Pt. Gopal Das Baraiya (1867-1917)

Founder Member Digambar Jain Sabha in 1892

Founder of Shri Gopal Jain Sidhanta Mahavidyalaya at Morena and creator of a large number of Jain scholars in the country, Pt. Gopal Das Baraiya would be remembered for his yeomen services to the Jain religion. He was born at Agra and received education only up to middle standard. He did service and business of various types at Ajmer, Bombay, Morena, Sholapur, etc. but due to his extremely  onest, bold and straight forward nature could not make significant financial achievements anywhere.

He started his social life at Bombay where alongwith Pt. Dhanna Lal, he established Digambar Jain Sabha in 1892. Later in 1899 he started 'Jain Mittra' magazine from this Sabha which gave him much fame. He also developed the work of Dig. Jain Maha Sabha. On establishment in 1901 and he worked as its Secretary for about 8-10 years. He was Hon. Magistrate at Morena appointed by Gwalior State, member of the Panchayat Board and Chamber of Commerce there.

He studied Sanskrit and religion intensively himself, was recognised as a learned scholar even by big Pandits and was honoured with the titles of Syadwad Varidhi, Gaj Kesri and Nyaya Vachaspati. An extra-ordinary orator, he spoke mainly on Jain Sidhanta. He wrote Jain Sidhanta. He wrote Jain Sidhanta Darpan, Sushila (Novel) and Jain Sidhanta Praveshika. He had a strong memory and will power, ious and simple living and had much developed power of  concentration.

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Source : From 'Progressive Jains' Authored By Mr. Satish Kumar Jain

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