Jainism The Cosmic Vision

SR No.: 034278
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: Mahavir Foundation
Publication Year: 2008
Total Pages: 137
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 2 MB

Page 116

Jainism: The Cosmic Vision Bhaaratiya Jnanapith. In 1904 A.D. when the publication of scriptural or religious books was opposed, Shri Nathuramji Premi published important books in the series Hindu Grantharatnakar and he also did the editorial work of Jain Hitaishi and Jain Mitra. He wrote as many as thirty books. [Premi Abhinandan Granth, Publisher: Premi Abhinandan Granth Samiti]
Yashovijaya Jain Sanskrit Pathashala established in Banaras by Shri Vijaydharmasuriji presented to Guiarat not only Shri Yashovijayji Granthamala, but also three scholars: Pandit Sukhlalji, a profound savant of philosophy, Pandit Bechardasji, a research scholar of Jain Prakrit books and Pandit Hargovindadas Sheth. That was the time of establishment of the Banaras Hindu University. Syadvad College established in Banaras in those days did the huge work of producing scholars of the Digambara sect.
In the present century, important work has been done in the field of archaeological research and publication. Rice, Kielhorn, Peterson, Fergusson and Burgess did research work about Jain temples, stone inscriptions and manuscripts. The digging at Kankali Tila in Mathura gave most useful archaeological means and materials for the study of Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism. Along with this some important links of Jain history were found. James Burges's illustrated book "Temples of Shatrunjaya' can be regarded as a landmark.
The historical and archaeological knowledge of the Jain religion expanded and alongwith its research work was started in Jain philosophy. In 1906 AD, Jacobi translated Umasvati's Tattvarthadhigama Sutra into English. Jacobi's disciples Kirfel
Activities of Jain Religion in the Last Century and Glazenape carried on with this work. A number of research scholars such as Shubring, Hertel and Garino continued that work. Hertel made a significant contribution to real and esteemed evaluation of the narrative Jain literature. On the basis of the critical survey of this literature, he has proved that the original stories of the Panchatantra were Jain stories. Dr. Brown's illustrated Kalaka Katha and Uttaradhyayana are also noteworthy. Subsequently Bhagavanlal Indraji, Bhoudaji, Bhandarkar, Satishchandra Vidyabhushana, Chimanlal Dahyabhai Dalal, Munishree Jinavijayji, Shri Dalsukhbhai Malavania, Bhogilal Sandesara, Agarchandji Nahta, Dr. Ramanlal C. Shah, Dr. A. N. Upadhye, Pundit Kailaschandraji, Dr. Umakant Shah, Pandit Lalchand Gandhi, Pundit Hiralal Rasiklal Kapadia, Shri Motichand Kapadia, Munishri Chaturvijayji, Munishri Jambuvijayji, Shrichand Ramporia, Amarmuni, Dr. Hiralal Jain, Dr. Jagdish Jain and others made extensive researches in Jain religion and literature. Munishri Punyavijayji made a very sound and rich contribution to canonical (Agam) research work.
In the field of literary research Shri Mohanlal Dalichand Desai's contribution is memorable. The three parts of Jain Gurjar Poets reveal his deep research in Jain literature and Jain history preserved in manuscripts difficult to comprehend. Shri Krishnalal M. Zaveri has rightly described it as 'magnum opus'. Similarly, his voluminous work 'A Short History of Jain Literature' which is a treasure of information, is important and useful even today.
The Sindhi Granthmala, the Punjabhai Granthmala, the Devchand Lalbhai Pustakoddharak Fund of Surat and such other institutions extensively published literature. The Gujarat School of Archaeology did important work in the exploration
218
219