National Workshop on Jain Manuscriptology

Organised by:

• Ministry of Minority Affairs

• Hosted at Gujarat University

• Department: Validation of Indic Knowledge through Advanced Research

• Funded under: Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK)

Objectives:

• Promote academic research and manuscriptology related to Jainism.

• Conserve and revive traditional knowledge systems.

• Recognise the spiritual and intellectual heritage of the Jain community.

• Encourage inclusivity by uplifting minority cultures.

 Key Highlights:

• Participation from scholars, monks, and academicians.

• Discussed themes like heritage conservation, Jain literature, and Indic epistemology.

• Parallel initiative at Mumbai University: Preservation of Avesta and Pahlavi, sacred languages of Parsis.

• Reflects a pan-Indian and inclusive cultural policy.

Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK)

Background:

• Earlier known as Multi-sectoral Development Programme (MsDP).

• Renamed and restructured into PMJVK by the Union Government.

Aim:

• Development of socio-economic and basic infrastructure in minority areas.

• Focus on:

  • Schools, Colleges

  • Girls’ Hostels

  • ITIs & Skill Development Centres

  • Healthcare and sanitation

• Targets 6 notified minority communities:
  Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis, and Jains

Jainism – Key Facts

Origins:

• Emerged around 6th century BCE.

• Propounded by Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara.

Core Teachings:

• Moksha through non-violence, truth, and asceticism.

• Tirthankaras: Enlightened teachers (24 in number)

  • 1st Tirthankara: Rishabnatha

  • 24th Tirthankara: Lord Mahavira

Jain Literature

1. Agam Literature – Canonical Texts

• Based on Lord Mahavira’s teachings.

• Compiled by his disciples.

• Divided into:

  • Ang-Agamas (Primary)

  • Ang-Bahya Agamas (Secondary)

2. Non-Agam Literature

• Includes commentaries and independent works.

• Written by monks, nuns, and scholars.

Languages Used:

• Prakrit, Sanskrit, Gujarati, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Old Marathi

• Also translated into German and English

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