Akbarna Samayna 6 Aprakashit Shilalekh - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Akbarna Samayna 6 Aprakashit Shilalekh" by Pravinchandra Parikh and Bharti Shelat, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Akbarna Samayna 6 Aprakashit Shilalekh (Six Unpublished Inscriptions from the Time of Emperor Akbar) Author(s): Pravinchandra Parikh, Bharti Shelat Publisher: Z_Nirgrantha_1_022701.pdf, Nirgrantha_2_022702.pdf, Nirgrantha_3_022703.pdf Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/249322/1

This academic work presents and analyzes six previously unpublished stone inscriptions dating back to the reign of Emperor Akbar. The inscriptions were discovered in the Shantinath Jain temple in Shantinath ni Pol, Kalupur, Ahmedabad, carved on separate plaques on the left wall outside the sanctum in the Gudhmandap.

Physical Description of the Inscriptions:

The authors meticulously detail the dimensions and layout of each of the six inscribed plaques. They note the measurements of the plaques themselves and the inscribed text areas, the number of lines, the average number of characters per line, and the average size of each character. This precise documentation highlights the scholarly approach taken in presenting the material.

Paleographic and Linguistic Analysis:

A significant portion of the introduction is dedicated to the paleographic characteristics of the script used in the inscriptions. The inscriptions are in the Devanagari script. The authors identify several distinct features:

Northern Indian influence: Specific orthographic variations, such as the shapes of 'a' and 'm', are noted, indicating a Northern Indian script influence.
Absence of Shirorekha: The top horizontal stroke (shirorekha) is frequently missing above the vowel 'i'.
Evolution of Gujarati script: The use of 't' with a Northern flourish is observed, suggesting its potential evolution into the Gujarati 't'.
Characteristics of 'sh': Peculiarities in the formation of the letter 'sh' are described, where the lower left part of the curve is not rounded.
Vowel diacritics: The way vowel signs are attached to consonants and the consistent use of the horizontal stroke (shiro-matra) for the vowel 'j' are detailed.
Formation of 'ksha': The combined form of 'ksha' is analyzed, noting how the horizontal line in the middle of 'na' is extended to intersect the vertical line and descend to the right.
Long vowel diacritic: The diacritic for the long vowel 'u' in 'ku' is shown to extend downwards to the right in some instances.

Language and Content:

The inscriptions are primarily written in Sanskrit, with the exception of the first two verses of inscription No. 1, which are in prose. The authors point out occasional inaccuracies or variations in words, such as "samayātsaśruti" instead of "samayātīta-saṁvatsare," "chatuṣpī" instead of "chatuṣṣaṣṭi," and "pratiṣṭhita" instead of "pratiṣṭhita." Some local dialect words are also found.

Summary of the Inscriptions:

The core of the work lies in the detailed summary of each inscription:

Inscription No. 1: This is the most extensive inscription. It begins with a salutation to Shantinath and a wish for the longevity of the Shantinath Chaitya. It then records the date: Vikram Samvat 1646, Vijaya Dashami, Monday, during the Shravana nakshatra. It explicitly mentions the reign of Emperor Akbar in Ahmedabad. The inscription then meticulously traces a lineage of Jain Acharyas (religious leaders) of the Kharatar Gaccha. It starts with Acharya Udyotan Suri (founder of the Vad Gaccha), followed by Vardhman Suri, Jineshwar Suri (who received the title 'Khartar' in Samvat 1880), Jinchandra Suri, Abhayadev Suri, Jinvallabh Suri, Jindatta Suri (crowned 'Yugapradhan'), Jinchandra Suri (II), Jinpati Suri, Jineshwara Suri (II), Jinprabodh Suri, Jinchandra Suri (III) (who enlightened four kings), Jinkushal Suri (founder of the 'Khartarvasati' on Shatrunjaya), Jinpada Suri, Jinlabdhi Suri, Jinchandra Suri (IV), Jinoday Suri, Jinraj Suri, Jinbhadra Suri (who established knowledge repositories), Jinchandra Suri (V), Jinsamudra Suri, Jinhans Suri (credited with releasing 50 prisoners imprisoned by Sultan Sikandar Lodi), Jinmaniky Suri (who pacified Yavanas), and finally Jinchandra Suri (decorated with 25 Devakulikas). The inscription lists a large number of individuals from various communities and families (e.g., Shrimali, Brahmecha, Shankhwal) who were involved in the renovation or construction of the temple. The inscription was written by Kalyankamal Gani and Mahimraj Gani, and carved by Gadua, a craftsman (Salat).
Inscriptions No. 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6: These inscriptions are shorter and more specific, detailing the construction or renovation of Devakulikas (small shrines or cells) within the Shantinath Vidhi Chaitya. They all share the date Vikram Samvat 1646.
- Inscription No. 2: Mentions the reign of Jinchandra Suri (as the adornment of Jinmaniky Suri's lineage) and credits Sah Heera's son, Sah Gora, and his family, with the construction of a Devakulika for merit. It also mentions Shrimali Gachch and Shrimali Jinvallabh Suri's grace.
- Inscription No. 3: Records the construction of a Devakulika in the jagati (platform) of the Shantinath Vidhi Chaitya by Sah Samal, his son Sah Dungar, and his wife Sharavika Lada, for their spiritual benefit. It mentions the Ukesh dynasty and Shankhwal gotra.
- Inscription No. 4: Similar to No. 3, it attributes the construction of a Devakulika by Sah Samal's son Sah Dungar, and his wife Sharavika Lada, along with their family members.
- Inscription No. 5: Attributes the construction of a Devakulika for the merit of the father by Sah Heera, his son Sah Gora, wife Gauraade, and their family, all under the reign of Jinchandra Suri.
- Inscription No. 6: Mentions the construction of a Devakulika in the Shantinath Vidhi Chaitya by Sah Samal, his son Sah Dungar, his wife Sharavika Lada, and their family members, for their spiritual benefit, under the reign of Jinchandra Suri.

Review and Historical Context:

The authors provide a critical review of the inscriptions, confirming that the Emperor Akbar mentioned is indeed the first Mughal emperor (1556-1605 CE). They discuss the historical context, including the life and achievements of Acharya Jinchandra Suri, placing his birth, initiation, and accession to Acharyaship within specific Vikram Samvat dates. They detail his travels, his preaching to Emperor Akbar in Lahore, and his role in resolving disputes with fishermen.

The review further delves into the history of the Kharatar Gaccha and its predecessor, the Vad Gaccha, tracing the lineage of important Acharyas from Udyotan Suri onwards. They mention the founding of the Vad Gaccha by Udyotan Suri in 994 CE and its subsequent development. The work provides biographical details and mentions the literary contributions of many prominent Acharyas like Vardhman Suri, Jineshwar Suri, Jinvallabh Suri, Jindatta Suri (founder of the Kharatar Gaccha), Jinpati Suri, Jineshwara Suri (II), Jinchandra Suri (II and III), Jinkushal Suri, Jinmaniky Suri, and Jinchandra Suri (V).

The inscriptions are dated to Vikram Samvat 1646. The authors cross-reference the calendar dates (Ashwin Sud 10, Monday, Vijaya Dashami) with the Gregorian calendar, noting that these dates correspond to around September 28, 1590 CE for most of the inscriptions and October 3, 1590 CE for inscription No. 2.

Conclusion:

The book is a valuable contribution to Jain history and epigraphy. It sheds light on the religious and social landscape of Gujarat during the Mughal period, highlighting the significant role played by Jain Acharyas and the patronage they received. The detailed analysis of the inscriptions provides crucial information about the lineage of religious leaders, the construction of religious edifices, and the community's involvement in these activities. The work is meticulously researched, drawing upon previous scholarly works and providing precise paleographic and historical details.