Aetihasik Pariprekshya Me Rashtrotthan Ki Dhuri Nari - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Aetihasik Pariprekshya me Rashtrotthan ki Dhuri Nari" (Woman: The Axis of National Development in Historical Perspective) by Dr. Nirmala M. Upadhyay:

The text argues that the development and progress of a nation depend on the vitality of its citizens. Even with abundant physical resources, a nation cannot advance if its people are weak. Strong, talented, and energetic citizens are the architects of civilization and culture. The author emphasizes that the birth, education, upbringing, and conduct of such citizens are profoundly shaped by the role and status of women in society.

Woman as the Backbone of Society and Culture: The essay asserts that both ancient and modern thinkers agree that woman is the backbone of society and culture. She is described as a source of selfless enjoyment, affection, compassion, kindness, and love. The responsibility of building an ideal society rests on women's shoulders. Throughout history, women have played a significant role in the development and upliftment of society and the nation in their various forms: mother, wife, and daughter.

Historical Examples of Women's Contributions: The text cites several historical and mythological examples to illustrate women's pivotal role:

Sharmishtha: Followed the ideal of a daughter by accepting servitude to Devyani to appease Shukracharya, thus protecting her kingdom (Vishparva).
Krishnakumari of Mewar: Willingly drank poison to protect her dharma and her honor as a daughter.
The Wife's Role in Grihasthashrama (Household Life): The essay highlights the importance of the wife (Grihini) in the Grihasthashrama, considered the cornerstone of societal sustenance by ancient Indian sages. The Mahabharata states that a wife is the best companion, the ultimate refuge, and the greatest aid in spiritual upliftment. She is also likened to a physician who can cure all ailments. A home without a wife is considered desolate, and a good wife can make a home like heaven. The Chandogya Upanishad praises a state where women are not self-willed.
Yashodhara: The author discusses Yashodhara's sorrow not because Siddhartha renounced the world, but because he questioned his duty to his life companion.
Prathiteyi (Dadhichi's Wife): She felt sorrow that the gods asked for her husband's bones in her absence, fearing her inability to help in national defense. However, she was content that her husband sacrificed his life for the nation.
The Complementary Nature of Man and Woman: The essay draws a parallel between Purusha and Prakriti, Shiva and Shakti, stating that separating them diminishes their significance. Shiva's status as Lord of the Universe is attributed to his union with Shakti (Parvati).
The Mother as a Source of Nourishment and Generosity: Woman is revered as a mother, a source of eternal auspiciousness, abundance (Annpurna), and perpetual giving. Her compassion is inexhaustible.
Vipula (Mother of King Sanjay of Sauvir): Vipula encouraged her son, King Sanjay, to fight again after his defeat, demonstrating that love for the nation and its defense are paramount.
Panna Dhai: Sacrificed her own son for the sake of protecting the dynasty and the country.
Gandhari: Advised her son Duryodhana against war, emphasizing the futility of war in achieving dharma, artha, or sukha. She warned that uncontrolled rulers, like untrained horses, lead to their own destruction. When Duryodhana sought her blessings before the war, she blessed him with "Yato Dharmastato Jayah" (Where there is righteousness, there is victory), signifying her adherence to dharma even for her son.
Kunti: Guided the Pandavas, enabling them to reclaim their ancestral kingdom.
Jijabai: The upbringing and education provided by Jijabai enabled Chhatrapati Shivaji to fight against injustice and regain his lost kingdom.
Feminine Words in Sanskrit: The text points out that words like dhriti (fortitude), medha (intellect), kirti (fame), vani (speech), bhakti (devotion), mukti (liberation), and buddhi (intellect) are feminine. "Bodha" (understanding) is masculine but a result of "Buddhi" (intellect), which is considered the mother. Intellect is the driving force behind responsibility and spiritual upliftment.
Maternal Shakti: Indian tradition venerates maternal Shakti. The goddesses Lakshmi (wealth), Saraswati (knowledge), and Durga (power) are worshipped in their maternal forms.
National Consciousness: A vibrant nation is characterized by national love and pride among its citizens. For patriots, the land is not just material but a living entity, and they are willing to sacrifice everything for its protection, viewing it as more precious than heaven itself.
Sita: During her exile, Sita urged Rama not to forget the welfare of his subjects due to his separation from her. She also stayed in Lanka to ensure the liberation of other captive women from Ravana's clutches.
Sulabha: A renunciate described in the Mahabharata who was actively involved in national issues and offered solutions to King Janaka regarding economic imbalances and the limitations of royal power, demonstrating concern for national upliftment even in detachment.
Gargi and Maitreyi: Revered for their contributions to spiritual thought.
Damayanti, Savitri, Draupadi, Madalsa: Praised for their significant roles in societal and national development.
Durgabai, Lakshmibai, Chennamma, Padmini, Karmavati: These women sacrificed their lives for the nation's freedom. The Indian freedom struggle owes a debt to numerous women.

Contemporary Challenges and the Role of Modern Women: The essay addresses a critical contemporary issue: while material progress has raised living standards, life values are eroding. Spiritual faith is weakening, and eternal values are being dismissed. Attachment to the body and ornaments has brought society to a crossroads. In this context, modern women bear the heavy responsibility of re-establishing values. Vinoba Bhave's suggestion for women to embrace "kanchan mukti" (freedom from attachment to wealth) is mentioned.

According to Vinoba, the two World Wars of the 20th century prove the unsuitability of men to lead. He suggests that society should now be managed by women, with nurturing, education, and protection based on non-violence.

Empowerment with Responsibility: The author stresses that women must fulfill their responsibilities in politics, economics, and other fields. Women with independent thinking are capable of doing so. The essay acknowledges the historical sentiment "Nari swatantryamarhati" (Woman does not deserve freedom) but counters that women should be given appropriate freedom, along with adherence to certain boundaries to prevent societal chaos.

The text calls for an end to the narrow-mindedness towards women in society. A significant problem today is that women are not fearless. Despite being worshipped as the dispeller of poverty and fear, women today experience fear. For women to be fearless, a suitable environment must be created.

The essay concludes by referencing the Yajuurveda's national prayer, which seeks not only national strength, security, and progress through intellectual advancement, military might, and economic prosperity but also virtuous and capable women who continuously instill good values in citizens. It is only by first strengthening the "family" (kutumb) that the "world" (vasudha) can become a family. When women fulfill their vital roles as mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters, the conch of world peace will be blown.

Flower-Wise Sayings (Pushpa-Sukti-Saurabh): The concluding section offers pearls of wisdom:

Forgiveness: It is the best way to avoid circumstances, internal conflicts, and the escalation of violence. It is a potent means to develop and strengthen positive non-violence. The forgiving person has no enemies, no fear, and no internal conflicts.
Truth: There is no object or place in the world devoid of truth. Anything without truth is useless. Truth is beautiful in itself, and there is nothing more beautiful than truth in the world.