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AUTHORS AND SCHOLARS
The most popular Jain Stotra which is composed for the prayer of Tirthankara Adinatha is Bhaktamar Stotra. It has 48(44) stanzas and composed by Acharya Shri Mantunga who was related to Dhar District of Madhya Pradesh.
King Bhoja author of many texts including Bhupal Stotra is related with Dhar.
Famous poet Pandit Ashadhar Ji is responsible for creating about 20 books on Jainology reside in 1242 A.D. in Nalkachhapur (Nalchha) about 25 km away from Dhar.
Famous poet of Apabhransh Raidhu (14" C.A.D.) is associated with Gopachal who composed many Mahakavya in Apabhransh.
In the early decades of Twenthitha Century Justice J.L. Jaini translated the Gommatsara Jivakanda and Karmakanda too. Famous Jaina Scholar Pandit Mahendra Kumar Nyayacharya, Pandit Vanshidhar Vyakarnacharya, Pandit Udaichandra Sarvadarshnacharya and Dr. Darbarilal Kothia were related with M.P.- Bundelkhand region. Pt. Nathuram Dongriya and Pt. Nathulal Shastri Pratisthacharya are related with Malwa region.
ORGANATIONS OF MADHYA PRADESH
Several organisations are working in Madhya Pradesh for the benifit of Jain Society. Some of them are following:
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* Malwa Prantik Sabha, Baranagar
Kunda kunda Jnanapitha, Indore
Bhagyodaya Trust, Sagar
* Dayodaya Trust, Indore
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Jain Social Group (J.S.G.)
Digambar Jain Social Group
Shvetambar Jain Social Group
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* Anekant Gyan Mandir Shodha Sansthan
Digambar Jain Sahitya Prachar Samiti, Indore
Jains have very good relation with the Nawabs of the Malwa region. Many times they have performed the duties of the Mantri (Secretary) of state. In this way they can save and protect their religion in the region.
In short we can say that Madhya Pradesh-Bundelkhand region is very important for the study of Development of Jainism in India. The followers, scholars and traders of this region have a lot of impact on the cultural development of India.
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