Catalogue Of Sanskrit And Prakrit Manuscripts Part 12

SR No.: 018099
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Brijmohan Jawalia
Publisher: Rajasthan Oriental Research Institute
Publication Year: 1984
Total Pages: 430
Language: English
Classification: Catalogue & Catalogue
File Size: 25 MB

Page 4

Preface
The present volume catalogues (Accn. No. 4097-6583) some 2756 manuscripts deposited in the Udaipur branch as the "Pandit Ravi Shankar Derashri" collection. The late Derashriji (1903.1962 A.D.) was deeply interested in literature and history and be had collected a large number of valuable manuscripts and paintings during his lifetime. He had presented a number of rare and valuable miniature paintings to the Bharatiya Kala Bhawan of the Baparas Hindu University. His sons have now generously donated a number of paintings to the State Archaeology Department and the entire manuscripts collection to the Institute for which they deserve our heartful thanks.
Pandit Ravi Shankarji was born on the 21st of April 1903 in a learned family in Banera (Mewar). His ancestors served the court of Mewar right from Maharana Kumbha (1433-1468 A.D.) to Maharapa Raj Singh I (1652-1680 A.D.) One of his ancestors Pt. Kushalesh left Udaipur alongwith Bhim Singh and settled at Banera and was appointed as a "Rājaguru'. His ancestors Chaturbhujji and his brother Nanji took active part in the battle on the side of Raya Singh of Banera, which was fought between Ari Singh and Mahadji Sindhia. They are said to have brought the corpse of Raya Singh lifting it on their shoulders from the battlefield to the royal camp. For this service the title of Deharā Sbri 'Grace of the Royal Tent was conferred on them.
Pandit Nagaji Ramji Shāstri. the elder brother of Pt. Ravi Shankarji's father, was a learned Sanskrit Scholar of bis times, and has to'his credit the authorship of works such as the 'Aksaya Niti Sūdhakara', Vamśa Varnanam' Siksābala Jati Prabodha, 'Bbūpa Bhūşana'. "Niti Sudha'. Bhai Bhrän'i Nivarana' etc. The last named works a satire, on the princes who have adopted the decadent values of the West.
Pt Ravi Shankar ji took his B.Sc. and LL.B. degrees from the Allahabad University and obtained that of Bar-at-law from England. He was also honoured by the membership of the Royal Asiatic Society and the Bharatiya Vidya Parishad. He was awarded the title of Vidya Bhusana'. He died on the 12th of March, 1962 leaving behind two sons and two daughters Shri Vidya Sagar, Shri Akshaya Kumar, Smt. Sumitra Tiwari and Smt. Shatrupa Devi Pandit. Shri Akshaya Kumar ji is in the Indian Revenue Service as Asst. Collector of Customs and Central, Excise. His nephew the late Prof. S.D. Derashri was a renowned educationist and economist who served the University of Jodhpur as Professor & Head of the Economics Department. We all remember him as one of our frequent visitors. Ravi Shankar ji was a selfless aud dedicated person. His achievements are too numerous