Dellhi Ka Aetihasik Jain Sarthwaha Nattal Sahu

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The book "Dellhi ka Aetihasik Jain Sarthwaha Nattal Sahu" by Kundanlal Jain focuses on the historical Jain merchant, Nattal Sahu, and his significant role in ancient India.

The Tradition of Sarthwaha: The text begins by defining the term "Sarthwaha" (merchant caravan leader) based on the commentary of Ksheer Swami on Amarakosha. It highlights the praise of the Sarthwaha tradition by Dr. Vasudev Sharan Agrawal, who describes them as enthusiastic leaders of trade expeditions. Similar to religious pilgrimage leaders (Sanghpati), Sarthwahas were the backbone of Indian commerce, amassing wealth and fostering economic prosperity. They were characterized by their intelligence, truthfulness, courage, practical acumen, generosity, religious devotion, interest in culture, adaptability, and extensive knowledge of domestic and foreign lands. Their reach extended from Tamralipti to Antioch in Syria, and from the islands of Java and Sumatra to the ports of the Chola kingdom and westward to Yemen and the lands of Persia.

Nattal Sahu: A Resplendent Sarthwaha: The author notes that the glorious tradition of Sarthwahas began to decline due to the absence of powerful states, fragmentation of central authority, and insecurity. However, in the midst of this decline, in Vikram Samvat 1986 (1932 CE), Nattal Sahu, a prominent Jain follower and leader of the mercantile community in Delhi, emerged.

Nattal Sahu's Legacy and the Praise of Vibudh Shridhar: Nattal Sahu is highly praised by the Apabhramsa poet Vibudh Shridhar in his work "Pasannah Charitra." Shridhar mentions Nattal using various forms of his name, such as Nattal, Nattalu, Nattan, Nattalu, Nattanu, and Natula.

Family and Lineage: Nattal Sahu belonged to the Agarwal dynasty. His father was Jeyja and his mother was Memadiya. Jeyja had three sons: Raghav, Sodhal, and Nattal. Nattal, the third son, was highly influential, the most prosperous merchant of his time, and a politician with deep religious conviction.

Clarification on Historical Accounts: The text addresses a discrepancy where Harihar Dwivedi identifies Jeyja as Nattal's maternal uncle, suggesting it might be a different person. Similarly, Dwivedi's identification of Alhan as Nattal's admirer is also questioned. It is clarified that poet Vibudh Shridhar, upon arriving in Delhi from Haryana, stayed with Alhan Sahu, a minister at the time. Alhan was impressed by Shridhar's first work, "Chandapyah Charitra," and urged him to meet Nattal Sahu. Shridhar initially hesitated due to the fear of potential disrespect from ill-intentioned people. However, upon hearing Alhan's praise for Nattal and their friendship, Shridhar agreed to meet him.

Nattal Sahu's Generosity and Religious Devotion: Nattal Sahu accorded great respect and honor to the poet Shridhar and humbly requested him to compose "Pasannah Charitra." Consequently, Shridhar completed the composition in Delhi on Margashirsha Krishna Ashtami, Sunday, in VS 1986. This work is historically significant, providing authentic accounts of the Tomar king Anangpal and his reign, as well as detailed insights into the social, religious, and economic conditions of the time. The text notes a scholarly debate regarding whether Anangpal was the second or third ruler of that name.

Nattal Sahu built a magnificent temple for Lord Adinath in Delhi. Influenced by poet Shridhar, he also installed an idol of Lord Chandraprabhu and unfurled a five-colored flag on the temple. Nattal Sahu was not only wealthy but also generous, religious, and philanthropic. His trade extended to various regions, including Anga, Vanga, Kalinga, Gauda, Kerala, Karnataka, Chola, Dravida, Panchala, Sindhu, Khas, Malwa, Lata, Nepal, and Maharashtra. The kings of these regions held Nattal Sahu in high regard and trust. He was a prominent Sarthwaha and may have also gained fame as a messenger or ambassador for King Anangpal.

Temple and Destruction: While one opinion suggests Nattal Sahu built a temple for Lord Parshvanath instead of Adinath, there is no concrete evidence for this. Regardless, the temple was later destroyed, and its remnants can still be found near the Qutub Minar in Mehrauli. The text also debunks the notion that Nattal was Anangpal's minister, suggesting this might have been an assumption based on his influence and prosperity.

Sanskrit Verses Praising Nattal Sahu: The text includes several Sanskrit verses that eloquently describe Nattal Sahu's esteemed position and virtues. These verses highlight his radiance, renowned lineage, devotion to gods and gurus, adherence to justice, and the auspiciousness of his family. They speak of his father Jeyja, his brothers Raghav and Sodhal, and then celebrate Nattal as a radiant and virtuous individual, a jewel of his lineage, and a supporter of the Jain faith. His generous nature, his avoidance of criticizing others, his possession of the Three Jewels, and his widespread fame are emphasized.

Apabhramsa Verses from "Pasannah Charitra": The book also quotes passages in Apabhramsa from "Pasannah Charitra" that further elaborate on Nattal Sahu's character. These verses describe his respected family, his devotion to the Jinendra, and his influence. They mention Alhan Sahu's role in facilitating the meeting between Nattal and the poet. The verses detail Nattal's reception of the poet, his deep affection for him, and his request to compose the "Pasannah Charitra." The text emphasizes Nattal's unwavering dedication to Jainism and his desire for the well-being of all beings. The composition of the "Pasannah Charitra" is attributed to Vibudh Shridhar, accepted by Nattal Sahu, and it is highlighted as a significant historical document.

Conclusion: The book establishes Nattal Sahu as a paramount historical figure in the Jain community of Delhi, whose fame resonated widely. It aims to inspire readers by presenting the noble qualities and subtle characteristics of this great layman, encouraging them to draw inspiration from his life. The text concludes by reiterating Nattal Sahu's significant contributions and his lasting legacy.