Chanderi Under Malva Sultansa

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Chanderi Under Malva Sultans," authored by Prof. A. H. Nizami:

This article details the historical and cultural significance of Chanderi, a prominent city, during the rule of the Malwa Sultans, particularly focusing on the period following the disintegration of the Tughluq Empire in the late 14th century.

Political Landscape and Chanderi's Role:

• Emergence of Malwa Sultanate: The decline of the Tughluq Empire led to the establishment of independent provincial dynasties, including the Malwa Sultanate founded by Dilawar Khan.
• Chanderi as a Strategic Center: Chanderi became a significant administrative and military center within the Malwa Sultanate. Inscriptions from the early 15th century show Prince Qadr Khan, son of Dilawar Khan, holding sway in Chanderi and Sivapuri.
• Regional Administration: Bundelkhand in the 15th century was divided between Chanderi (under direct Malwa rule) and Kalpi (controlled by Malikzada Turks). Chanderi's influence extended north to Shivapuri and Deogarh and south to Damoh.
• Parihar Influence and Sultanate Expansion: Sultan Mahmud Khilji I (1436-69) reinforced control over Chanderi, pushing back the Parihar Rajputs. The expansionist policies of the Khilji Sultans extended towards the Kyan River. Later inscriptions show the continued effective rule of Malwa Sultans, with titles like 'Rajadhiraja' indicating their authority.
• Decline and Rajput States: The later period saw deterioration in Malwa's affairs, with noble rebellions and Rajput dominance. This led to the emergence of new Rajput states, including Chanderi.
• Gond and Baghela Interactions: The article mentions the rising power of the Garha Gonds and their interactions with the Malwa Sultanate. Raja Dalpat Sah Gond occupied Singorgarh, and some Parihars may have served under the Gonds, evidenced by intermarriages. Virasinhadeva Baghelā (1501-31) also undertook expeditions that involved defeating local Parihar chiefs.
• Mughal Annexation: Chanderi was eventually annexed by the first Mughal Emperor Babar in 1528, after periods of Delhi Sultanate rule, Malwa Sultanate rule, and independent rule by Medini Rai.

Cultural Aspects and Jainism in Chanderi:

• Parihara Dynasty and Early Rule: Inscriptions reveal the presence of a Parihara dynasty ruling Chanderi, seemingly independent of the Chandellas or Paramaras. Chanderi was a valuable trade center, even attracting the attention of Alauddin Khilji.
• Jainism as a Primary Source: In the absence of Brahmanical Vaishnava records, Jain sources provide significant insights into the cultural activities in Chanderi.
• Jain Influence and Bhattarakas: Following the disintegration of the Delhi empire, Jainism flourished in the region, with centers of Bhattarakas (Jain monastic leaders) established at Narwar, Sonagir, and Chanderi. The region became a strong center of Jain culture.
• Patronage of Scholars and Religious Tolerance: Prince Qadr Khan patronized scholars, and Sultan Hoshang Shah was respected by the Digambar Jain community. Inscriptions from Deogarh highlight the religious tolerance of the Malwa Sultans.
• Jain Epigraphs and Prasastis: Modern scholars have unearthed numerous inscriptions on Jain images and pattavalis (sequences of spiritual lineage), referencing two Digambar Sanghas: Mulasangha and Kashthasangha. These, along with grantha-prasastis (book colophons), reveal the active role of Bhattarakas in promoting image-making, temple construction, and the establishment of monastic facilities.
• The Chanderi Patta: The article highlights the Chanderi patta (seat of authority) established by Bhattaraka Devendrakirti of the Mulasangha-Saraswati gachchha-Nandi amnaya. Devendrakirti, his disciple Vidyanandi Parwar (Tribhuvanakirti), and his successor Yashahakirti are mentioned as significant figures. Yashahakirti, a renowned author, lived during the reign of Khilji monarchs Ghayas Shah and Nasir Shah.
• The Parwar Caste: A notable aspect of the Chanderi patta was that the Bhattarakas came from the Parwar caste, which remains prominent among Jains in Bundelkhand today.
• Sonagiri Patta: The patta of Sonagiri is described as a branch of the Gwalior Jain center, with Bhattarakas belonging to the Kashtha sangha. Kamalakirti and his disciple Shubhachandra are mentioned in relation to this center.
• Hindu-Muslim Intermingling: The 15th century is characterized by Hindu-Muslim interaction and rapprochement, marked by economic prosperity despite political instability. Sufis and various communities engaged in cultural exchange.
• Reformist Movements: The article touches upon reformist movements within both Hindu and Jain communities. Sant Kabir, with his ideas of cultural synthesis, and Lonkasah, a reformer among Shvetambar Jains who questioned idol worship, are discussed.
• Jina Taran Taran: A significant figure discussed is Jina Taran Taran, a Digambar Jain from Chanderi-Damohadesa. Born in 1448, he is presented as a radical thinker who lived a life of asceticism, criticizing the opulent lifestyles of some Bhattarakas. He advocated for the philosophy of 'anekant' and 'syadvad' and his writings, a mix of various languages, did not directly attack idol worship by householders. His samadhi at Nasiyaji remains a center for the Taranpanthi community.
• Continued Idol Worship: Despite reformist movements, the practice of idol worship among Jains in Chanderi-Damoh remained strong, with Bhattarakas actively encouraging it. The philanthropist Jivaraj Papriwal is credited with commissioning a vast number of Jain images.

In essence, the article provides a detailed account of Chanderi's political significance under the Malwa Sultans, highlighting its role as an administrative hub and a battleground for regional powers. It also strongly emphasizes the flourishing of Jain culture in the region during this period, detailing the contributions of Jain religious leaders, institutions, and the socio-cultural interactions that shaped its identity.