Suratna Jain Lekhako Ane Lekhikao

This document is a list of Jain authors and writers from Surat, Gujarat, India, compiled by Professor Hiralal Rasikdas Kapadia and published by Shri Desai Pol Jain Pedhi. The book, titled "Surat Na Jain Lekhako Ane Lekhikao" (Jain Authors and Writers of Surat), was published in 1965.

The publication aims to provide a directory and overview of the literary works of these individuals, coinciding with an upcoming Gujarati Sahitya Parishad (Literary Conference) in Surat. Professor Kapadia, a prominent Jain literary figure himself, was tasked with compiling this list despite initial difficulties.

The book features entries for 27 Jain authors and writers, with detailed biographical information and a comprehensive list of their published and unpublished works. These individuals span various fields, including literature, philosophy, science, and education.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:

• Purpose: To document and showcase the literary contributions of Jain authors from Surat to visiting scholars during the Gujarati Sahitya Parishad.
• Compiler: Professor Hiralal Rasikdas Kapadia, a respected Jain scholar and author.
• Publisher: Shri Desai Pol Jain Pedhi, Surat.
• Content:
  • Introduction: Explains the motivation behind the book and acknowledges the collaboration of various individuals and institutions.
  • Table of Contents: Lists the 27 authors covered, along with their page numbers.
  • Author Profiles: Each author is presented with:
    • Their name and any known honorifics (e.g., Dr., Prof.).
    • Their place of birth and residence.
    • Their caste and family background (where relevant).
    • Educational qualifications and career details.
    • A detailed list of their written works, including titles, publication years, and sometimes brief descriptions or translations.
  • Special Mentions: The book includes an autobiographical section by Professor Kapadia himself, detailing his extensive literary career, encompassing 57 books and around seven hundred articles, covering a wide range of subjects and written in multiple languages.
• Key Authors Highlighted (selected examples):
  • Professor Hiralal R. Kapadia: The compiler, with an extensive list of his scholarly works, translations, and edited texts, particularly in Jainology, philosophy, and literature.
  • Dr. Indukala Hirachand Zaveri: A scholar of Sanskrit and philosophy, who translated and edited Jain texts.
  • Dr. Ishwarlal Surachand Bangdiwala: A statistician who also wrote on Indian social life and philosophy.
  • Dr. Bipinchandra Jivanchand Zaveri: An academic with numerous literary works in Gujarati, including novels, plays, and critical analyses.
  • Dr. Bipinchandra Hiralaal Kapadia: A Sanskrit scholar and reader.
  • Dr. Ranjitlal Khimchand Mapara: A professor of chemistry with many published scientific textbooks.
  • Shri Hirachand Kasturchand Zaveri: Known for his translations of English and German literature into Gujarati, as well as his own poetic works.
  • Shri Hirachand Devchand (now Hemsagarsuri): A scholar who has translated Jain scriptures and edited various Jain texts.

The document serves as a valuable historical record of the intellectual and literary output of the Jain community in Surat during the mid-20th century, highlighting their engagement with both traditional Jain scholarship and broader academic and literary pursuits.