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Preface
The present volume numbered XIII catalogues 3202 manuscripts deposited in the Bikaner branch as "Sri Poojya Jina Charitra Suri Collection” (Acc. No. 12920-18347). The remaining number of the same collection in Hindi and Rajasthani will be catalogued separately. Totalling 5428 most of these works are of a secular character. Previously they were housed in the “Badā Upāsarā,” Bikaner-the seat of the Khartaragaccha sect of the Jainas. Such convents were erected for the monks or nuns who delivered sermons explaining sacred texts and religious treatises. The head of the so-called “Gacchas" are called "Śripoojya”. The installation (Päța) ceremony was performed in the year 1799 and ever since the “Badā Upasarā" continues to be the main seat of the Bșhad Khartara gaccha Acāryas. The 77th head of the pontificate Sri Poojya Jina Charitra Suri engaged himself actively in the collection and preservation of manuscripts. He was deeply interested in philosophy, literature, grammar, astrology, architecture and the mantra Šāstra. The “Badā Upăsară" collection will thus always bear testimony to his devotion to learning and scholarsbip.
He was succeeded by the late Jinacharya Sri Poojya Sri Jina Vijayendra Suri who donated a large portion of this collection to the Institute and the branch came to be established in May 1962. The lead was taken by the late Sri Motichandra Khajanchi who donated as many as 6914 manuscripts.
Sri Poojya Jina Vijayendraji was almost a perfect embodiment of humility. Very meek and very simple. Son of Gandhi Kalyan Chand Shah he was born in 1915 A.D. in a village near Bhavanagar in Kathiawar. In childhood be bore the name Vijaya Lal or Vijaya Chand. He took his holy vow in the year 1930 at Malapura. Later on, he rose to the rank of Sri Poojya of the “Bada Upasarā” with due honour and recognition from the rulers of the Bikaner State and won the title Bșhad Kharataragacchācārya Sri Jinavijayendra Suri. He died at an early age of 48 on the Dipawali day at Bikaner. Peace be to his noble self !
His liberality was not only confined to donation of costly ancient manuscripts. He advised other Jain Yatis to come out and hand over manuscripts to the Institute. This led to a stream of donors namely Pannalalji Pal Chandji Yati (6879 Mss.), Tikam Chandji Ram lalji Yati, Bhinasar (757 Mss.), Arya Magan Sri Chagan Šri (211 Mss.) and Panyas Himmat Vijayaji Yati, Bikaner (405 Mss.) raising the total figure to 19,839.