Anchalgacchna Aetihasik Lekho

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Anchalgacchna Aetihasik Lekho" (Historical Writings of the Anchalgachchha), compiled and edited by Muni Shri Kalaprabhsagarji.

Overall Purpose and Significance:

The book is a collection of 196 historical inscriptions, colophons, and writings related to the Anchalgachchha, a significant lineage within Jainism. The editor, Muni Shri Kalaprabhsagarji, compiled this work to provide invaluable historical data for researchers and scholars interested in the Anchalgachchha and the broader history of Jainism. The collection aims to fill gaps in existing historical records by documenting details found in manuscripts, such as the names of scribes, the authors and colophons of important, often unpublished, texts, the heads of the lineage (Gachchhanayaka), their disciples, activities like temple renovations (Jirnoddhar Karya), and specific details about temples associated with the Anchalgachchha.

Key Content and Themes:

The compiled inscriptions offer a rich tapestry of information, including:

• Scribal and Authorial Records: Many entries specify the names of the scribes (lipikar) and the authors (karta) of the texts they are appended to. These often include the lineage of the scribe, indicating their teachers or patrons.
• Dates and Locations: Crucially, most entries are dated using the Vikrama era (Samvat) and often specify the month, lunar day, and day of the week. They also frequently mention the location where the writing was completed, such as specific cities or temples.
• Textual Information: The inscriptions often indicate the completion of specific Jain scriptures, commentaries, treatises, or devotional works (ras, stavan). They might also note the number of pages or leaves in a manuscript.
• Religious Lineage (Pattavali): A significant portion of the text is dedicated to the Pattavali, which traces the succession of spiritual leaders within the Anchalgachchha. These historical lists provide insight into the prominent Acharyas, Suris, and Gachchhanayakas who led the lineage. The text highlights the establishment and development of the lineage through the contributions of various spiritual masters.
• Temple Construction and Renovation: Several inscriptions detail temple renovations (Jirnoddhar Karya) and donations made for the purpose of preserving and copying Jain scriptures. These highlight the patronage of Jain lay followers and the activities undertaken to maintain religious sites.
• Patronage and Donations: The text frequently mentions the names of wealthy patrons (shravak, shravika) who commissioned the copying of manuscripts or made donations towards religious activities, indicating the socio-economic support for Jainism.
• Geographical Spread: The inscriptions reveal the presence and activities of the Anchalgachchha across various regions, including Rajasthan (e.g., Nagaur, Bimalpur, Sirohi, Chitaldurg, Udaipur, Bheemal), Gujarat (e.g., Patan, Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Cambay, Bhuj, Anjar, Radhanpur, Khambhat), and other areas.
• Scholarly Endeavors: The collection showcases the immense scholarly output of the Anchalgachchha, with numerous works on various Jain philosophical concepts, grammar, logic, and devotional literature. The continuous effort to copy and preserve these texts is evident.
• Inter-Gachchha Relations: Some entries indirectly hint at the interactions and possibly even debates or collaborations between the Anchalgachchha and other Jain gacchas (like Khartargachchha), as noted in the discussion of the incident involving Minister Kapardi and Hemchandrasuri.
• Preservation of Knowledge: The editor expresses concern about the current state of some ancient Jain literature, mentioning that some manuscripts are found in dilapidated condition, emphasizing the importance of such collections for historical research and preservation.

Specific Examples Highlighted by the Editor:

The editor points to several examples to illustrate the value of the collection:

• Praise of scribe Mahimshri for the commentary on Jayashekhar Suri's Upadesha Chintamani (Prashasti No. 28).
• Details of Jirnoddhar activities of Jenagamadi texts under the guidance of Dharmamurti Suri (Prashasti Nos. 25, 26, 27).
• A Pattavali of the Anchalgachchha written in Nagaur in Samvat 1893, attributed to Dada Shri Gautamsagarji (Prashasti No. 29).
• Inscriptions from Anchalgachchhiya Jinamandirs in Ranakpur, Sirohi, Chitaldurg, and Udaipur (Prashasti Nos. 52, 5, 63, 64).
• Manuscripts written by the hands of Shri Jayashekhar Suri and Shri Gautamsagarji (Prashasti Nos. 56, 57).

Methodology and Scope:

The editor notes that the inscriptions are not arranged chronologically. The current collection includes a significant number of inscriptions, but the editor acknowledges that time and resources limited the inclusion of all available material. The focus is on providing a representative sample of the historical records available.

Conclusion:

"Anchalgacchna Aetihasik Lekho" is a monumental work that serves as a critical resource for understanding the history, lineage, activities, and scholarly contributions of the Anchalgachchha. It offers direct evidence from primary sources, shedding light on the religious and cultural landscape of medieval and early modern India through the lens of Jain tradition. The meticulous compilation by Muni Shri Kalaprabhsagarji makes this collection an indispensable tool for anyone studying Jain history and manuscriptology.