Bangal Ka Aadi Dharm

This document is a translation and compilation of articles focusing on the ancient history of Jainism in Bengal, India. Titled "Bangal Ka Aadi Dharm" (The Ancient Dharma of Bengal), it aims to shed light on the early presence and influence of Jainism in the region.

Here's a breakdown of its key components and themes:

1. Purpose and Compilation:

• The book is presented as a collection of three articles that aim to complement each other in detailing Bengal's ancient history, specifically concerning Jainism.
• The publisher, Shri Vallabha Suri Smaraka Nidhi, likely established in memory of Shri Vallabha Suri, aims to promote Jain literature.

2. Featured Articles:

• "Bangal Ka Aadi Dharm" (The Ancient Dharma of Bengal) by Shri Prabodh Chandra Sen (Translated by Pandit Shri Hiralal Ji Dugad):

  • This primary article, originally published in Bengali, is translated into Hindi with additional annotations by Pandit Hiralal Ji Dugad.
  • The author, a non-Jain scholar, historically analyzes the ancient religions of Bengal.
  • The translator emphasizes the importance of making this information accessible to a wider Hindi-speaking audience and has added his own commentary to enhance clarity and authenticity.
  • The article highlights that the earliest dominant religions in Bengal were Jainism and Ajivikaism, predating the widespread arrival of Aryan civilization and Vedic Brahmanism.
  • It argues that Jainism and Ajivikaism held prominence in Bengal from the early 5th century BCE until the reign of Ashoka (3rd century BCE).
  • The author cites evidence from ancient Pali and Jain literature to support claims about the early presence of Jainism in regions like Anga, Vanga, and Radh.
  • The article discusses the possible influence of Jainism during the reign of Kalinga ruler Kharavela and its spread from South India to Bengal.
  • It critically examines the limited mentions of Bengal in ancient Buddhist literature, contrasting it with the more detailed accounts of Jainism's presence and significance in Jain scriptures.
  • The author explores the historical development of various religious sects like Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Vedic Brahmanism in Bengal, suggesting that Jainism likely preceded them in widespread influence.
  • A significant portion of the article is dedicated to establishing the antiquity of Jainism in India, citing its presence before Mahavira and even mentioning Jain Tirthankaras in Vedic texts.
  • It suggests that the Ajivika sect may have merged with Jainism over time due to similarities.
  • The article also touches upon the linguistic connection between Magadhi language (the language of Jain scriptures) and the Bengali language, suggesting a historical influence.

• "Bangal Mein Jain Puratatva Samagri" (Jaina Archaeological Material in Bengal) by Pandit Shri Hiralal Ji Dugad:

  • This article serves as a supplement to the main essay.
  • It clarifies the different traditions within Jainism (Svetambara and Digambara) regarding the worship of Tirthankaras.
  • It urges archaeologists to be meticulous in their research on Jain sculptures.
  • It highlights the existence of Jain temples and Tirthankara idols in Bengal, some of which are well-preserved and others in ruins.
  • It discusses the transformation of Jain temples into Hindu or Buddhist shrines.
  • The author emphasizes that much Jain archaeological material remains buried and unexcavated, urging for focused exploration.
  • Specific examples of Jain artifacts found in districts like Manbhum, Bankura, Birbhum, and the Sundarbans are mentioned.
  • The article critically analyzes the common attribution of all found Jain sculptures to the Digambara sect by non-Jain scholars, arguing that a deeper understanding of Jain iconography, particularly the presence of auspicious symbols and the significance of certain features like hair or clothing, suggests a strong presence of the Svetambara tradition as well.
  • It provides detailed descriptions and interpretations of specific sculptures, like the "Sabhanath" idol, to argue for their Svetambara origins based on textual evidence from the Kalpasutra.
  • The article concludes that the Svetambara tradition has ancient roots and that the claims of its late origin are unfounded, supported by inscriptions found on ancient Jain idols.

• "Jaina Antiquities in Manbhum" by P. C. Roy Chowdhary:

  • This article, originally in English and published in "Amrit Bazar Patrika," is included to further support the book's thesis.
  • It highlights Manbhum (in modern-day Jharkhand, previously part of Bihar) as a significant, though now largely forgotten, center of Jainism.
  • It notes the abundance of neglected Jain antiquities in the district, attributing this to its strategic location on trade routes connecting important religious and commercial centers.
  • The article mentions Xuanzang's (Hieun Tsang) travelogue, referencing a province called "Safa" in Manbhum, which some scholars associate with Jainism.
  • It discusses the historical presence of "Sravakas" (lay Jains) in Manbhum, who were traders and likely predecessors to the local Bhumij population.
  • It recounts the tradition of Lord Mahavira's visit to the "Safa" province, facing initial resistance from the aboriginal population but eventually converting many.
  • Specific archaeological sites in Manbhum, such as Balrampur (Palma), Boram, Chandankari, and Pakbira, are described, detailing the presence of Jain temples, images (including of Tirthankaras like Rishabhdev, Parsvanath, Mahavir), and inscriptions.
  • It notes the current worship of some Jain idols by Hindus as Hindu deities (like Bhaironath) and the vandalism that has affected many sites.
  • The article emphasizes that Manbhum offers a rich area for research into the evolution of Jainism, its interactions with Hinduism, and the study of its inscriptions, which have largely remained undeciphered.

3. Key Arguments and Themes:

• Jainism as the "Ancient Dharma": The core argument is that Jainism was not only present but held a dominant position in Bengal before the widespread influence of Vedic Brahmanism, Buddhism, and even other forms of Hinduism.
• Antiquity of Jainism: The book strongly asserts the deep antiquity of Jainism, predating Buddhism and many Vedic traditions, citing scriptural evidence and archaeological findings.
• Neglect of Jain History: The authors lament the historical neglect by scholars and the government in researching and preserving Jain heritage, contrasting it with the attention given to Buddhist and Brahmanical history.
• Archaeological Evidence: The book relies heavily on archaeological discoveries (sculptures, inscriptions, temple ruins) as crucial evidence for the widespread presence and influence of Jainism in Bengal and its surrounding regions.
• Svetambara Presence: The article by Hiralal Ji Dugad specifically aims to counter the prevailing notion that only Digambara Jainism had a significant presence in Bengal, arguing with detailed analysis of iconography and textual evidence for the strong presence of Svetambara Jainism.
• Call for Research and Preservation: A recurring theme is the urgent need for dedicated research and state protection for Jain historical sites and artifacts to fully reconstruct the history of Jainism in the region.

In essence, "Bangal Ka Aadi Dharm" is a scholarly effort to reclaim and highlight the significant, ancient, and often overlooked history of Jainism in Bengal, presenting a compelling case for its foundational role in the region's religious and cultural landscape.