Yasho Bhushanam Sarvada Varddhamanam

This document appears to be a felicitation poem or song collection in Gujarati, compiled by Devshankar R Raval and published in 1885. The title, "Yasho Bhushanam Sarvada Varddhamanam," translates to "Ornament of Fame, Always Increasing."

Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided text:

Overall Purpose: The primary purpose of this collection is to celebrate and offer blessings to Maharaj Shri Balsinhji Bahadur, the Thakur Saheb of Wadhwan, upon him taking over the independent administration of his kingdom. It is a work of praise and good wishes for his reign.

Key Themes and Content:

• Celebration of Maharaj Shri Balsinhji's Accession: The entire text is dedicated to this event. Numerous verses express joy and good fortune associated with him assuming independent rule.
• Praise and Admiration: The author extensively praises Maharaj Balsinhji's qualities, highlighting:
  • Good Governance and Policy: He is described as being skilled in policy, full of affection, possessing good conduct, virtuous, wise, and just.
  • Personal Virtues: He is lauded for his humility, simplicity, character, politeness, deep contemplation, and ability to speak kindly. He is seen as a source of happiness for his subjects.
  • Strength and Courage: He is called a brave warrior, full of determination and courage, and compared to a lion.
  • Generosity and Compassion: He is depicted as kind, benevolent, and a benefactor to the needy.
  • Knowledge and Intellect: He is recognized as learned, intelligent, and possessing sharp wit.
  • Fairness and Justice: He is described as upholding justice and being a true protector of his people.
  • Fame and Reputation: His fame is said to be spreading far and wide.
• Wishes for Prosperity and Longevity: The core of the verses is a series of wishes for Maharaj Balsinhji's long life, continued success, abundant wealth, and unwavering reign. The author invokes divine blessings for him.
• Recognition of Supporting Figures: While Balsinhji is the central figure, the text also briefly mentions other notable individuals present at the event, such as "H.L.Nott Saheb," the Political Agent, and other friends and gentlemen.
• Praise for the Author's Work: The publication itself signifies the author's dedication and the public appreciation of his efforts to capture this significant moment.
• Jain Context: Although the text is primarily a political and personal eulogy, the title "Yasho Bhushanam Sarvada Varddhamanam" and the reference to "Shri Arddhamana" (a name associated with Lord Mahavira) subtly suggest a Jain framework for the auspiciousness and auspicious wishes. The author's name, Devshankar R Raval, is also in a Gujarati Brahmin style, but the context of Jain texts on JainQQ.org indicates a strong connection to Jainism, either through the subject or the compiler's affiliation. The title itself, "Ornament of Fame," aligns with Jain ideals of accumulating positive karma through good deeds and righteous living.

Specific Poetic Forms Used: The text employs various poetic meters and styles, including:

• Dohoro (દોહરો)
• Indravijaya (ઇંદ્રવિજય)
• Tak Chhand (ટક છંદ)
• Vasantatilaka (વસંતતિલકા)
• Vijay Chhand (વિજય છંદ)
• Sanyara (સન્યા) - likely a type of song or ballad
• Bhujangi Chhand (ભુજંગી છંદ)
• Raga Sabhano (રાગ સભાનો) - a style of singing
• Lavani (લાવણી) - a type of folk song
• Harigiti Chhand (હરિગીત છંદ)
• Pad (પદ) - a short lyrical piece
• Malini (માલીની)
• Naraj Chhand (નારાજ છંદ)
• Shikharini (શિખરિણિ)
• Shal Vididita (શાલ વિદિડીત)

Fair Use Declaration: The initial pages include a fair use declaration from "The Free Indological Collection" (TFIC) of www.sanskritdocuments.org. This indicates that the book is being shared for educational and research purposes, believing it to be in the public domain or for which public dissemination was intended by the original repository. They are making it available to a wider audience and emphasize their support for digitization projects.

In essence, "Yasho Bhushanam Sarvada Varddhamanam" is a historical and literary document that captures a moment of significant political transition and celebrates the virtuous reign of Maharaj Shri Balsinhji of Wadhwan through a rich collection of Gujarati poetry and songs.