Contribution Of Jainism To Indian History - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Contribution of Jainism to Indian History" by Dr. A.K. Chatterjee, divided by the sections outlined in the text:

Introduction:

The book "Contribution of Jainism to Indian History" by Dr. A.K. Chatterjee highlights Jainism as one of the world's major and ancient religious systems, predating Buddhism and Christianity. It asserts that Jainism has profoundly enriched Indian civilization across all aspects: religious, cultural, social, economic, and political.

Religious Contributions:

Antiquity and Opposition to Brahmanism: Jainism is presented as older than Buddhism, with its first historical prophet being Pārsvanatha (9th-8th century B.C.). While earlier Tirthankaras like Adinatha and Neminatha might be historical, evidence is limited. Jainism, along with Buddhism and Lokayatas, challenged the Brahmanical system based on sacrifices (Yajña). These anti-Vedic systems were labeled "Nāstika" by Brahmanical philosophers, meaning "anti-Vedic" rather than strictly atheist.
Pārsvanatha's Teachings and Social Appeal: Pārsvanatha, originating from Varanasi, challenged Brahmanical philosophy with his simple and practical fourfold truth or vows (Caturvyāma). This system was readily accepted by the common people, who couldn't afford the expensive Vedic sacrifices.
Emphasis on Ahimsa and Non-Violence: Jainism's strong emphasis on non-violence (Ahimsa) was a significant draw, resonating with the Upanishadic Rishis who favored knowledge (Jnana) over rituals (Karman).
Role of Women and Emancipation: A key contribution was Jainism's progressive stance on women's religious participation. Lord Pārsvanatha was the first non-Brahmanical saint to permit women's renunciation, predating Lord Buddha's eventual acceptance of women into his order after initial hesitation. This marked an early step towards women's emancipation.
Mahavira's Teachings and Spread: Lord Mahavira further contributed by teaching chastity (Brahmacarya). Without seeking royal patronage and living in poverty, his powerful personality enabled Jainism to become an all-India religion even before the Mauryan period.
Social Inclusivity: The text suggests that early adherents of Pārsvanatha and Mahavira included "Yakṣapūjakas" from lower societal strata, alongside upper-caste Brahmins and Kshatriyas. While Mahavira's immediate disciples (Ganadharas) were Brahmins, his broader following consisted of common people, as evidenced by early Jaina epigraphs.

Cultural Contributions:

Patronage of Arts and Crafts: Jainism significantly patronized various arts and crafts, as indicated by Jaina Agamic texts mentioning 72 Kalas and 64 ganiyagunas. Numerous stories in Jaina narrative literature feature women skilled in these arts, with dramatic art being particularly popular.
Rich Literary Heritage: Jaina literature is described as extremely rich and extensive.
- Agamic Texts: Jaina Agamic texts themselves possess significant literary value, with works like the Bhagavati, Jñatadharmakatha, Vipakasruta, Uttaradhyayanasutra, and Dasavaikalika being original literary products. Dasavaikalika, composed by Brahmins around 400 B.C., is compared to the Bhagavad Gita and Dhammapada.
- Narrative Literature: Jaina story literature is extensive and comparable to Hindu literature. Agamic texts often contain numerous stories, including love stories. The epics and the lost Brhatkatha influenced Jaina narrative literature, leading to numerous Svetambara and Digambara works emulating these Brahmanical texts.
- Paumacariyam: Vimala's Paumacariyam (likely 1st century A.D.) is identified as the earliest Prakrit work and the Jaina version of the Ramayana. While following Valmiki's original, it exhibits considerable originality and a distinct Jaina bias. Later Jaina Ramayanas by Ravisena, Svayambhu, and Hemacandra are based on this work.
- Influence of Mahabharata and Brhatkatha: The Mahabharata saga influenced Jaina works like Vasudevahindi, Harivamsa (by Jinasena II), and later Pandavapuranas. Hemacandra's Trisashashthishalakapurushacharita was also influenced by the original Mahabharata. Brhatkatha literature similarly impacted works like Vasudevahindi and Brhatkatha. Jaina writers demonstrated great skill and maturity in their literary compositions.
- Somadeva's Yasastilakacampu: Somadeva, author of Yasastilakacampu (mid-10th century A.D.), is highlighted as a highly original medieval Jaina writer, compared to Banabhatta. His novel demonstrates wit, keen understanding of human character, and his Nitivakyāmṛta is a significant work on political science, ranking with Arthashastra and Kamandakiya Nitisara.
Contributions to Science: Jaina writers also contributed to astronomy, mathematics, and other scientific branches, enriching Indian knowledge in these fields.

Social Contributions:

Insights into Indian Society: Jaina works are invaluable for understanding Indian society across different periods due to their often-dated nature.
- Paumacaryam: Provides detailed information on Indian society, caste system, and family life in the 1st century A.D., including the popularity of cousin marriage.
- Vasudevahindi: Offers insights into the Gupta period.
- Padmapurana, Varangacarita, Harivamsa, Kuvalayamala, Dharmopadesamala, Tilakamanjari, Yasastilakacampu: These works from the post-Gupta and early medieval periods shed light on social customs, festivals, family life, and the significant freedom enjoyed by women.

Economic Contributions:

Economic Life of Ancient India: Jaina authors provide crucial information on ancient India's economic life.
- Angavijjā: A 3rd-century text in Maharashtri Prakrit, it is a vital source for economic activities, preserving ancient coin names like "Ksatrapaka" (related to Ujjayini Ksatrapas) and "Sateraka" (Indo-Greek staters). It also mentions ship names like "Kottima," "Tappaka," and "Sanghada," which appear in the Greek Periplus.
- Nisithachurni, Harivamsa, Yasastilakacampu: These 7th-10th century works illuminate economic activities in the post-Gupta and early medieval periods.
- Dravyapariksa: Written during Ala-Ud-din Khilji's reign by Thakkura Pheru, this work is unique in its exclusive focus on coins of the Guptas and various early medieval dynasties, including the Tomaras of Delhi.

Political and Historical Contributions:

Historical Studies and Historians: Jainism produced prominent historians like Hemacandra, Merutunga, and Rajasekhara, as well as other writers of Prabandhas (historical narratives).
- Hemacandra's Dvyasrayakavya: (12th century) is a foundational historical work on Gujarat, detailing the reigns of Kumarapala's predecessors and Kumarapala himself. It also provides information on rulers outside Gujarat, like Bhoja of Malava and Karma of Cedi.
- Merutunga's Prabandhacintamani: (1305 A.D.) is a comprehensive historical work, comparable to Kalhana's Rajatarangini. While early accounts might be fanciful, its history from Vanaraja onwards is authentic and corroborated by other sources. It provides details on kings, ministers, and political conflicts, including the struggle between the Malavas and Chalukyas, and the end of Munja. It also mentions Bengal king Lakshmanasena and his minister Umapati.
- Rajasekhara's Prabandhakosa: (1347 A.D.) offers interesting historical insights, particularly on the political relations between Jayachandra of Kanyakubja and Lakshmanasena of Bengal, though it contains some inaccuracies.
Geographical Contributions:
- Vividhatirthakalpa: Jinaprabha's geographical treatise (between V.S. 1364-1389) is highly significant. Jinaprabha was honored by Muhammad Bin Tughlaq. His work provides correct dates for events like the destruction of Valabhi and Somnath, and the defeat and death of Prithviraja, aiding in the identification of ancient Mithila.
- Kharataragacchabṛhadgurvavali: This work is crucial for history and geography, detailing the activities of lesser-known kings and atrocities committed by Muslim rulers in North India, corroborating accounts by Muslim historians. The author urges modern historians to consult these contemporary Jaina accounts to understand the actions of Muslim conquerors.
Epigraphical Contributions: Jaina epigraphs are vital for understanding ancient and medieval India, dating from Kharavela (1st century B.C.) to Akbar and beyond. Notable inscriptions include the Hathigumpha inscription of Kharavela, Mathura inscriptions, the Paharpur Digambar inscription, and the Aihole Prasasti of Ravikirti. Thousands of Jaina epigraphs have been published, with many more remaining unpublished.
Artistic Contributions: Jainism has significantly contributed to art, with thousands of medieval temples still standing in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and South India. Jaina sculptures date from the 1st century B.C. to the present, with many preserved in Indian museums.

Conclusion:

The text concludes by noting that present-day Jains maintain their distinct identity, with the Digambara and Svetambara sects moving closer. Their relationship with Hindus is warm and cordial. The author expresses optimism for their future.