Catelogue of Sanskrit and Prakrit Manuscripts Part - XX : Sh. Motichand Khajanchi Collection, Bikaner Vol-1 (An Old Book)

The present volume relates to manuscripts deposited in the Khajanchi collection containing notice to some 1540 manuscripts obviously in Sanskrit and Prakrit. The donor Shri Moti Chandra Khajanchi was a reputed art connoisseur who had a passion for acquiring paintings particularly. Son of the late Seth Prem Chandraji Khajanchi he was born at Bikaner in the year 1925. Although not a politician by profession, he was elected as M.L.A. from Bikaner in 1952 and later on joined the Congress party. He died rather early on the 3rd of March 1979 at the age of 54.

I take this opportunity of recollecting my short association with Shri Moti Chandraji during my stay at his residence while making lists of manuscripts donated by him. He was always jovial and a poet at heart.

We cannot fail to remember with deep reverence the late Prof. Nathu Ram Khadgawat, Director, Rajasthan State Archives who as a close friend of Moti Chandraji goaded him to donate his manuscript collection to the Institute. In many other ways also Prof. Khadgawat is closely connected with the establishment of our Bikaner branch.

The second volume of the Khajanchi collection will be covered by catalogue part XXVI.

The oldest manuscript in this volume is an incomplete copy of the "Kuvalayamala Katha" dated V. S. 1443. Among the seven illustrated works noticed herein the three "Kalpa Sutras" are pretty old.

The Editor Shri Bhurmal Yati M,A. has taken pains in the compilation of details etc. Shri Krishna Lal Vishnoi, Junior Research Assistant has also done a good job by lending his help to Shri Yati. The Managers of the Sadhana, Himalaya and Pankaj printing press also deserve thanks.

For errors and omissions I seek the indulgence of readers.