Yugveer Nibandhavali Part 01 - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of "Yugveer Nibandhavali Part 01" by Jugalkishor Mukhtar, based on the provided text.

Book Title: Yugveer Nibandhavali (Collection of Essays by Yugveer) Part: First Volume (Original Essays) Author: Jugalkishor Mukhtar (also known as 'Yugveer') Publisher: Veer Seva Mandir Trust, Delhi First Edition: 1000 copies, Phalgun Samvat 2016 (March 1963) Total Pages: 484 Price: Five Rupees

Overview:

"Yugveer Nibandhavali Part 01" is the first volume of a collection of original essays by the esteemed Jain scholar and reformer, Jugalkishor Mukhtar, popularly known as 'Yugveer'. This volume is distinct from another collection titled 'Jain Sahitya Aur Itihas Par Vishad Prakash' (Detailed Light on Jain Literature and History), which was published earlier and comprised 750 pages. The current 'Nibandhavali' is a compilation of 41 scattered social and religious essays written by Mukhtar Ji between 1897 and 1952.

Author's Background:

Jugalkishor Mukhtar 'Yugveer' was the founder of 'Veer Seva Mandir'. He was a prolific writer, known for his insightful works on Jain literature and history, analysis of sectarian differences among Jain scholars, and critical examination of texts. He was also a notable translator, commentator, and annotator of important Jain works like 'Swayambhu Stotra', 'Yuktyanushasan', 'Sameechin Dharmashastra', 'Adhyatma Rahasya', and 'Tattvanushasana'. He edited texts such as 'Anekantvadi' and 'Samadhitantra'.

Volume's Content and Structure:

This volume is divided into two parts, with this being the first part containing 41 important original essays on diverse topics. The second part will contain over 60 essays categorized into:

Uttar-atmaka (Answer-oriented)
Samalochana-atmaka (Critical/Analytical)
Smriti-parichayatmak (Reminiscence/Biographical)
Vinod-shiksha-atmaka (Humorous and Educational)
Prakirnaka (Miscellaneous)

The essays in the first volume, with the exception of the very first one ('The Fundamental Mantra of Reform'), are arranged in the order of their creation. A detailed index at the end of the volume provides further information. The second volume also aims to follow a chronological order within its respective divisions.

Significance and Impact:

The essays in this collection have undergone revision by Mukhtar Ji himself, adding to their value. His writings are recognized for their depth of research, usefulness, and educational content. They have been instrumental in bringing about significant social reforms and generating awareness within the Jain community. Many of these essays have been previously published in book form due to popular demand, making this collection a valuable resource for readers to access them all in one place.

The publication is recommended for students in schools and colleges to gain knowledge of past social and religious activities, fostering a sense of duty and developing skills in research and writing.

Praise and Recognition:

Dr. Heeralal Jain, M.A., LL.B., D.Litt., Professor and Head of the Sanskrit and Prakrit Language Department at Jabalpur University (M.P.), has written a significant foreword for this collection titled 'Jhalak of the New Era' ('Naye Yug Ki Jhalak').

Key Themes and Essays Highlighted in the Foreword:

The foreword by Dr. Heeralal Jain and the table of contents reveal several key themes and important essays within the volume:

Social Reform: Essays like 'The Fundamental Mantra of Reform' (1917), 'The Absence of Compassion Among Jains' (1911), 'The Tyranny of Jains' (1913), 'Caste Discrimination' (1924), and 'Who Can Be a Jain?' (1930) address critical social issues within the Jain community, advocating for reform based on scriptural evidence and rational arguments.
Jain Philosophy and Practice: Articles such as 'The Essence of Upasana' (1921), 'The Way of Worship' (1921), 'Why Worship the Passionless?' (1941), and 'Why Pray to the Passionless?' (1941) delve into the philosophical underpinnings of Jain worship and practice, seeking to refine existing traditions.
Historical and Scriptural Analysis: The volume includes essays that shed light on Jain history and literature, such as 'The Importance of Mahavir's Ordination Date' (1936), which drew attention to the historical context of Mahavir's ministry, and 'Mahavir's Sarvodaya Tirtha' (1952), which explored the propagation of Jain's core principle of Anekanta. 'Sarvodaya ke Mool Sutra' (The Fundamental Principles of Sarvodaya) (1952) is also highlighted, presenting the essence of Anekanta in 120 sentences.
Social Commentary and National Issues: Essays like 'The Current Situation of India and Our Duty' (1921) and 'Why Are We So Miserable?' reflect on the socio-political landscape of India, including the pre-independence era and its impact on the populace. The foreword notes the surprising prescience of some of these essays, which seem to speak to contemporary issues.
Critique of Misconceptions: 'False Notions' (1907) and 'The Mahajani Mantra' (1907) suggest a critique of prevalent misconceptions and distortions, the latter potentially referring to misinterpretations of language or practice.
Personal and Cultural Reflections: Topics like 'Fasting' (1907) and the critique of outdated social practices related to marriage and caste are also covered.

Overall Impression:

The collection represents a significant contribution to Jain literature and thought. Jugalkishor Mukhtar's essays are characterized by thorough research, a commitment to reform, and a deep understanding of Jain philosophy and history. The 'Yugveer Nibandhavali Part 01' serves as a vital resource for understanding the intellectual and social currents within the Jain community in the early to mid-20th century and offers timeless insights relevant even today.