Puran Chand Nahar
Summary
This biographical article chronicles the life and contributions of Puran Chand Nahar, one of the early twentieth century’s notable Jain philanthropists and scholars. Born in 1889 into the wealthy Nahar family of Calcutta, Nahar was drawn to Jain studies from a young age. The article emphasises his commitment to collecting and preserving rare Jain manuscripts and epigraphs. His compilations, including ‘Jain Lekh Sangrah’, ‘Pawapuri Tirtha ka Prachin Itihas’ and ‘Epitome of Jainism’, were pioneering efforts to gather scattered historical materials. Nahar established the Gulab Kumari Library, named after his wife, which became a hub for scholars seeking Jain texts. In addition to promoting Jain literature, he financed archaeological expeditions and supported institutions dedicated to research. The article notes that Nahar championed women’s education and religious tolerance, reflecting his progressive outlook. He donated generously to schools, hospitals and relief funds, integrating philanthropy with scholarship. The author contextualises Nahar’s efforts within the broader cultural milieu of early modern India, where interest in Jain heritage was growing. The article concludes by citing tributes from contemporaries, who praised Nahar as a guardian of manuscripts and a bridge between academic and lay communities. His example demonstrates how private initiative can preserve cultural memory and inspire academic study.
Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.
Conclusion
Puran Chand Nahar emerges as a central figure in modern Jain historiography. By assembling and publishing primary sources, founding libraries and supporting education, he ensured that Jain scriptures and inscriptions survived into the twentieth century. His advocacy for women’s education and interfaith harmony reveals a humanistic vision that transcended sectarian boundaries. The article portrays him not merely as a collector but as a visionary who combined scholarship with philanthropy.