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Banarsidas Jain
literature. The Brahmacarin gave him a list of important books which were purchased for the University Library. * In 1916 while writing his most valuable book, “ An Introduction to Prakrit" (Second edition 1928) Dr. Woolner felt the want of Jaina literature in the University Library even more keenly. Consequently he instructed me to collect the available Jaina literature for the library. The result was a fine collection which owes its existence to Dr. Woolner's sole interest.
At the request of the Jains Dr. Woolner got his “Introduction to Prakrit” translated into Hindi which was published by the Punjab University under the title, “ Prakrit-praveśikâ. "
In 1917 Dr. Woolner delivered a lecture at the S. S. Jain Conference held at Lahore where he pointed out that there was a great need for a Jaina Prakrit Reader, Soon after this he asked me to compile one and it was published by the University in 1924 under the title of “Ardhamagadhi Reader.”
In 1923 Dr. Woolner was requested to write an introduction to the famous “ Ardhamagadhi Dictionary” compiled by the Satavadhani Swami Rainachandra. To this Dr. Woolner consented and wrote an introduction which contains a brief account of the Ardhamagadhi literature and a useful sketch of its grammar.
• The Jains of the Punjab made a reperesentation to Dr. Woolner to get Jaina books included in the University curriculum. In 1920 he got a Jaina course prescribed as an alternative to paper III of the M. A. ( Sanskrit ) Examination of the Punjab University.
The Sthanakavasi monk, Upadhyaya Atmaram met Dr. Woolner once or twice and draw from him an inspiration for his work on Jaina literature. As a result the Upadhyaya applied himself strenuously to translating the Jaina Sutras into Hindi. Besides this he arranged for a Hindi adaptation of the Ardhamagadhi Reader to be made. At Dr. Woolner's recommendation the Upadhyaya was made a borrowing member of the Punjab University Library, a privilege which is seldom granted to outsiders.
Shatabdi Granth ]
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