Asianu Kalank Koriani Katha

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Asianu Kalank Koriani Katha" by Zaverchand Meghani, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Asianu Kalank Koriani Katha (The Stain of Asia: The Story of Korea) Author: Zaverchand Meghani Publisher: Zaverchand Meghani Central Theme: The book details the history of Korea's struggle for independence against Japanese imperialism, portraying Japan's oppression and Korea's resilience. It aims to educate and inspire the Indian public, particularly Gujaratis, about the sacrifices made for freedom.

Key Points and Narrative Arc:

• Introduction and Purpose: The preface highlights the growing global interest in liberation struggles against imperialism. Meghani notes the lack of new information regarding Korea's recent history but includes insights from Rabindranath Tagore's critique of Japanese imperial policy in Korea. The author's personal interactions with Koreans reveal their struggles and the author's advice on fostering moral strength and diplomatic relations. The core message is that Korea's wounds are still raw, and neither Japan's "brutality" nor Korea's "resentment" has faded.

• Historical Context and Korean Identity:

  • Ancient Roots: The narrative traces Korea's history back to ancient times, mentioning mythological origins and the establishment of the kingdom by Tan-Gun in 2333 BCE. It also highlights the influence of Chinese culture and the arrival of teachers from Korea to Japan, suggesting Korea's significant role in civilizing Japan.
  • "Land of the Morning Calm": The text describes Korea's geographical beauty and its historically peaceful, cultured, and organized society. It emphasizes the strong national identity and social structure that existed for centuries.
  • Internal Weaknesses: However, the book also points to internal issues like the growing power of Buddhist monks, the destructive invasions of Genghis Khan, and the manipulation by Kublai Khan, which weakened Korea. The last 300 years before Japanese annexation saw social decay with a stark divide between the rich and the poor, leading to exploitation and a decline in national spirit.

• Japanese Aggression and Exploitation:

  • Early Incursions: The book recounts Japan's early claims to Korean territory based on ancient (and disputed) historical accounts, followed by military interventions.
  • The "Opening of Doors": Korea, initially a "Hermit Kingdom," was forced to open its doors to foreign powers due to geopolitical pressures, particularly from Russia. Despite treaties with Western powers like the US and England promising protection, Korea's independence was gradually eroded.
  • The Sino-Japanese War and Russo-Japanese War: These conflicts significantly impacted Korea, with Japan increasingly asserting its influence and strategic interests on the peninsula. The book details how Japan used these wars to its advantage, securing treaties that undermined Korea's sovereignty.
  • The Annexation of Korea (1905 & 1910): The narrative graphically describes the process of annexation. Japan, through political maneuvering, military pressure, and deceit, gradually took control of Korea's foreign affairs, trade, and internal administration. The forced signing of treaties, the installation of Japanese advisors, and the eventual declaration of annexation in 1910 are depicted as acts of profound injustice.
  • The Martyrdom of Queen Min: A particularly poignant and tragic event described is the assassination of Queen Min, portrayed as a strong nationalist who resisted Japanese influence. Her brutal murder and the subsequent Japanese propaganda to discredit her highlight the ruthlessness of the imperial power.
  • The Protectorate and Direct Rule (1905 onwards): After 1905, Korea became a Japanese protectorate, with Marquis Ito as the first Resident-General. This marked a period of increasing control and systematic suppression of Korean identity.
  • Systematic Oppression (1910-1919): The text details the harsh policies implemented by the Japanese administration under Governor-General Terauchi. This included:
    • Police State: Granting absolute power to the police, allowing arbitrary arrests, searches, and punishments, including severe beatings and torture.
    • Suppression of Culture and Education: Burning Korean historical books, banning Korean newspapers, forbidding the teaching of Korean history and language in schools, and promoting Japanese language and culture as superior.
    • Economic Exploitation: Seizing land, imposing heavy taxes, and establishing Japanese businesses and labor, often forcing Koreans to work in harsh conditions or emigrate to Manchuria and Siberia due to poverty.
    • Moral Corruption: The introduction of Japanese brothels and the promotion of lax moral standards were seen as deliberate attempts to debase Korean society and culture.
    • Religious Persecution: Targeting Korean Christians and their institutions, seeing their adherence to faith and foreign connections as a threat.
    • Disregard for Women: Describing horrific instances of sexual violence, public humiliation, and torture of Korean women, particularly students, by Japanese soldiers and civilians. The text contrasts the strict Korean social norms with Japanese insensitivity to nudity and sexual impropriety, exposing the depth of the cruelty.

• Korean Resistance:

  • Early Uprisings: The book highlights instances of Korean defiance, even in the face of overwhelming odds. The March 1, 1919, movement is presented as a watershed moment, a massive, peaceful demonstration for independence, which, despite brutal suppression, galvanized national sentiment.
  • The "Righteous Army" (Dharma Sena): The text describes the emergence of Korean resistance fighters, often poorly armed but driven by intense patriotism, engaging in guerrilla warfare against Japanese forces.
  • The Provisional Government: It mentions the establishment of a Provisional Government in Shanghai, symbolizing the enduring will of the Korean people for self-rule.
  • The Declaration of Independence (March 1, 1919): The book culminates in the profound significance of the March 1st Movement and the Declaration of Independence. This act, characterized by its non-violent principles and widespread participation, aimed to awaken global conscience and assert Korea's right to self-determination. The declaration itself is a powerful statement of national identity, historical grievance, and future aspirations for peace and justice.
  • Enduring Spirit: Despite the overwhelming Japanese military power and the systematic attempts to erase Korean identity, the text emphasizes the unyielding spirit of the Korean people, their deep-seated love for their homeland, and their unwavering hope for freedom.

• Author's Reflection and Message to India: Meghani aims to draw parallels between Korea's struggle and India's own fight for independence. He implores Indians to learn from Korea's sacrifices and to cultivate similar courage and determination in their own freedom movement. The book serves as a testament to the human cost of imperialism and the enduring power of the human spirit in the pursuit of liberty.

Overall Tone: The tone is largely sympathetic to Korea, portraying the Korean people as victims of extreme injustice and brutality. Meghani uses strong language to condemn Japanese actions, highlighting the "stain" on Asia caused by this imperialistic aggression. The narrative is filled with pathos, admiration for Korean resilience, and a fervent plea for freedom. The book is written with a clear pedagogical and patriotic intent, aiming to inspire a similar spirit of resistance and sacrifice among its Indian readers.