प्रकाशकीय
By कपूरचन्द पाटनी
Summary
The second issue of the magazine "Jnanvidya" is published in honor of the renowned poet and scholar Mahakavi Pushpadant. The first issue was dedicated to Mahakavi Svayambhu, another great poet of the Apabhramsha tradition, and received praise from scholars, linguists, and thinkers, some of whose comments are included in this issue. Literature is defined as compositions in prose and poetry that serve public welfare. Jain acharyas and scholars wrote literature that meets this definition, driven by inner satisfaction or the desire for public welfare, with literary elements like ornamentation and rasa being secondary. However, these elements are not absent from their works. To spread the beneficial teachings of the Tirthankaras to all people, Jain writers chose contemporary local languages. Lord Mahavira himself used Ardha-Magadhi, the common language of his time, so his teachings could be understood by everyone. This tradition continued among later Jain writers, resulting in abundant Jain literature in nearly every Indian regional language. After Prakrit, Apabhramsha emerged as a vernacular language. Until about 82-83 years ago, Apabhramsha literature remained neglected, locked in Jain manuscript libraries and dismissed as merely religious. In 1902, German scholar Pischel first drew attention to it with an essay, followed by other German scholars like Jacobi and Alsdorf, who highlighted its importance in Indian literary history. Without their efforts, the subject might have remained neglected, and Indian literature owes them a debt. Most known Apabhramsha works are by Jain writers, making them both entertaining and beneficial. In line with the institute's objectives, the magazine has begun a series of special issues on Jain writers in Apabhramsha. The editor welcomes reader feedback on publication shortcomings and will strive to correct them. Thanks are given to scholars who contributed works, to Dr. Gopichand Patni, Prof. Praveerchandra Jain, Mr. Manvarlal Polyaka, Ms. Preeti Jain, and printer Sohanlal Jain of Jaipur
Conclusion
This editorial establishes the second issue of “Jnanvidya” as a dedicated effort to revive and recognize the literary and linguistic heritage of the Apabhramsha language, particularly as preserved by Jain scholars. By linking the publication to the legacy of Mahakavi Pushpadant, the editors affirm that Jain literature is not merely religious but constitutes a vital part of Indian literary history. The discussion highlights how foreign scholars first drew attention to Apabhramsha, implying that without their intervention, this rich corpus might have remained neglected. The editorial’s call for reader feedback and its acknowledgment of contributors signal a collaborative, scholarly approach. Ultimately, this issue reinforces the magazine’s mission to elevate Apabhramsha and Jain contributions to mainstream academic discourse, ensuring that these works are studied not as obscure texts but as integral to the broader narrative of Indian literature and linguistics.