Bharatiya Puratattva Ki Avahelna

Here's a comprehensive summary of Jagdishchandra Jain's "Bharatiya Puratattva ki Avahelna" (The Neglect of Indian Archaeology) based on the provided PDF excerpts:

The book "Bharatiya Puratattva ki Avahelna" by Jagdishchandra Jain laments the widespread neglect and ignorance regarding India's rich archaeological heritage, both domestically and internationally.

International Observation and Contrast:

The author begins by recounting his experience at an international conference in Paris in 1973. He was deeply impressed by the bustling cultural centers and museums, where people eagerly queued for tickets and meticulously studied the artifacts. He highlights a specific street dedicated to art galleries, showcasing young artists' works with great care. This observation, however, led to a stark realization: the absence of an Indian section in these world-renowned museums. This absence, Jain argues, is a significant oversight, especially considering the vast, rich, valuable, and useful nature of Indian archaeology.

India's Efforts and Their Shortcomings:

Jain acknowledges the Indian government's recent efforts to promote ancient Indian culture abroad through exhibitions in countries like the Soviet Union, USA, and France. These exhibitions featured exquisite, valuable, and rare sculptures, intending to showcase India's artistic prowess in sculpture, dance, music, and architecture. While these events were met with appreciation and fanfare, Jain expresses deep regret over the damage and loss of some of these precious artifacts during transit. He specifically mentions the "Yaksha" from the Patna Museum, noting that while insured, the monetary compensation cannot replace the lost artistic masterpiece.

Internal Neglect and Lack of Knowledge:

The core of Jain's argument lies in the internal neglect of Indian archaeology. He questions the extent of knowledge about Indian archaeology among Indians themselves, particularly educators. He points out that many professors teaching ancient Indian history and culture lack proficiency in Sanskrit, Pali, and Prakrit – the very languages in which foundational archaeological texts are written. He asserts that proficiency in ancient Indian history and art cannot be achieved solely by reading texts in English, unlike the approach in foreign universities where learning ancient Indian languages is deemed essential.

He criticizes the lack of comprehensive knowledge among university students regarding significant Indian heritage sites like the Elephanta Caves, Konark, Ranakpur temples, and the intricate temples of South India.

Dissemination and Accessibility Issues:

Jain also addresses the limited accessibility of information about archaeological excavations conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India. Such information is often confined to lengthy English journals, making it inaccessible to the general public. Furthermore, he highlights the rampant issue of art theft, with stolen artifacts fetching high prices both within and outside India.

Misinterpretation and Misuse of Heritage:

A significant point of concern for Jain is the misinterpretation and subsequent misuse of historical monuments and sites. He cites the example of Emperor Ashoka's pillars, which were erected to spread Buddhism. However, over time, these historically significant pillars were misidentified as the "staff of the mighty Bhima" or worshipped as Shiva Lingas. He also mentions the continuing practice of pouring water on idols and covering them with sandalwood and vermillion, which corrupts their original form and hides their artistic details.

Specific Examples of Misinterpretation and Rediscovery:

• Delhi-Topra Ashoka Pillar: This pillar, near Ambala and Sarsawa, was popularly called "Bhim-Stambh" or "Bhim Pillar" due to its resemblance to a large phallus. Sultan Firoz Shah, impressed by its grandeur, relocated it to Delhi. The author recounts the arduous process of moving the pillar by barge and its eventual placement in Firoz Shah's palace.
• Vaishali: The ancient capital of the Vajji Republic, sanctified by Lord Mahavir's birth, was also confused with Ujjaini due to a similarity in names. While some considered Kundalpur (a part of Vaishali) as Mahavir's birthplace, the author credits General Alexander Cunningham for his meticulous research that identified Vaisadh as ancient Vaishali. Cunningham's efforts led to the establishment of the Archaeological Survey of India, with himself as its first Director. Subsequent excavations by Dr. T. Bloch and Dr. D.B. Spooner, yielding inscribed clay seals, confirmed Cunningham's findings. The establishment of the Vaishali Sangh and further excavations, supported by contributions from Jagdish Chandra Mathur and the Kashi Prasad Jaiswal Anusandhan Pratishthan, solidified Vaishali's identity as the ancient city described in Jain and Buddhist texts.

Call to Action and Future Hope:

Jain concludes by emphasizing the need for greater awareness and engagement with Indian archaeology. He advocates for the support of institutions like the Vaishali Prakrit Research Institute and individuals like Seth Nirmal Kumar Chakreshwar Kumar Jain's successors, who are willing to contribute financially to research endeavors. He expresses hope that such initiatives will lead to significant progress in the field of Indian archaeology.

In essence, "Bharatiya Puratattva ki Avahelna" is a passionate plea from Jagdishchandra Jain against the passive acceptance of the neglect of India's invaluable archaeological heritage. It calls for a renewed sense of responsibility, a deeper understanding of ancient languages, and a more proactive approach to preservation, dissemination, and appreciation of India's past.