Dhundhad Ka Namkaran - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Dhundhad ka Namkaran" by Raghvendra Muni:

The book excerpt "Dhundhad ka Namkaran" by Raghvendra Muni discusses the etymology of the name "Dhundhad," a region in Rajasthan, India. The text explores various theories and legends surrounding its origin, highlighting the lack of definitive historical evidence.

Key Theories and Legends:

The "Dhundh" Demon and King Bisaldev: The most prominently featured theory, drawing from the "Vansh Bhaskar" chronicle, suggests that the region was named after a demon named "Dhundh." According to this legend, King Bisaldev of Ajmer, due to his immoral conduct, was cursed to become this demon. The demon then began to feast on innocent people, causing devastation and leading to the region being associated with him. The name "Dhundhad" supposedly arose because the demon roamed and "hunted" (dhoondhna) for people to consume in this area, particularly near the Jibner hills.
Bisaldev's Military Campaigns: Another interpretation from "Brief History of Jaipur" by Rawal Narendra Singh suggests that the name "Dhundhad" originated from the Jibner mountain, named "Dhundh." It's believed that the Chauhan ruler Bisaldev (likely Vigraharaj) camped there to suppress his opponents, primarily the Meena tribes. The act of "dand-dand kar samapt karne" (to defeat and eradicate) might have contributed to the region's nomenclature. However, the text notes a discrepancy: while Rawal's theory points to the mountain's name, "Vansh Bhaskar" attributes the demon's name to the people being hunted and eaten.
The "Dhundhakriti" Mountain: Hanuman Sharma, in his "History of Nathawats," proposes that the region was named after a "Dhundhakriti" (hump-shaped) mountain near Amer. However, the text states there is no strong evidence to support this claim.
The Demoness Dhundh: A mythological belief suggests that a demoness named Dhundh (sister of Hiranyakashipu) resided in the area, and her territory became known as Dhundhad. The practice of worshipping "Dhundh" for the well-being of newborns, still prevalent in the region, is cited as a possible link, though its historical basis is questioned.
The "Dhundh" River: Linguistically, the most plausible explanation presented is that the region was named after the Dhundh River, which originates from the mountains near Achrol and flows through a significant portion of the area. The river is described as ancient and wide, with a catastrophic flood in 1981 highlighting its destructive potential. It's suggested that as the river defined the area, the region likely became known as Dhundhad. This theory is considered the most reliable due to the lack of other strong evidence.

Skepticism and Lack of Definitive Proof:

Throughout the text, there's an emphasis on the lack of concrete historical evidence for most of these theories. The author acknowledges that in the absence of clear proof, various possibilities have been considered. The assertion that the region was so desolate that it became a haunt for demons is also questioned, as it's argued that the area was not always so sparsely populated.

In conclusion, "Dhundhad ka Namkaran" explores a rich tapestry of legends and linguistic possibilities for the naming of the Dhundhad region. While several intriguing theories exist, the most likely origin, according to the author, is the Dhundh River, which has given its name to the land it traverses.