Review
Summary
Jaina Garjara Kavio, a six-volume corrected and enlarged second edition compiled by Mohanlal Dalichand Desai and edited by Prof. Jayant Kothari, is a monumental encyclopedic work documenting 1,468 Jaina writers and their 5,310 works from the 12th century V.S. to the 20th century V.S. The sixth volume includes an appendix listing 94 non-Jaina writers and their 102 works. Originally compiled by Mohanbhai over 60 years ago through extensive research across multiple cities and manuscript libraries, the work now features corrections, additions, and supplementary information by Prof. Kothari, who incorporated nearly 400 sources, including manuscripts, printed books, and new scholarly data. The text provides detailed catalog entries, chronological arrangements, and documentary insights such as composition dates, manuscript locations, and colophons. Future volumes will include indexes of names, deras, gacchas, and genealogies, along with a supplementary history of Gujarati language. Praised by scholars like Narasimharao Divetia and Ramanarayan Pathak, the work serves as an indispensable resource for studying Gujarati literature, Jaina authors, and medieval linguistic development. Published by Shri Mahavira Jaina Vidyalaya, Bombay, the reprint addresses long-standing unavailability and supports academic research.
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Conclusion
This monumental encyclopedic work stands as a critical resource for medieval Gujarati literary studies, offering an unparalleled comprehensive catalog of Jaina writers and their works. Its meticulous documentation, spanning from the 12th to 20th centuries V.S., provides invaluable insights into the historical and cultural context of Gujarati literature. The inclusion of non-Jaina writers further enriches its utility, making it a vital reference for linguists, historians, and scholars. The second edition’s corrections, additions, and scholarly editing enhance its authenticity and accessibility, ensuring its relevance for future research. By preserving and systematically organizing centuries of literary heritage, this work not only honors Jaina scholarship but also cements its role as an indispensable academic tool, bridging gaps in the study of Gujarati language evolution and literary history.