Dhaulpur Ka Chahman Chandmahasen Ka Samvat 898 Ka Shilalekh - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Dhaulpur ka Chahman Chandmahasen ka Samvat 898 ka Shilalekh" by Ratnachandra Agarwal, based on the provided PDF excerpt:

This document is an academic article by Ratnachandra Agarwal, discussing an inscription found near Dholpur, Rajasthan. The inscription pertains to a Chauhan ruler named Chandmahasena, dating back to Samvat 898 (842 CE).

Key Points of the Inscription and Article:

Discovery and Publication: Dr. Hulsh, in the German journal "ZDMG," had previously published an article titled "Einc Inschriptedes Chauhan chandamahasena von Dholpur," bringing to light an inscription from Dholpur, near Bharatpur, dated Samvat 868 (842 CE).
Inscription Details: The inscription itself is in Sanskrit and consists of 26 lines.
Genealogy and Ancestry:
- It mentions Isuka, a descendant of the Chauhan clan.
- Isuka's son was Mahishram.
- Mahishram's wife was Kanhulla, who gave birth to Chandmahasena.
- Kanhulla later became Sati (immolated herself on her husband's pyre).
Praise for Chandmahasena: The inscription extensively praises Chandmahasena for his:
- Generous heart.
- Just and righteous rule, under which his subjects were happy and prosperous.
- His actions align with the virtues of the Satya Yuga (Golden Age).
Religious Affiliation:
- The inscription begins with a hymn to the Sun God (Surya-stuti), suggesting Chandmahasena was likely a Sun worshipper.
- He commissioned the construction of a temple dedicated to Chandaswami in Dhawalpuri (modern Dholpur).
Temple Consecration: The consecration of the Chandaswami temple took place on the second day of the bright half of the month of Vaishakha, on a Sunday, in Samvat 898 (April 16, 842 CE).
Political Context and Subjugated Peoples:
- The inscription states that the Mleccha rulers residing on the banks of the Chambal River (Charmanyavati) were subservient to Chandmahasena.
- It notes that local chieftains, such as Anijit and others, used to wander in Dhawalpur with their heads bowed, indicating their subjugation.
Scholarly Debate on "Mleccha":
- The article highlights a debate among historians regarding the identity of the "Mlecchas."
- Dr. H.C. Ray suggests they refer to the early Arab invaders.
- Dr. Dasharatha Sharma, however, believes "Mleccha" refers to the Bhil community of the region, citing the "Shabdarthachintamani" which classifies them among Mleccha castes. Sharma notes that Bhils still reside on both banks of the Chambal.
- The article speculates that the unruly elements of the region might be descendants of these Mlecchas.
Significance of the Inscription: The inscription is considered highly valuable for understanding the early medieval history of the Dholpur region.
Availability of Source Material: The author expresses regret that the original German journal (ZDMG) is not readily available in Rajasthan's libraries and hence presents a copy of the inscription for study by history enthusiasts.
Additional Details from Inscription (as transcribed):
- Line 1-2: Hymn to the Sun God.
- Line 3: Mentions Isuka, his nature resembling the Satya Yuga.
- Line 4-5: Praises Mahishram, son of Isuka, describing him as virtuous, victorious, and the pride of his lineage.
- Line 6: Mentions Kanhulla, Mahishram's beautiful and virtuous wife, mother of Chandmahasena.
- Line 7-8: Highlights Chandmahasena's generosity, justice, and his ability to destroy enemies. He is described as a just ruler who ensured the happiness of his people.
- Line 8-11: Mentions a ruler named Shechan (Sheshna?) and a lineage called "Vahavana Vabhupati."
- Line 11-15: Discusses Chandmahasena's charitable acts, such as giving donations to Brahmins.
- Line 16: Mentions his passion for riding horses.
- Line 17-18: Reinforces the subjugation of Mleccha rulers on the Chambal and chieftains like Anijit.
- Line 18-20: Describes the location and natural beauty of the area where Chandmahasena's activities took place, including a forest and difficult terrain.
- Line 20-21: Mentions the presence of animals and a suitable location for a temple. It details the construction of the Chandaswami temple by Chandmahasena, funded by immense wealth.
- Line 21-23: Confirms the date of consecration: Vikram Samvat 898, second day of the bright half of Vaishakh, on a Sunday, with the Moon in Rohini and a favorable Leo ascendant.
- Line 23-24: Describes the temple and a large, auspicious reservoir built by him, beneficial to all.
- Line 25-26: Praises Chandmahasena's fame, and the pleasant sounds of various birds around the temple. It also describes the planting of gardens (mango, neem, champak, jasmine) around the area.
Call for Further Research: The author emphasizes the need for extensive research in the Dholpur and Bharatpur regions to properly evaluate their archaeological and historical significance.

In essence, the article provides a detailed analysis of a significant historical inscription, shedding light on the Chauhan ruler Chandmahasena, his reign, religious practices, and the political landscape of the Dholpur region in the 9th century CE, while also raising questions for further historical inquiry.