Arbudachal Pradkshina Jain Lekh Sandohe Abu Part 05

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Arbudachal Pradkshina Jain Lekh Sandohe Abu Part 05":

Book Title: Arbudachal Pradkshina Jain Lekh Sandohe Abu Part 05 Author: Muni Shri Jayantvijayji (also known as Shantamurti) Publisher: Vijaydharmsuri Jain Granthamala, Ujjain Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/003989/1

Overall Focus: This volume is the fifth part of a larger series dedicated to the inscriptions found in the ancient Jain region of Arbuda Mountain (modern-day Mount Abu and its surrounding areas). It is a collection and translation of Jain inscriptions, primarily from the 11th to the 19th centuries of the Vikram era (roughly 5th to 13th centuries CE, though some extend later). The text aims to preserve and present valuable historical and religious information embedded in these stone inscriptions, making it accessible to the Jain community and historians.

Key Aspects of the Book:

1. The Author (Muni Shri Jayantvijayji):

   • Eminent Scholar: Muni Shri Jayantvijayji was a renowned historian and archaeologist of Gujarat. He was deeply learned in Jain Agamas, lived a life of erudition and piety, and had a profound ability to understand the essence of historical ruins and decipher the "life" within stones and ancient texts.
   • Dedication and Sacrifice: Known by the epithet 'Shantamurti' (embodiment of peace), he was known for his calm demeanor in both life and work. He undertook arduous journeys and endured hardships, traveling extensively with the sole purpose of collecting these historical inscriptions. He neglected his physical well-being in his pursuit of knowledge, showing immense courage and patience in his research.
   • Tragic End: Despite his deteriorating health and failing eyesight due to the intensive study of inscriptions, he continued his work until his final days. He passed away in 1948 CE in Vallabhipur, his birthplace, leaving behind a rich legacy of literary and historical contributions.

2. Content of Volume 5:

   • Focus on Arbuda Region: This volume specifically presents inscriptions collected during Muni Shri Jayantvijayji's circumambulation of Arbuda Mountain. It covers inscriptions from 71 villages out of the 97 described in the fourth part of the series.
   • Decipherment and Translation: The core of this volume is the collection of 645 inscriptions, which the Muni collected, deciphered, and translated. These inscriptions are primarily from Jain temples and provide historical details about the region.
   • Historical Value: The inscriptions offer invaluable insights into the political, social, and religious history of the period. They shed light on the dynasties ruling the region, the patronage of Jainism by kings and ministers, the contributions of Jain merchants (shreshthis), details about Jain monastic lineages (gachhas), castes, and geographical information, filling gaps in the broader Indian historical narrative.
   • Specific Findings: The text highlights specific discoveries, such as:
     • Evidence regarding the reign of Parmar kings in Abu, particularly clarifying the time period of Krishnaraja I.
     • Genealogical information about the ancestors of Dharana Shah, the builder of the famous Ranakpur temple.
     • Details about royal grants and donations to Jain temples by rulers like Visaldev and Kanhaddev, sons of Raja Kanhaddev.
     • Information about the practices of women in religious donations.
     • The prevalence of certain occupations and their role in sponsoring Jain structures.
     • Insights into the early use of oil (divel) instead of ghee for lamps.
     • The establishment of monastic lineages (gachhas) named after villages and the influence of ascetic monks (chaityavasis).
     • The early history of Jain idol worship, referencing epigraphic evidence from the 5th century BCE.
     • The gradual evolution of inscription language from concise to detailed, including genealogical and sectarian information.
     • The role of women in religious activities and the naming conventions.
     • The prevalence of the Parvada community in the region and their patronage of Jain temples.
     • Discussions on the debate surrounding 'chaityavasis' (monks residing in temples) and their practices, citing Hariibhadra Suri's opposition.
     • The challenges faced in historical research, often described as finding a needle in a haystack, but yielding immense joy upon discovering gems of information.
     • The erroneous classification of some Jain monuments as Buddhist by early foreign scholars, which the text aims to correct.

3. Structure and Additional Information:

   • Appendices: The book includes several valuable appendices:
     • A chronological index of inscriptions by Samvat (Vikram era year).
     • An alphabetical index of Jain Acharyas mentioned in the inscriptions.
     • An index of Gachhas (Jain monastic lineages) and their branches.
     • An index of castes, dynasties, and families.
     • An index of Gotras and branches.
     • An index of kings and rulers.
     • An index of villages and cities.
     • An index of miscellaneous special names (like ministers, scribes, etc.).
   • Foreword by Publishers: The publishers express their deep sense of loss at Muni Shri Jayantvijayji's passing and their gratitude for being able to publish his unfinished work. They highlight his dedication and the difficult circumstances under which he collected these inscriptions. They also mention the ongoing efforts to publish his other works, like the sixth volume on Abu, and acknowledge financial supporters.
   • Tributes: The book includes heartfelt tributes from foreign scholars like Charlotte Krause and Helen M. Johnson, who studied under Muni Shri Jayantvijayji, praising his scholarship, humility, and dedication to Jain principles, especially ahimsa.
   • Endorsements: The volume also features commendations from eminent scholars like Pt. Gauri Shankar Hirachand Ojha, who praised the immense effort and scholarly contribution of this series for Jain studies and Indian history.

Significance: This volume is a crucial resource for understanding the historical and archaeological landscape of Jainism in the Arbuda region. It provides primary source material in the form of inscriptions, meticulously collected, deciphered, and translated, offering a window into the past that is indispensable for researchers, scholars, and anyone interested in the rich heritage of Jainism. The dedication and sacrifice of Muni Shri Jayantvijayji in compiling this monumental work are evident throughout the book.

Note: The provided text contains extensive lists of inscriptions, names, villages, and historical figures, demonstrating the meticulous nature of Muni Shri Jayantvijayji's research. The summary above aims to capture the essence and scope of this important work.