Anchalgacchiya Lekh Sangraha - Book Summary

Based on the provided pages from the "Shri AnchalgaChchhiya Lekh Sangraha," here's a comprehensive summary in English:

Book Title: Shri AnchalgaChchhiya Lekh Sangraha (Collection of Inscriptions of the Anchal Gachchha) Author/Editor: "Parshva" (likely a pseudonym) Publisher: Shri Anantnathji Maharaj Jain Derasar and its General Fund, Mumbai. Publication Year: Vikram Samvat 2020 (1964 CE) Volumes: Mentioned as Volumes 1-3 (Khand 1-3).

Core Purpose and Content: This book is a collection of inscriptions (lekha) related to the Anchal Gachchha, a significant lineage within Jainism. The inscriptions include those found on stone (shilaalekh), stone images (pashanpratimalekh), metal images (dhatupurtilekh), copper plates (tamraalekh), and other forms. The primary goal of this compilation is to preserve and present historical records that shed light on the activities, achievements, and history of the Anchal Gachchha, its prominent figures (Acharyas, monks, nuns, lay followers), and its contributions to Jainism.

Key Themes and Content Areas Covered in the Book (as evidenced by the detailed table of contents and preface/introduction):

Dedication: The book is dedicated to Acharya Dev Shri Nemisagarsurishwarji Maharaj Saheb, acknowledging his inspiration and scholarship.
Publisher's Statement (Prakashak-nu Nivedan):
- Expresses joy in publishing this collection.
- Highlights that the editor, "Parshva," is also working on a larger work, "Shri AnchalgaChchha Digdarshan," inspired by Acharya Nemisagarsurishwarji.
- Explains the motivation: to document the contributions of past Anchal Gachchha Acharyas and followers in establishing temples, installing images, and building religious structures.
- Traces the history of the Anchal Gachchha from its founding by Acharya Shri Aryarakshit-surishwarji in Samvat 1169.
- Mentions the earliest inscription dating to Samvat 1385 in Khambhat.
- Highlights the significant patronage and activities of the Anchal Gachchha followers, particularly the Oshwal community, during the 19th century Vikram era, with numerous temple constructions and large-scale installations of images.
- Emphasizes the extensive efforts of individuals like Seth Keshavji Nayak and Seth Govindji Jevat Khona.
- Notes that the collection includes inscriptions from various regions where Anchal Gachchha followers resided, including Kutch, Halara, and other parts of India.
- Announces a future publication, "Kutch Lekh Sangraha," focusing on inscriptions from Kutch, Halara, and other regions.
Editor's Preface (Lekhakni Prastavana):
- Expresses immense pleasure in presenting this research-based compilation.
- Stresses the importance of preserving these inscriptions as a legacy of ancestors, documenting their praiseworthy deeds and reflecting the glory of past eras.
- Highlights the value of these inscriptions for cultural, religious, social, and political historical research, serving as crucial evidence and filling gaps in historical knowledge.
- Emphasizes the reliability of inscriptions and coins over texts, as they record factual, past events with less room for exaggeration or bias.
- Discusses how inscriptions help connect missing links in historical narratives, citing examples like Ashoka and Kanishka, whose existence was initially known primarily through inscriptions.
- Contrasts this with the skepticism faced by historical figures mentioned in extensive texts, even when Jain sources confirm their Jain faith.
- Details the extensive efforts of scholars (both Western and Indian) in deciphering and publishing inscriptions.
- Explains how the collection began with the editor's personal notes and grew through contributions from the Anchal Gachchha community and the inspiration of Acharya Nemisagarsurishwarji.
- Expresses gratitude to the Anantnathji Trust for undertaking the publication.
Content Breakdown (Indicative from the Index):
- AnchalgaChchhiya Lekh (Inscriptions of the Anchal Gachchha): This is the main body, likely divided into volumes or sections.
- Lekhpurti (Supplement to Inscriptions): Additional inscriptions or related information.
- Suchipatra (Indices): Crucial for navigating the vast collection. These include indices for:
  - Acharyas, Sadhus, and Sadhvis: Listing prominent religious figures.
  - Jati, Jati, Vansh, and Kul: Categorization of communities, lineages, and families.
  - Atak, Gotra, Shakha-Upashakha: Details of surnames, clans, and sub-clans.
  - Desh, Pur, Pattana, Gram, Nagar, Nadi, Parvat: Geographical locations where inscriptions were found.
  - Lekh Praptisthan: Source locations of the inscriptions.
  - Rajaon ane Badshaho (Kings and Emperors): Rulers mentioned in the inscriptions.
  - Samvat Suchi: A chronological index of the Vikram Samvat dates.
- Chitra-Parichay (Picture Introduction): Likely includes images of important Acharyas and significant inscriptions.
Key Historical and Social Insights Derived from the Inscriptions:
- Gachchha Names: Discussion on "Anchal Gachchha" (also referred to as "Vidhipaksh Gachchha" or "Anchal" Gachchha), and the prevalence of the name "Anchal Gachchha" in inscriptions.
- Pattaavali (Succession of Acharyas): Inconsistencies in the numbering of Acharyas in different lists, mentioning the efforts to resolve these.
- Terminology: Discussion on terms like "Santatiya" used in relation to disciples or followers.
- Practices and Changes: Analysis of the evolution of practices like image installation (Pratishtha) and the use of guru images versus charanpadukas (footwear).
- Geographical Spread: Evidence of the Anchal Gachchha's influence across India before the 16th century, and its later concentration in Gujarat, particularly Kutch and Saurashtra.
- Social Structure: Insights into names, gotras, lineages, communities (Jatis), customs, beliefs, language, script, and dating systems (Sammata, Shaka, Vir Samvat, Ilahi San).
- Community History: Detailed information about various communities like Nagar, Shalapati, Oshwal, Shrimal, Shrishrimal, Porwad, Dissaawal, Paliwal, and Gurjar, including their origins and migration patterns. Special attention is given to the decline of the Nagar community's adherence to Jainism due to societal pressures.
- Dasha-Visha Distinction: Examination of the historical origins and presence of the Dasha-Visha classification within communities, noting its absence in earlier inscriptions.
- Religious Practices: Discussion on prohibitions regarding image installation and the use of charanpadukas, and how these practices evolved.
- Political Context: Mentions of kings and emperors (like Udai Singh, Jahangir, Shahjahan) and their interactions with the Jain community, including instances of royal patronage and the impact of Mughal rule.
- Architectural and Urban History: References to ancient cities, their current names, and the construction of temples and other religious structures.
- Chronology: The use of various dating systems (Vikram Samvat, Shaka, Vir Samvat, Ilahi San) and the challenges in reconciling them.
- Preservation of Inscriptions: Discusses the neglect and destruction of ancient inscriptions and the importance of preserving them, highlighting the role of non-Jain scholars in this effort.
- Vandalism: Mentions instances where inscriptions were deliberately damaged or obscured, potentially due to sectarian animosity.

Significance: This collection serves as a vital primary source for understanding the history, doctrines, social practices, and influence of the Anchal Gachchha and Jainism in India. It provides concrete evidence of the widespread activities and devotion of its followers over several centuries, contributing significantly to the broader historical and religious scholarship of India. The detailed indices make it a valuable research tool for scholars and enthusiasts alike.