Yugveer Nibandhavali Part 2 - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Yugveer Nibandhavali Part 2" by Jugalkishor Mukhtar, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Yugveer Nibandhavali Part 2 Author: Jugalkishor Mukhtar ('Yugveer') Publisher: Veer Seva Mandir Trust Publication Date: December 1967 (Maghsir Samvat 2024) First Edition: 500 copies Total Pages: 876 Cost: Eight Rupees

This is the second volume of collected essays by Acharya Jugalkishor Mukhtar, also known as 'Yugveer'. The first volume was published in 1963 and contained 41 important original essays. This second volume comprises 65 essays, categorized into five sections:

Uttraratmak Nibandh (Retaliatory/Rejoinder Essays): Pages 17-536
Samalochanaatmak Nibandh (Critical Essays): Pages 537-660
Smriti-Parichayatmak Nibandh (Reminiscence/Biographical Essays): Pages 661-754
Vinod-Shikshaatmak Nibandh (Humorous/Educational Essays): Pages 755-790
Prakirnak Nibandh (Miscellaneous Essays): Pages 791-868

The essays are arranged chronologically within their respective sections.

Key Information and Highlights from the Text:

Author's Stature: Jugalkishor Mukhtar ('Yugveer') is presented as a highly respected and prolific scholar, translator, commentator, and editor. He is credited with shedding extensive light on Jain literature and history, clarifying sectarian differences among Jain scholars, critically examining texts, and authoring works like Yugveer Bharati. His translations and commentaries on significant texts like Syayambhu Stotra, Yuktyanushasan, Samichin-Dharma Shastra, Devagam (Aptamimansa), Adhyatma Rahasya, Tattvanushasan (Dhyan Shastra), Yogasara Prabhrut, and Kalyan Kalpadruma are highly praised. He also edited journals like Anekant and compiled important works such as Puraatan Jain Vakya Suchi and Jain Granth Prashasti Sangrah. The preface highlights his dedication to Jain culture, literature, and research for over five decades, noting that he pursued this service selflessly, not for personal gain.
Nature of Essays: The essays are characterized as being research-oriented, informative, and knowledge-enhancing. They are noted for having spurred social reforms and generated awareness at various times. The essay 'Vivah-Kshetra Prakash' is particularly mentioned as a significant work, so impactful that it was published as a separate book and is now out of print.
Target Audience and Value: The volume is deemed suitable for school, college, and university libraries. It is suggested that higher secondary students should be awarded these essays as prizes, as they provide insights into past societal dynamics and foster critical thinking, research, and writing skills.
Foreword by Dr. Jyotiprasad Jain: Dr. Jyotiprasad Jain of Lucknow has provided a foreword, praising Mukhtar's work and contributions. However, he disagrees with some of Mukhtar's critical remarks about certain scholars, emphasizing that duty-mindedness is commendable regardless of whether one is 'professional' or 'non-professional'.
Content of "Uttraratmak Nibandh" (Section 1): This section primarily contains responses and rebuttals to criticisms or accusations made by various scholars against Mukhtar or his writings. The language is described as sharp, impactful, and witty, often delivering fitting replies without resorting to vulgarity. Several essays address social issues of the time, such as early marriage practices, caste restrictions, the use of "Jai Jinendra" greetings, and critiques of religious practices and beliefs. The essay 'Vivah-Kshetra Prakash' (146 pages) is singled out as a seminal work on marriage-related social issues, providing strong arguments and scriptural evidence. Mukhtar's writing style is noted for its clarity, logical reasoning, and persuasive power.
Content of "Samalochanaatmak Nibandh" (Section 2): This section includes critical reviews of three books and some miscellaneous articles and poems. The reviews of Prof. Ghosal's English translation of Dravya Sangraha and Dr. Upadhye's edited version of Pravachanasara are highlighted for their depth, requiring extensive research and careful consideration, underscoring Mukhtar's capability as a literary critic. The foreword states that Mukhtar is perhaps the sole, or at least the foremost, critic in Jain society.
Content of "Smriti-Parichayatmak Nibandh" (Section 3): This section features 17 essays, which are personal reminiscences and tributes to friends, family members, associates, and scholars. They are characterized by a sense of intimacy. 'Sanmati-Vidya-Vinod' is mentioned as a poignant personal composition that deeply touches the reader. Two essays provide vivid descriptions of the first Veer Shasan Mahotsav held in Rajgriha and Kolkata.
Content of "Vinod-Shikshaatmak Nibandh" (Section 4): This section contains 7 educational essays, infused with humor and satire, making them both informative and entertaining.
Content of "Prakirnak Nibandh" (Section 5): This section includes 12 miscellaneous or topical essays, considered relevant and timely.
Mukhtar's Writing Style: His style is described as simple, clear, fluent, logical, and impactful, capable of deeply affecting the reader. His thought process is based on scriptural evidence combined with independent contemplation, without sacrificing logic and reasoning. He is known for his precision in language, often providing multiple synonyms to clarify a point, and for his strong command over words, evident in his translations and commentaries.
Author's Personal Dedication: Mukhtar's lifelong dedication to Jainism, achieved through his intellectual and financial contributions, is emphasized. He established institutions like Samantabhadra Ashram and Veer Seva Mandir, edited prominent journals like Jain Gazette, Jain Hitaisi, and Anekant (which set high standards for Jain journalism), rescued ancient texts from dilapidated manuscripts, and produced vital reference works. Even in his advanced age (90 years), he continued to work with youthful enthusiasm.
Critique of Contemporary Practices: The essays reflect a critical engagement with societal norms, particularly those related to marriage, superstitions, and rigid adherence to customs. Mukhtar advocated for reasoned debate and scriptural adherence over blind adherence to tradition.
Controversies and Criticism: The foreword acknowledges that Mukhtar's forthright opinions and critiques often drew criticism from contemporary Jain scholars and traditionalists, some of whom remained displeased with him. His work, however, is seen as essential for the progress of Jain journalism and intellectual discourse.
Legacy: The collection is viewed as a valuable reflection of Mukhtar's personality, erudition, and writing style, as well as a historical record of the Jain community's movements, challenges, and intellectual currents of his time.

In essence, "Yugveer Nibandhavali Part 2" is a significant collection of essays by a towering figure in modern Jain literature, offering critical analysis, historical insights, social commentary, personal reflections, and a deep commitment to the Jain way of life, all presented with remarkable scholarship and intellectual rigor.