towards higher objectives. Jain litterateurs are described not as ordinary individuals but as learned ascetics with profound life experiences.

Beyond Religious Themes:

The text challenges the notion that Jain literature is solely religious. It argues that Jain writers extensively covered diverse subjects like medicine, lexicography, city descriptions, poetics, history, geography, and architecture, demonstrating their mastery in these fields.

Literary Forms and Preservation:

Jain scholars are credited with the creation and development of numerous literary forms, both in poetry (Prabandh, Ras, Raso, Bhas, Chaupai, Phag, Barahmasa, Duhas, etc.) and prose (Varta, Katha, Teeka, Tabba, Balavbodh, etc.). Furthermore, Jain literary tradition has played a vital role in the preservation of ancient literature. Jain Bhandars (libraries) house a vast collection of Jain and non-Jain ancient texts. Jain scholars continue to make copies of ancient manuscripts, thus revitalizing deteriorating texts. The Jaisalmer Grantha Bhandar is presented as an exemplary model for manuscript preservation.

Key Jain Literary Figures and Works:

The book highlights several important Jain litterateurs and their works:

• Vajyassen Suri: His "Bharteshwar Bahubali Ghor" is considered the oldest known work in Rajasthani.
• Shalibhadra Suri: His "Bharteshwar Bahubali Ras" (1241 VS) is credited with initiating heroic narratives within the "Ras" tradition, influenced by the contemporary spirit of revenge after the victory of Muhammad Ghori over Prithviraj Chauhan.
• Kavi Sadharu: Author of "Pradyumnacharitra" (1411 VS).
• Kavi Chhihal: Wrote "Panchsaheli Ra Duha" and other notable works like "Chhihal Bavani."
• Vinaysamudra: A prolific writer with 28 works, including various "Chaupais" and "Ras" compositions.
• Kushalabh: A significant poet of the 16th century, known for "Madhavanal Chaupai," "Dhola Marvani ri Chaupai," and "Pingal Shiromani."
• Hirakalash: A notable astrologer and poet whose dialogue "Moti-Kapasiya Samvad" is presented as an example.
• Hemratna Suri: His "Gora Badal Padmini Chaupai" (1645 VS) is famous for its depiction of Alauddin's invasion of Chittor and the bravery of Gora and Badal, incorporating various rasas (emotions).
• Samaysundar: A prominent 17th-century poet whose songs are as renowned as the architectural marvels of Maharana Kumbha.
• Udayraj: Contemporary of Maharaja Udai Singh of Jodhpur, known for "Bhajan Chattisi" and "Gun Bhavani."
• Jinhersh (Jasraj): Author of "Jasraj Bavani" and "Nand Bahuttari."
• Anandghan: An 18th-century poet who composed "Chibisi," a collection of hymns to the Tirthankaras, reflecting profound spiritual thought.
• Uttamchand and Udaychand Bhandari: Ministers to Maharaja Man Singh of Jodhpur, known for their scholarly and spiritual works.

Conclusion:

The book concludes by asserting that Jain litterateurs number in the thousands and have consistently produced literature in the folk languages like Rajasthani and Gujarati, ensuring its widespread dissemination. While Jain literature in Sanskrit and Hindi is also available in smaller quantities, the vast body of Rajasthani Jain literature is scattered in various libraries within and outside India. The author strongly advocates for the systematic preservation, cataloging, editing, and publication of these ancient manuscripts, which will undoubtedly reveal the immense and vital contribution of Jain litterateurs to the creation and development of Rajasthani literature.