Ghoghani Madhyakalin Dhatu Pratimaona Aprakat Abhilekho

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Ghoghani Madhyakalin Dhatu Pratimaona Aprakat Abhilekho" by Lakshman Bhojak, based on the provided pages:

The book, "Ghoghani Madhyakalin Dhatu Pratimaona Aprakat Abhilekho" (Unpublished Inscriptions of Medieval Metal Idols of Ghogha), authored by Lakshman Bhojak, focuses on previously unpublished inscriptions found on metal and stone idols from Ghogha, a town on the western coast of Saurashtra near Bhavnagar. Ghogha is home to a well-preserved and restored temple of Navakhanda Parshvanatha, established in the medieval period.

Key Points and Content:

• Discovery and Initial Survey: A survey of the collection of metal and stone idols from the temple's underground chamber was conducted in December 1961 by Shri Madhusudan Dhanki and the late Shri Harishankar Prabhashankar Shastri. They published a brief introduction to these artifacts.
• Selection of Inscriptions: From the inscriptions they transcribed, Dhanki and Shastri identified around eighteen from the 13th century (Vikram Samvat). They recommended that the temple administrators carefully preserve these particular idols, inscriptions, and other significant works of art and style separately.
• Preservation and Publication: This collection of selected idols was later brought to the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Bharatiya Sanskriti Vidyamandir. The author, Lakshman Bhojak, had the opportunity to read and transcribe the inscriptions from these idols. This book presents 24 of the most significant, hitherto unpublished inscriptions.
• Detailed Analysis of Inscriptions (Examples): The book then proceeds to detail and analyze these inscriptions, often providing the original Gujarati text and an interpretation of its meaning, date, and significance. Here are some illustrative examples from the provided pages:
  • Inscription (1): Found on a 10th-century idol (Ghogha No. 84), this inscription is heavily worn. It mentions "Vir Dev Suri" and dates to Samvat 101 (or 51) - likely around 959 CE. The author speculates that Vir Dev Suri, mentioned here, might be an earlier figure than others known by that name in the 11th-12th centuries.
  • Inscription (2): Dating to Samvat 1123 / 1067 CE, this inscription is on a Chaturvimsati Patt (Ghogha No. 1) and is associated with the Saravaliya Gachha. The author highlights its importance due to the scarcity of Jain idol inscriptions from the 11th century.
  • Inscription (3): A brief inscription from Samvat 1124 / 1068 CE on a Tritirthika idol (Ghogha No. 103), likely belonging to the Haikapooriya Gachha, a prominent ancient sect originating from the Jalore region of Rajasthan.
  • Inscription (4): From Samvat 1135 / 1079 CE, on a Tritirthika saparikar idol (Ghogha No. 39), mentioning "Shri..." and being made for the prosperity of Yashodeva.
  • Inscription (5): Dated Samvat 1154 / 1098 CE, on a Parsvanatha ekatirthi saparikar idol (Ghogha No. 34).
  • Inscription (6): From Samvat 1186 / 1130 CE, on a Parsvanatha ekatirthi saparikar idol (Ghogha No. 45) of Jin Vardhaman Mahavir, consecrated by Ajitsinghsuri, who is possibly the Ajitsinghsuri of the Brihadgachha.
  • Inscription (7): Dated Samvat 1195 / 1139 CE, on an Arishtanemi ekatirthi saparikar idol, established by a Shravaka from the lineage of Udyotanacharya of the Brahmangachha (a Chaityavasi sect).
  • Inscription (8): From Samvat 1202 / 1149 CE, on a Parsvanatha jin ekatirthi saparikar idol (Ghogha No. 24), established by a follower of the Jalyodhariya Gachha.
  • Inscription (9): Dated Samvat 1234 / 1178 CE, on a Shantinatha jin idol (Ghogha No. [number missing]), consecrated by Ramchandra, a disciple of Dharamsuri. The author suggests Dharamsuri might be the famous Vadindra Dharamsuri of the Rajgachha.
  • Inscription (10): From Samvat 1258 / 1202 CE, on a Parsvanatha saparikar idol (Ghogha No. 12), made by Thakar Ranake in the Tharapadragachha at a place called "Trigunpath."
  • Inscription (11): Dated Samvat 1290 / 1234 CE, on a saparikar jin idol (Ghogha No. 14), commissioned by a Shravaka of the Disavala (Disawal) caste and consecrated by Munichandrasuri, who belonged to the tradition of Abhaydeva Suri (commentator of Navangavritti).
  • Inscription (12): From Samvat 1291 / 1235 CE, on an ekatirthi saparikar idol (Ghogha No. 3), commissioned by a Shravaka of the Shrimal caste.
  • Inscription (13): Dated Samvat 1373(1) / 1247(1) CE, on an ekatirthi saparikar idol (Ghogha No. 25), established by Bhattarak Vibudha Prabhasuri of the Nagendragachha.
  • Inscription (14): From Samvat 1303 / 1247 CE, on a panchatirthi saparikar idol (Ghogha No. 123), consecrated by Sarvadevasuri of the Dharagachha. The author speculates if "Dhara" refers to the capital of Malwa.
  • Inscription (15): On an Rishabhanatha ekatirthi saparikar idol (Ghogha No. 9), consecrated in Samvat 1305 / 1249 CE by Jineshwarasuri (II), disciple of Jintpatisuri of the Khartargachha, and commissioned by the villagers.
  • Inscription (16): A saparikar image of Mahavir (Ghogha No. 59), commissioned in Samvat 1323 / 1267 CE by the Shrimali Shravaka Narsimha, under the guidance of the unknown gachhiya Hemtilaksuri.
  • Inscription (17): An ekatirthika saparikar idol of Vasupujya (Ghogha No. 8), consecrated in Samvat 1332 / 1276 CE by Hariprabhasuri, disciple of Haribhadrasuri of the Jalodhara (Jalyodhara) Gachha. The idol was commissioned by a Shravaka of the Modh caste, making the inscription significant.
  • Inscription (18): An ekatirthi saparikar idol of Neminatha (Ghogha No. 30), consecrated in Samvat (13?)34 / (12?) CE by Vibudha Prabhasuri of the Nagendragachha.
  • Inscription (19): A saparikar idol of Shreyamsanatha (Ghogha No. 73), from Samvat 1345 / 1289 CE, commissioned by "Kunwarsingh" of the "Nima" caste. The mention of this rarely found caste is important for its history.
  • Inscription (20): A saparikar image of Shantinatha (Ghogha No. 44), consecrated in Samvat 1363 / 1307 CE by Devanaand (Devanand) Suri of the Nagendragachha. This inscription is important for the history of the Nagendragachha after the end of the Solanki era.
  • Inscription (21): A saparikar idol of Shantinatha (Ghogha No. 94), from Samvat 1367 / 1311 CE, commissioned by a Shravaka of the Nagar caste and belonging to the lineage of Anandasuri of the Nagargachha. This adds to the limited historical information on the Nagar Gachha and Nagar caste.
  • Inscription (22): A panchatirthi idol of Shantinatha (Ghogha No. 28), made in Samvat 1474 / 1428 CE by a Shravaka of the Dayat caste and consecrated by Jinadattasuri's disciple (possibly Rashillsuri?) of the Vayata Gachha. The mention of the Vayata caste and Vayata Gachha makes this inscription important.
  • Inscription (23): A saparikar image of Dharmanatha (Ghogha No. 59), from Samvat 1483 / 1427 CE, consecrated by Somsundarasuri of the Tapagachha, making this inscription significant.

In essence, the book provides a scholarly presentation of historically significant Jain inscriptions from Ghogha, detailing the dates, patrons, and specific Jain traditions (Gachhas and castes) involved in the creation and consecration of these medieval metal and stone idols. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding the history of Jainism, art, and social structures in the region during the medieval period.