Ghogha Na Aprakata Jain Pratima Lekho

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Ghogha na Aprakata Jain Pratima Lekho" by Kantilal F. Sompura and Navnitlal Anandilal Acharya, based on the provided PDF pages:

The book "Ghogha na Aprakata Jain Pratima Lekho" (Unpublished Jain Inscriptions of Ghogha) by Kantilal F. Sompura and Navnitlal Anandilal Acharya delves into the historical significance of the ancient port town of Ghogha, located on the western coast of the Gulf of Cambay. The text highlights that Ghogha predates the city of Bhavnagar and has a substantial Jain population that existed from ancient times.

The authors identify three prominent Jain temples in Ghogha: Navkhanda Parshvanath, Chandrprabhu, and Jirawala Parshvanath. The Navkhanda Parshvanath temple is particularly renowned and houses smaller temples dedicated to Neminath, Samavasaran, Suvidhinath, and Shantinath within its vast courtyard.

The primary focus of the book is the analysis of eighteen unpublished Jain inscription (pratimalekho) found on metal images (pratimas) in Ghogha. These inscriptions date from Samvat 1276 (1220 CE) to Samvat 1359 (1303 CE), covering a period of 83 years during the reign of the Solanki and later the Vaghela-Solanki dynasties in Gujarat.

Key findings and information gleaned from these inscriptions include:

• Chronological Framework: The inscriptions provide a clear chronological record of Jain activities in Ghogha during a significant period of Gujarat's history. The period aligns with the end of the main Solanki dynasty and the rise and fall of the Vaghela-Solanki branch.
• Gachhas and Sects: The inscriptions mention various gachhas (Jain monastic lineages or orders), such as the Vayateeygachha, Jaalodharagachha, and Brihadgachha. This offers insights into the prevailing Jain monastic traditions during that era.
• Caste and Surname Information: The analysis reveals the prevalence and growth of the Shrimali and Modh (Moḍh) castes within the Ghogha Jain community. Surnames such as Thakkara (Thakkar) and Saha (Shah) are noted as indicators of the merchant class.
• Temple Dedications and Devotees: The inscriptions detail the consecration of images of Tirthankaras, including Adinath (Rishabhdev), Shantinath, Neminath, Parshvanath, and Mahavir. They also record the names of the Suris (Jain monks or preceptors) who performed the consecrations, which are crucial for determining the time period of the images. Furthermore, the inscriptions name individuals, often highlighting their ancestors and family members, who commissioned these images for their spiritual merit (shreyas).
• Religious Devotion: The texts suggest a growing devotion to the first Tirthankara, Adinath, from the 13th century onwards. It also indicates that devotion to Adinath, Shantinath, Neminath, Parshvanath, and Mahavir was common in Gujarat even prior to this period.
• Place Names: While most inscriptions refer to Ghogha, one mentions "Vidhyarajpur", though its exact location is currently unidentified.
• Detailed Inscription Analysis: The book meticulously lists and discusses each of the eighteen inscriptions, providing the date (Samvat), month, lunar day (tithi), and day of the week where available. It also notes instances where the text is faded or illegible due to wear and tear, but attempts to deduce the missing information.
• Linguistic Observations: The text analyzes the names mentioned in the inscriptions, classifying them into pure Sanskrit, mixed Sanskrit, pure Prakrit, and mixed Prakrit forms. It observes that many Sanskrit names have undergone modifications, becoming hybrid or Prakritized. The presence of suffixes like 'singh', 'pal', 'devi', and 'vati' generally indicates retained Sanskrit forms, though some exceptions are noted.
• Social and Economic Context: The inscriptions provide a glimpse into the social structure of the time, with references to the merchant class (indicated by terms like Shresthi, Maha, Saha) and their financial activities. The term 'Thakkara' is noted as appearing for the first time in inscriptions of the Chaulukya period, often associated with village chiefs or local officials.
• Connection to Gurjar Identity: The text touches upon the potential connection of some names and communities to the Gurjar people, suggesting their migration from Central Asia and subsequent influence on the naming conventions and social fabric of Gujarat, including their adoption of Jainism.

In essence, "Ghogha na Aprakata Jain Pratima Lekho" is a scholarly work that meticulously deciphers and analyzes vital Jain inscriptions, offering a rich repository of information on the religious, social, and cultural history of Jainism in Ghogha and the wider region of Gujarat during the medieval period. It serves as a crucial resource for understanding the lineage of Jain monks, the prevalent castes, and the devotional practices of the Jain community of that era.