Pt. Phool Chandra Sidhantashasiri

A doyen among the Jain scholars of the present time, learned Pandit Phool Chandra Shastri
was born to his parents Singhai Daryawlal and Smt. Janki at Silavan in Distt. Lalitpur (U.P.) on April 11, 1901. He received education at Sadhumal, Gopal Dig. Jain Mahavidyalaya Morena etc.

He worked as teacher in Syadwad Mahavidyalaya Varanasi, Shri Nabhinandan Dig. Jain Pathshala, Bina (M.P.) and other places from 1923 to 1938. He is presently Director of Varni Research Institute, research guide and is engaged in independent writing and editing work.

He was imprisoned in 1941 for participating in national movement. A reformist by disposition, he fought for the right of worship to Dassas. He took leading part in establishment of several educational and social institutions and has devoted his life to enriching Jain literature by working on difficult subjects. He has edited/translated Kshatkhandagam (Dhawla-10 Vol.), Mahabandhu (2 to 7 Vol.), Kashayapahud (Jai Dhawla-1 to 13 Vol.), edited Panchadhyayi, Tattwarthasutra, Sarwa- rathasidhi, Jnanpith Pujanjali, Samayasar Kalash and other books. His important original works include Varna, Jati Aur Dharma (2) Jain Tattwa Mimamsa (3) Jaipur-Khania Tattwa Charcha (I and II Vol.). He edited Gyanodaya (now closed) for 2 years. Vir Nirwan Bharati has honoured him with the title of Sidhanta- Ratna and awarded a cash prize of Rs. 2500/- in 1974.