Higher Education and Research in Prakrits and Jainology

Author(s): Gokulchandra Jain
Publisher: Sampurnanda Vishva Vidyalaya Varanasi

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1. Research Institute of Prākrit, Jainology and Ahimsā, (Bihar),
Vaishali, 1955. 2. P. V. Research Institute, Varanasi (U.P.). 3. L. D. Institute of Indology, Ahmedabad (Gujarat), 1957. 4. Jaipa Vishwa Bharati, Ladnun (Rajasthan). 5. Shri Devkumar Jain Oriental Research Institute, Arrab (Bihar). 6. B. L. Iostitute of Indology, Patan (Gujarat). 7. Anekānta Sodhapīțba, Bahubali (Kolbapur).
Among the institutes mentioned above the serial number itself denotes the priority.
Revival of Prākrit and Jainological studies at University level started with the establishment of the "Research Institute of Prakrit, Jainology and Abiņsā” at Vaishali, by the Goveroment of Bibar, in the year 1955. The founder Director Late Dr. Hiralal Jain laid down a solid foundation and introduced Post-Graduate studies in Prākrit and Jaipology and Doctoral and Post-Doctoral research. The scholars engaged in the organisational work of Prākrit and Jainological studies and holding high positions in Bibar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, belong tos bis vidyā-raisa. Almost all the Doctoral dissertations approved by the University of Bihar have been prepared under the auspices of this institute. Late Dr. Nemichandra Shastri's contribution for the extension of these siudies in Bihar is of historical importance. Almost all the Doctoral Dissertations approved by Magadh University were prepared under bis guidance and supervision. He made Arrah a centre of Prākrit and Jainological studies.
The credit of continuing the spirit of his predecessors goes to Dr. Rajaram Jain who is constantly working on the same line. At present the Jaina Siddharta Bhawana is a recognised centre for Jainological research as 'Shri Devkumar Jain Oriental Research Institute', and P. G. teaching in Prākrit have been started in H. D. Jaina College, Arrah.
Pārsvanatha Vidyāšrama, now better known as P. V. Research Institute, deserves special credit for giving impetus to Prakrit and Jainological s udies at Varanasi. The sostitute provides maximum possible facilities to research scholars, perhaps more than any University may provide. Established in :937 adjoing the campus of Banaras Hindu Univer