Ratnaparikshadi Sapta Granth Sangraha

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Ratnaparikshadi Sapta Granth Sangraha" by Thakkur Feru, based on the provided information:

Book Title: Ratnaparikshadi Sapta Granth Sangraha (Collection of Seven Treatises including Ratnapariksha)

Author: Thakkur Feru

Editors: Agarchand Nahta, Bhanvarlal Nahta

Publisher: Rajasthan Prachyavidya Pratishthan Jodhpur

Overview:

"Ratnaparikshadi Sapta Granth Sangraha" is a compilation of seven distinct, smaller works by the 14th-century Jain scholar Thakkur Feru. These texts are significant for their comprehensive coverage of various subjects that were important in medieval Indian society and scholarship. Thakkur Feru was an official in the mint during the reign of Alauddin Khilji, and his works reflect his practical experience and deep knowledge. The collection was published by the Rajasthan Oriental Research Institute, Jodhpur, as part of its "Rajasthan Puratan Granthamala" series.

The Seven Treatises:

The seven works included in this collection are:

1. Jyotisha Sara (Essence of Astrology): This treatise provides primary knowledge on astrological subjects, offering a valuable introduction to the field.
2. Dravya Pariksha (Examination of Substances/Currency): This is considered a unique and highly important work, detailing the various coins prevalent in medieval India. It offers unprecedented insights into numismatics and the economic history of the period, providing information not found in other ancient literary sources.
3. Vastu Sara (Essence of Architecture/Vastu Shastra): Considered an authoritative work on architecture and construction, this treatise has been previously published with translations.
4. Ratna Pariksha (Examination of Gems): This work is a significant contribution to gemology, discussing the properties, classification, value, and identification of various precious stones. It draws upon ancient texts and the author's direct experience with the royal treasury.
5. Dhatutpatti (Origin of Metals): This text deals with the origin and properties of various metals, demonstrating the author's knowledge of metallurgy and alchemy.
6. Yugapradhana Chatushpadi: This is a metrical work detailing the lineage of the "Yugapradhana" (eminent leaders) of the Kharataragaccha Jain tradition, often including brief historical accounts of prominent Acharyas. It's notable for being composed in a local dialect of Prakrit-Apabhramsha.
7. Ganita Sara (Essence of Mathematics): This treatise serves as a useful guide for students of mathematics, covering various aspects of arithmetic and possibly other mathematical concepts. It also includes mentions of local terminology and objects used in daily life around Delhi.

Thakkur Feru's Background and Significance:

• Time Period: Thakkur Feru lived in the 14th century CE.
• Occupation: He was an official in the mint (taksal) and associated with the treasury of Sultan Alauddin Khilji, indicating a high position in the royal court.
• Provenance: He hailed from Kananpur and belonged to the Shrimāl caste, from the Dhandhiya gotra.
• Contribution: Feru was a prolific writer and polymath, demonstrating expertise in astrology, mathematics, architecture (Vastu Shastra), gemology (Ratna Shastra), numismatics (Mudra Shastra), and metallurgy. His works are valuable for their blend of traditional knowledge and empirical observation, particularly his detailed accounts of coins and gems, which are not found elsewhere.
• Language: Most of his works are written in Prakrit, characterized by a simple, flowing style influenced by the contemporary spoken language (Apabhramsha).

Editorial and Publishing Efforts:

• The editors, Agarchand and Bhanvarlal Nahta, are credited with locating the ancient manuscripts of Feru's works, particularly through a collection in Calcutta.
• The publication of this collection by the Rajasthan Oriental Research Institute (Rajasthan Prachyavidya Pratishthan) in Jodhpur highlights its importance for preserving and disseminating ancient Indian literature.
• The preface by Prof. Jinavijaya Muni (the chief editor of the Granthamala) emphasizes the value of these texts in fields like astrology, mathematics, architecture, gemology, and numismatics. He also points out that Feru's Prachit language was not strictly classical Prakrit or Apabhramsha but a mix, often adapted for clarity and popular understanding.
• The detailed introduction by Dr. Motichand (on Ratna Pariksha) provides an extensive historical and technical analysis of gemology in ancient and medieval India, contextualizing Feru's contribution within this tradition. He discusses the evolution of Ratna Shastra, different classifications of gems, their sources, values, and the methods of their examination, noting Feru's unique insights based on his courtly experience.

Key Features and Importance:

• Interdisciplinary Knowledge: The collection showcases Thakkur Feru's mastery across multiple disciplines, reflecting the holistic approach to knowledge prevalent in ancient India.
• Historical and Cultural Value: The texts offer invaluable historical data, especially Dravya Pariksha and Ratna Pariksha, providing direct glimpses into the economic, administrative, and material culture of the Delhi Sultanate period.
• Practical Applications: The works were intended for practical use, whether for merchants, craftsmen, rulers, or scholars, covering topics relevant to daily life and professional expertise.
• Preservation of Jain Heritage: The compilation is a significant effort to preserve and make accessible important Jain literary works that might otherwise have been lost.

In essence, "Ratnaparikshadi Sapta Granth Sangraha" presents Thakkur Feru as a pivotal figure in medieval Indian intellectual history, whose meticulous and practical writings provide a rich resource for understanding the scientific and economic landscape of his time, as well as the continuity of Jain scholarship.