Epigraphia Indica Vol 08 - Book Summary

This summary is based on the provided text, which is a table of contents and several translated inscriptions from Volume VIII of "Epigraphia Indica," edited by E. Hultzsch. While the title of the book mentions "Epigraphia Indica," it's important to note that the content provided is primarily a collection of inscriptions from various dynasties and periods of Indian history, with some entries related to Jainism. The focus of this summary will be on the content related to Jainism as found within this volume.

Overall Content of Epigraphia Indica Vol. VIII:

This volume, published by the Archaeological Survey of India, serves as a crucial record of ancient Indian inscriptions. It contains a wide array of epigraphical data from various regions and historical periods, contributing significantly to the understanding of Indian history, culture, and religion. The volume is edited by E. Hultzsch and includes contributions from various scholars.

Key Jain Content:

The volume contains specific inscriptions and references related to Jainism. The most notable among these are:

Jaina inscriptions at the temple of Nêminátha on Mount Âbû: This entry (No. 21) is particularly significant. It indicates a collection of inscriptions found on Mount Abu, dedicated to the Jaina Tirthankara Neminatha. The inscriptions detail the erection and endowment of the temple by Tejahpala, the minister of the Chaulukya king Viradhavala. The text delves into the family history of Tejahpala and Vastupala, their relationship with the Chaulukyas, and the temple's architectural features. It also provides a detailed breakdown of the daily and annual worship requirements, including allotments of rice, money, blankets, and oil for the monks, highlighting the administrative and financial aspects of temple maintenance in that era. The inscriptions also mention specific Jain monks and their lineage, such as the Prâgvâța family and their association with the Nagendra gachchha. The dating of these inscriptions, placed within the Vikrama year 1287 (A.D. 1230) and subsequent years, provides valuable chronological information for Jain architectural and religious history in the region.
Mentions of Jainism within other inscriptions: While not solely dedicated to Jainism, some inscriptions may contain references to Jain practices, ascetics, or donations. For instance, the Sravana-Belgola inscription of Irugapa (No. 4) begins with an invocation of the Jaina religion and mentions Irugapa and his family as followers of Jainism. The mention of Jaina monks and their support through donations is a recurring theme in the context of cave inscriptions, as seen in the Nasik inscriptions, although these are primarily Buddhist in focus.

General Scope of the Volume:

The volume covers a broad spectrum of Indian epigraphy, including:

Chronological Data: Determining the dates of various kings and dynasties is a major theme, with numerous inscriptions analyzed for their regnal years, Saka-samvat, and Gupta-samvat dating. This helps in reconstructing the political history of ancient India.
Genealogies and Royal Lineages: Several inscriptions provide detailed genealogies of ruling dynasties such as the Cholas, Pallavas, Kadambas, Rastrakutas, and Paramaras, offering insights into dynastic succession and relationships.
Religious and Cultural Practices: The inscriptions shed light on religious beliefs and practices, including donations to temples, endowments for worship, the roles of priests and monks, and the syncretism or coexistence of different religious traditions. The presence of inscriptions related to Buddhism and Shaivism alongside Jainism demonstrates the religious landscape of ancient India.
Administrative and Economic Information: Some inscriptions detail administrative divisions (vishayas, pattalas), revenue systems (bhaga, bhoga, kara), taxation, and grants of land, providing valuable information about the economic and administrative structures of the time.
Geographical and Lexical Information: The volume also contributes to the understanding of ancient Indian geography by identifying historical place names and to linguistics by analyzing rare or archaic words, providing crucial context for historical and cultural research.

In summary, Epigraphia Indica Vol. VIII is a comprehensive collection of ancient Indian inscriptions, with significant entries detailing the history and religious practices of Jainism, particularly through the inscriptions found at Mount Abu. It serves as a vital resource for scholars studying the history, religion, and culture of ancient India.