Bharatno Dharmik Itihas - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Gujarati Jain text "Bharatno Dharmik Itihas" by Manilal Lallubhai Pedhi, based on the provided pages.

Title: Bharatno Dharmik Itihas (The Religious History of India) Author: Manilal Lallubhai Pedhi Publisher: Manilal Lallubhai Pedhi

Overall Purpose and Introduction (Pages 2-4):

The preface highlights India's deep connection to religion, stating that religion is its lifeblood and the source of its honor. The author, referencing Raja Ram Mohan Roy, emphasizes that societal, political, and economic progress is impossible without religious advancement. He posits that all Indian activities, from thought and action to customs and traditions, are inherently religious. The text aims to trace the evolution of religious thought and practices in India, acknowledging that while the core religious principles may be singular, the passage of time, changing circumstances, and different interpretations have led to the emergence of numerous sects and traditions. The author stresses the importance of studying the history of religions to understand their true nature and resolve doctrinal differences. He acknowledges the immense challenges in writing religious history due to the scarcity of chronological records, conflicting accounts, hidden scriptures, and the fact that even originators' core tenets might be forgotten by their followers. Despite these hurdles, the author has undertaken this endeavor based on extensive reading and personal experiences gained through travel and interactions with various religious groups. He expresses gratitude to the authors whose works were consulted and states his intention to avoid contentious or potentially faith-damaging details where possible, seeking forgiveness from readers if any such points were inadvertently included. The author's primary goal is to demonstrate how various present-day religions and sects are, in essence, transformed manifestations of the original, singular religion, adapted to different times, places, and circumstances, thereby fostering mutual respect and eliminating religious animosity.

The author also mentions the passing of his younger brother, Manilal Lallubhai, whose desire was to see this book published. In his memory, the author plans to donate copies to public libraries.

Core Concepts and Historical Periods Discussed:

The text then delves into a historical and philosophical exploration of religion, covering the following key themes:

The Superiority of the Human Form and Intellect (Page 6-7): It highlights the human body as the most precious and intelligent among all creatures. The ability to discern right from wrong through reasoning is presented as a unique human gift, and those who don't use it are equated to animals. The human life is considered rare and valuable, meant to be used for attaining salvation.
The Pursuit of Happiness and the Nature of Pleasure (Page 7-8): The fundamental desire of all beings is for happiness, not suffering. True happiness is defined as an unchanging, eternal state, distinct from fleeting worldly pleasures which are ultimately temporary and lead to sorrow. The goal is to seek this "akshaya sukha" (inexhaustible happiness).
The Origin of Religion and the Quest for Truth (Page 8-9): The text attributes the origin of religions to great souls seeking answers to fundamental questions about existence, the self, the universe, God, and the cycle of birth and death. The desire to attain eternal happiness or Moksha drives these quests. It emphasizes that while the ultimate goal of all religions is the same (eternal happiness/Moksha), the paths vary due to differences in time, place, and intellect.
The Primacy of the Vedas and the Concept of Dharma (Page 9-14): The Vedas are presented as the most ancient and authoritative religious texts, originating from Aryavarta. The author suggests that all other world religions have roots in Vedic wisdom, citing various scholars. The Vedas are described not as mere books but as a collection of spiritual laws discovered through the experiences of enlightened sages. The word "Veda" itself means "knowledge," encompassing the duties of humans, the path to happiness, the nature of Brahman and the soul, and their relationship. The text details the four Vedas (Rig, Yajur, Sama, Atharva) and their respective branches, emphasizing the antiquity of the Samhita portion over the later Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads.
Ancient Indian Scientific and Technological Achievements Embedded in the Vedas (Pages 14-18): The text argues that the Vedas contain knowledge of various sciences and technologies, including aviation (vimana), advanced weaponry, sophisticated engineering (like building bridges), astronomy, and even concepts like electricity. These are presented as being in a seed form, requiring diligent study and research to uncover, contrasting with the superficial understanding of modern scientific achievements.
Karma, Upasana (Bhakti), and Jnana as Paths to Moksha (Pages 18-21): The text identifies these three as the fundamental paths to liberation, all interconnected and essential for spiritual growth. It emphasizes that true Moksha comes through knowledge, with karma and bhakti serving as supporting means.
The Vedic Period and the Evolution of Society and Knowledge (Pages 21-35): This section describes the Vedic era (approx. 1972947101 BCE to 3137 BCE) as a golden age of scientific and spiritual advancement for the Aryans, with a unified global kingdom. It details the philosophical and scientific knowledge disseminated through various texts like the Upanishads, Smritis, and Gita. It also outlines the four Ashramas (Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha, Sanyasa) and the concept of Varna based on qualities and actions, not just birth. The text laments the decline of these ideals and the current state of India, contrasting it with its glorious past.
The Decline of Vedic Principles and the Rise of Superstition (Pages 45-59): This part discusses the period after the Mahabharata war, marked by political instability and the decline of Vedic knowledge. It describes how Brahmins, losing royal patronage, began to distort Vedic interpretations for personal gain, leading to the introduction of rituals, idol worship, and the exclusion of other castes and women from Vedic studies. The emergence of corrupt practices and the manipulation of scriptures are highlighted. The text then analyzes the rise of the Charvaka (Lokayata) philosophy, which rejected the Vedas, afterlife, and rituals, advocating for materialism and sensual pleasure. It also discusses the beginnings of Jainism, emphasizing its emphasis on non-violence and the absence of a creator God, and the Buddha's teachings on compassion, equality, and the cycle of karma.
The Emergence and Spread of various Religious Sects: The book systematically traces the development and evolution of numerous religious traditions and philosophical schools in India and globally. This includes:
- Jainism (Pages 61-65): Its origin with Rishabhadeva, its core tenets of non-violence, soul-substance, and the absence of a creator God, and the later introduction of idol worship and differences between Shvetambara and Digambara sects.
- Buddhism (Pages 65-72): Its founder Gautama Buddha, his teachings on compassion, equality, detachment, and the refutation of Vedic rituals and caste distinctions. The role of Emperor Ashoka in spreading Buddhism and its eventual decline in India while flourishing elsewhere.
- Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Shakta traditions (Pages 75-77): The text explains how these traditions, rooted in Vedic concepts, were influenced by Puranic narratives and incorporated idol worship and devotional practices, often reinterpreting Vedic deities like Surya and Agni into anthropomorphic forms like Vishnu and Shiva.
- Pashupata, Pratyabhijna, and Rasheshvara (Pages 102-103): These Shavite traditions are presented with their philosophical underpinnings and historical context.
- Zoroastrianism (Pages 103-104): Its origins in Iran, its connection to Vedic practices (like the sacred thread), its founder Zarathustra, and its monotheistic principles.
- Judaism (Pages 104-105): The narrative of Moses, the persecution of Jews in Egypt, their exodus, and their eventual arrival in India.
- Christianity (Pages 130-134): The birth of Jesus, his teachings, the development of the Church, the persecution of dissenters, and the eventual rise of the Papacy and the Reformation.
- Islam (Pages 115-118): The life of Prophet Muhammad, the revelations of the Quran, the core tenets of Islam, and its historical spread, including its arrival and influence in India.
- Various Bhakti Movements: The text describes the rise of numerous devotional traditions such as the Vishnu Swamin, Pushti Marg, Dattatreya Panth, Chaitanya Sampradaya, Kabir Panth, Pirana Panth, Sikhism, Arya Samaj, Brahmo Samaj, Prarthana Samaj, Ramkrishna Mission, and Swami Dayananda's Arya Samaj. Each is presented with its founder, key beliefs, practices, and historical context.
- Sikhism (Pages 129-132): The life of Guru Nanak, his teachings on monotheism, equality, the importance of the Guru, and the eventual development of the Khalsa tradition under Guru Gobind Singh.
- Arya Samaj (Pages 152-160): The reformist movement founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati, its emphasis on returning to Vedic principles, its critique of Puranic rituals and idol worship, and its efforts in education and social reform.
- Brahmo Samaj (Pages 154-158): The reformist movement initiated by Raja Ram Mohan Roy, emphasizing monotheism and social reform, its subsequent divisions, and its influence on later reform movements.
- Theosophical Society (Pages 161-163): Its origins in the West, its connection to Eastern philosophies, its search for universal truth, and its interactions with the Arya Samaj.
- Other Minor Sects and Practices (Pages 140-148): The book also briefly touches upon various other smaller sects and practices, highlighting their origins and beliefs.
The Influence of Foreign Religions and Syncretism (Pages 134-136): The text discusses the impact of Christianity and Islam on Indian religious landscape and how some Hindu traditions adapted or incorporated elements from these faiths.
The "Thought Period" and Modern Reform Movements (Pages 147-163): This final section reflects on the period of intellectual awakening and reform that began in the 18th century, spurred by the influence of Western education and the criticisms leveled against existing religious practices. It highlights the contributions of figures like Raja Ram Mohan Roy (Brahmo Samaj), Swami Dayanand Saraswati (Arya Samaj), Swami Vivekananda (Ramakrishna Mission), and others in challenging existing norms and advocating for a return to purer, more rational forms of worship and social conduct.

Overall Theme:

"Bharatno Dharmik Itihas" is an extensive and detailed chronicle of the religious evolution of India. It showcases how diverse religious traditions, from the ancient Vedic period to modern reform movements, have emerged, interacted, and influenced each other. The author's approach is comprehensive, attempting to present a historical narrative that explains the proliferation of sects and the reasons behind the transformation of religious practices over centuries, while consistently pointing back to the Vedas as the ultimate source of spiritual knowledge.