Rajaram Jain

Rajaram Jain (born 1 February 1929) is an Indologist, philologist, author and a scholar of Prakrit, Apabhramsha, Sanskrit, Hindi and Shauraseni Prakrit languages. He is known for his critical studies and Hindi translations of rare, unpublished manuscripts, particularly the work of the 14th -15th century poet Raidhu. Jain's work has contributed to the understanding of Indo-Aryan literature. In 2024, the Government of India honoured Rajaram Jain with the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian honour.

Early life Rajaram Jain was born on February 1, 1929, in Malthon, Sagar district, Bundelkhand, Madhya Pradesh, India. Despite economic challenges and the early loss of his parents, he completed his education. He graduated from Banaras Hindu University in 1951, earned a Master's degree in Hindi literature in 1954, and later obtained an Acharya degree in Sanskrit.

Personal life

In 1955, Rajaram Jain married Vidyawati Jain, who was 18 and had a 9th-grade education. Despite her traditional upbringing that limited women's education, she resumed her studies after marriage, eventually earning two M.A. degrees (Hindi and Prakrit with a Gold medal), a Ph.D., and a D.Litt. Rajaram Jain supported her academic and literary pursuits.

Career In 1961, he joined the Sanskrit and Prakrit Department at H.D. Jain College, Magadh University, Arrah, Bihar, and later served as Head of the Department. In 1967, he earned his Ph.D. with a critical study of 22 rare unpublished Apabhramsha epics by the poet Raidhu, titled "Raidhu Sahitya ka Alochanatmaka Parishilana" which gained academic recognition. As Hon. Director of D. K. Jain Oriental Research Institute Ara, Bihar (1979–2003), he carried out extensive research and edited/published the research magazine 'JAINA ANTIQUARY'. He also managed a collection of over 7,000 rare manuscripts from around the world.

In 1991, he became the Director of Shri Kundkund Bharati Prakrit Shodh Sansthan, New Delhi, where he edited and published the research magazine series PRAKRIT VIDYA'. He is currently an associate member of the Centre of Jaina Studies, University of London, and formerly served as the President of Shri Ganesh Varni Sansthan, Varanasi.he 1940s.

Academic Recognition

The Vice President, B. D. Jatti presenting 'Jain Itihas Ratna' to Rajaram Jain in 1974 In 2018, Rajaram Jain received the prestigious 'Colette Caillat Foundation Award ' from the Institut de France, Paris, for his book 'Sirival Chariu', a critical edition and Hindi translation of the 15th-century Apabhramsha epic by poet Raidhu, highlighting India's trade relations with foreign countries. In 1974, he was honored with the 'Jain Itihas Ratna' award from the Vice-President of India B.D.Jatti for his book 'Vaddhamanacariu ', a significant 12th-century literary and cultural masterpiece. Jain's scholarly pursuits include 'Jony Pahud', a rare deciphering of a 1st-Cen. Prakrit manuscript revealing medico-tantric insights. Additionally, his collaborative work Pasnaha Cariu award from the Government of India in Literature & Education

National honours Rajaram Jain receiving 'Presidential Award of Certificate of Honour' from K. R. Narayanan, the President of India, in 2000

2000 - Presidential Award of Certificate of Honour from the Government of India 1974 - Jain Itihas Ratna by the Vice-President of India B.D.Jatti 2005 - D.Litt. (Honoris Causa) from Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit University 2019 - Honored with a FESTSCHRIFT titled: 'Prakrit Purush'; a memoirs containing articles, essays (ISBN 81-86957-54-5) 2024 - 'Atal Sahitya Shikhar Samman'

International honours

2018 - Colette Caillat Foundation Award from Institut de France, Paris 2007 - Prakrit Jnanabharati International Award 1997 - Ahimsa International Award

Publications Rajaram Jain has authored 40 books and over 250 articles on various aspects of Ancient and medieval life. His works include critical editions, annotated translations and commentaries on rare, unpublished manuscripts:

Critical Edition and Translation of Poet Raidhu's work A partial list of published works on Raidhu includes:

Raidhu Sahitya ka Alochanatmaka-Parishilana (1975) Sholapur Jaina Samskrti Samraksaka Samgha - Pasnah Chariu - Sukosala Chariu - Dhannakumar Chariu Raidhu Granthavali Vol 2 (1988); Sholapur Jaina Samskrti Samraksaka Samgha - Sammai-Jina-chariu

Other Works

Jony-Pahuda (2018); Bharatiya Jnanpith, New Delhi; Pasanaha Chariu (2006); Bharatiya Jnanpith, New Delhi; Vaddhmanchariu (1975); Bharatiya Jnanpith, New Delhi Prākr̥ta-bhāshā evaṃ śramaṇa-saṃskr̥ti kī vyāpakatā (2019); Prakrit Bharti Academy, Jaipur Bhavishya Datta Kavya (2015); Sri Bharatavarsiya Digambara Jaina Mahasabha, New Delhi Jain Literature -The Incredible Treasure of Ancient Knowledge and Science (2015); Prachya Shraman Bharti, Muzaffarnagar (U.P.) Contribution of Prakrit & Jain Literature to Indian Orientology– An Overview (2010); Jain Anushilana Kendra, Jaipur, Rajasthan Shauseni Prakrit Bhasha Evum Uske Sahitya ka sankshipta Itihaas (2010); Jain Anushilana Kendra, Jaipur, Rajasthan Jaina Manuscripts and Inscriptions-An Overview (2007); Sri Ganesha Varni Di. Jaina Samsthana, Varanasi; Ahimsa Evam Paryaavaran Sanrakshan Siddhaanton Ka Akshay Shrot (2007); Mr. Mohanlal Chandravati Jain Charitable Trust, Delhi Mahameru Acharya Kundakunda, an East Indian Knowledge-Science (Kannada) (2006); NIPSAR, Mysore, Karnataka Shaurseni Prakrit & its Literature (2002); Govt. of India Registration No. 48869/89 Prachya Bhartiya Gyan-Vigyan ke Mahameru Acharya Kundkund (1989); Prachyabharati Prakashan, Ara, Bihar Hindi Ke Prasiddha Lokkavi (1988); Dilli Siksha Bharati Contribution of Jaina Literature to the Development of Indian Culture Vol. 1 (1982); Krishna Nagar Jaina Samaj, Delhi. Author: Nemichand Shastri, Ed: Rajaram Jain, Devendra Kr. Shastri Contribution of Jaina Literature to the Development of Indian Culture Vol. 2 (1982); Krishna Nagar Jaina Samaj, Delhi. Author: Nemichand Shastri, Ed: Rajaram Jain, Devendra Kr. Shastri Shraman-sahitya men varnit Bihar ki kuchh jain tirthabhumiyan (1975); Bhagavan Mahavir, Gaya, Bihar