Vaishali Institute Research Bulletin 1

Author(s): Nathmal Tatia
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

Page 182

ÞROGRESS OF PRAKRIT AND JAINA STUDIÈS
is
research scholars will do well to look up to them for inspiration and emulate their example.
Seminar in Prakrit Studies
4. The organization of a Seminar in Prakrit Studies by the Shivaji University, Kolhapur, with the support of the U.G.C., under the Directorship of Professor Dr. A. N. Upadhye was a momentous event. It was held from May 22 to May 25, 1968, and attended by more than forty scholars working in the field of Prakrit learning. The message from Dr. G. Roth, received on the occasion, emphasized that the scholars in Prakrit should "sit together to cooperate in the field which, in many ways, is undiscovered new land, which deserves much more attention" Dr. Suniti Kumar Chatterjes directed attention to the Gandhari and Sinhala Prakrits, while Professor H. W. Bailey referred to the importance of Niya Prakrit, Dr. Tucci averred that research in Prakrit studies would no doubt lead to a deeper knowledge and understanding of modern languages. The consensus of opinion at the seminar was that the study of Apabhramsa be more intensively cultivated to grasp the essential unity of the modern Indian languages, and that the Prakrit literature stood on an equal footing with Sanskrit and Pali. For the promotion of Prakrit studies, the seminar suggested a number of concrete steps which include enrichment of the contents of the Pre-University syllabus, prescription of a specialized course in Prakrit at the graduate level, and introduction of a research-oriented course for Post-Graduate teaching, fostering the ability for doctoral research. A number of research projects are also suggested, which include a Middle indoAryan Dictionary, an Encyclopaedia of Prakrits and painology, critical monographs and comprehensive bibliography.
Another heartening news is of the annual Reports published by the Jain Swetambar Terapanthi Mahasabha, Calcutta, which embody the research papers read at the Jain Darsan aur Samskriti Parisad held every year in the presence of Acharya-Shri Tulsi. Scholars engaged in the field of Prakrit and Jainology all over the country are invited to participate in the deliberations of the Parisad and ventilate their views on the subject.
The third significant occurrence of the period under review is the appearance of the Jain Journal -a quarterly on Jainology, published by the Jain Bhawan, Calcutta. The Editor Shri Ganesh Lalwani is an able scholar of wide interests, penetrative power and critical acumen. The background and aims of the quarterly are laid down as follows (Vol. I, No. 1):