Dravya Pariksha Aur Dhatutpatti - Book Summary

This document describes the Jain text "Dravya Pariksha Aur Dhatutpatti" (द्रव्य परीक्षा और धातु उत्पत्ति) by Thakkar Feru, edited by Bhanvarlal Nahta, and published by Prakrit Jain Shastra Ahimsa Shodh Samsthan.

Here's a comprehensive summary:

I. Bibliographical Information and Context:

Title: Dravya Pariksha Aur Dhatutpatti (द्रव्य परीक्षा और धातु उत्पत्ति)
Author: Thakkar Feru (ठक्कुर फेरू)
Editor/Compiler: Bhanvarlal Nahta (भंवरलाल नाहटा)
Publisher: Prakrit Jain Shastra Ahimsa Shodh Samsthan (प्राकृत जैनशास्त्र अहिंसा शोध संस्थान), Vaishali.
Publication Year: 1976 (सं. १९७६).
Series: Prakrit Jain Shodh-Sansthan Granthamala Sankhya-15 (प्राकृत जैन शोष-संस्थान ग्रन्थमाला संख्या-१५)
Chief Editor: Dr. Nagendra Prasad (डा० नागेन्द्र प्रसाद)
Sponsorship: Established by the Government of Bihar to promote research in Prakrit and Jainology.
Associated Work: The text is presented as part of the "Aho! Shrutgyanam" project, which digitizes and makes accessible ancient and rare Jain manuscripts.
Original Price: Rs. 3.50.

II. Introduction to Thakkar Feru and His Works:

Thakkar Feru was a multifaceted scholar and a high-ranking official in the administration of his time, belonging to the Dhandhiya lineage of Jain laymen.
He lived during the reign of Sultan Alauddin Khilji and held various positions, contributing his practical experience to his writings.
His works are significant representatives of various subjects.
He authored several important texts, including:
- Rattapariksha (रत्नपरीक्षा): On the examination of gems.
- Dravyapariksha (द्रव्यपरीक्षा): On the examination of substances, particularly coins.
- Dhatutpatti (धातूत्पत्ति): On the origin and properties of metals.
- Jyotishsar (ज्योतिषसार): On astrology.
- Ganitsar (गणितसार): On mathematics.
- Vastusaar (वास्तुसार): On architecture and sculpture.
- Yugapradhana Chaturshpadika (युगप्रधान चतुष्पदिका): A listing of Jain Acharyas.
Feru's literary output spans subjects like gemology, metallurgy, numismatics, astrology, mathematics, architecture, and Jain lineage.
His compositions are primarily in Prakrit, with the exception of "Yugapradhana Chaturshpadika" which is in Apabhramsa. His language is simple and flowing, influenced by the contemporary vernacular.
His writings shed light on the knowledge, science, culture, trade, art, architecture, and social life of ancient India.

III. Significance of the Texts:

Dravya Pariksha:
- Considered highly significant not only in Indian but also in world literature for its detailed examination of ancient coins.
- It provides a systematic account of various types of currency prevalent during his time and before.
- Studying this text with museum artifacts could offer new insights into ancient numismatics.
Dhatutpatti:
- Likely written as an appendix to "Dravya Pariksha."
- Describes the properties and origins of various substances like brass, copper, lead, tin, bronze, mercury, cinnabar, and vermilion.
- Also touches upon the divine effects of camphor, agar, sandalwood, musk, saffron, incense, conch shells, and Rudraksha beads.

IV. Content of Dravya Pariksha:

Structure: Begins with salutations (mangalacharan) and then outlines its scope: chasani (refining process), refining gold and silver, valuation, and all types of coins.
Chasani (Refining Process):
- Details methods for refining silver and other metals using various materials and processes like ashes, specific woods, and fire.
- Explains the creation of various types of "chasani" (refined metal preparations) used in metallurgy.
Coinage:
- Silver Coins: Describes various silver coins like Putali, Khimli, Kajani, Adani, Rini, Rubai, Kharajami, and Valishtha. It mentions their valuation based on visual inspection or refining processes.
- Gold Coins: Describes gold coins like Sitarami (conjoined and separated), Chakadia, Sirohiya, and Kumru (of King Kumarpal). It details their alloys and values.
- Tri-metal Coins (Gold, Silver, Copper): Details the composition and value of various tri-metal coins, including those from Varanasi (Padma coin) and various kings like Jitashatru, Vilalkor, Veer Brahm (Chandela), Heeravarma, and Bhoj.
- Bi-metal Coins (e.g., Silver-Copper): Describes bi-metal coins from Khurasan with Parsi/Turki inscriptions, mentioning types like Bhambhai, Ektippi, Sikadari, Kuruluki, Palashori, Samasi, Lagami, Jamali, and Masudi. It also details bi-metal coins of Maharaja Vikramaditya and various Gujarati kings like Kumarpal, Ajaypal, and Arjunadev.
- Various Regional Coins: Describes coins from Delhi, Malwa, Nalpur, Chanderi, Jalandhar, and others, meticulously detailing their metal composition, weight, and relative value.
- Musalmani Coins: Lists and describes various coins issued during the Muslim rule, mentioning names like Suza, Sahabudini, Mahmud Sahi, Chakadiya, Kataka, Sakha, Makhiya, Kundaliya, Churiya, Jagatpalaha, Dukadiya, Thega, Kuvaichiji jiri, Faridi, Parsia, Chauka, Wafa, Khakariya, Neevdebi, Dhamdaha, Jakariya, Alavdini, Satka Samasi, Momin Alai, Sela Samasi, Titimisi, Kuvvkhani, Khalipati, Adhchanda, and Sikandari.
- Coins of Alauddin Khilji: Specifically details the currency of Sultan Alauddin Khilji, including his Chhagani and Igami coins, their composition, and prevalence in trade.
- Coins of Kutubuddin: Mentions the coins of Sultan Qutubuddin, including gold, silver, copper, and mixed metal coins, and their types.
Valuation (Moolya): Explains how to determine the value of coins based on their metal content, weight, and the prevailing currency like 'Dramma' or 'Tank.' It also discusses the concept of 'Nanavat' (currency exchange).
Losses in Metal Processing (Hasya): Discusses the expected loss of metal during various processes of melting, molding, and refining.

V. Content of Dhatutpatti:

Origin of Substances:
- Discusses the natural origins of substances like silver (from soil), gold (from river/mountain sand), silk (from worms), musk (from deer), gorochana (from cow's bile), chamara (from yak's tail), ivory (from elephants), wool (from sheep), and fire (from wood).
- It also mentions the origin of camphor from banana plants, and the properties of various types of sandalwood and kashmiri saffron.
Metallurgy and Alchemy (Karan Vidhi):
- Brass (Pital): Details the process of creating brass by mixing copper and other ingredients.
- Copper (Tamba): Explains the process of refining copper from ore.
- Lead (Sisa): Describes the process of extracting lead from its ore.
- Iron (Loha): Briefly mentions the origin of iron.
- Tin (Ranga): Explains how to create tin alloys (kambiya).
- Bronze (Kansa): Details the process of making bronze.
- Mercury (Para): Describes the process of extracting mercury, including a peculiar method involving women.
- Cinnabar (Hingul): Explains the production of cinnabar.
- Vermilion (Sindur): Details the process of making vermilion from lead.
Medicinal and Auspicious Substances:
- General Introduction: Mentions camphor, agar, sandalwood, musk, saffron, incense, conch shells, Rudraksha beads, and Shila grams as auspicious and impactful.
- Conch Shell (Dakshinavarta Shankh): Discusses its auspiciousness, divine origin, and the benefits of its use in rituals and for begetting progeny.
- Rudraksha: Describes the origin and auspiciousness of Rudraksha beads, their different mukhas (faces), and their medicinal and spiritual uses.
- Shaligram: Explains the origin and reverence of Shaligram stones, their connection to Vishnu, and their use in rituals for spiritual merit and liberation.
- Camphor (Karpur): Discusses its origins, medicinal properties (cooling, beneficial for ailments), and various types.
- Agar: Details the origin and properties of agarwood.
- Sandalwood (Chandan): Describes the origins of sandalwood from various regions, its properties, and different varieties.
- Musk (Mriganabhi/Kasturi): Explains the origin of musk and its medicinal properties.
- Saffron (Kunkum): Discusses its origins and quality.
- Incense (Dhup): Provides a recipe for a combined incense.
- Fragrances (Vasa): Mentions how to create fragrances using camphor and sandalwood.

VI. Editorial and Manuscript Details:

The work highlights the effort in collecting and preserving these ancient texts, including the digitization into DVDs.
The original manuscript of "Dravya Pariksha" used for this edition is from 1903 (Samvat 1403/1404), written by Sa. Purishad, son of Sa. Bhavdev.
The manuscript was found in a Jain library in Patan.
The editor, Bhanvarlal Nahta, recounts the process of finding and translating these works, facing challenges due to missing parts and the complexity of the subject matter.
The text includes tables and diagrams where relevant to explain the compositions and valuations.
The preface also mentions the historical context of currency exchange and the relative values of different coins during the medieval period, citing other Jain historical texts like "Yugapradhanacharya Guravali."

VII. Overall Contribution:

"Dravya Pariksha Aur Dhatutpatti" is a significant scholarly work that provides invaluable insights into the economic, metallurgical, and cultural practices of medieval India, particularly from a Jain perspective. It is a testament to Thakkar Feru's erudition and the efforts of institutions and individuals dedicated to preserving and disseminating ancient Indian knowledge.