Gopadro Devpatane - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Gopadri Devpatane," in English:

The article "Gopadri Devpatane" by Hariharinivas Dwivedi explores the historical significance of Gwalior (referred to as Gopadri) as a prominent Jain pilgrimage site, particularly during the medieval period. The author argues that Gwalior, once a thriving center of Jainism, has largely been forgotten in this capacity, and the historical evidence, including inscriptions and literary works, needs to be re-examined.

Key Points:

Gwalior as "Devpatan": The text highlights a manuscript of Acharya Kundakunda's Pravachanasara with the commentary "Tattvadipika" by Acharya Amritchandra, copied in Gwalior in Vikram Samvat 1469 (1412 CE) during the reign of King Viramendradeva. The colophon mentions "Gopadri Devpatane," indicating that Gwalior was considered a "City of Gods" (Devpatan) by the Jain community. Some Jain pilgrimage guides also refer to Gwalior as a famous Jain site.
Lost Glory and Historical Neglect: While Gwalior's past glory as a Jain center is acknowledged, the article laments that its history has not been thoroughly researched. The author believes that a wealth of available material, including inscriptions, sculpture fragments, and literary mentions, could provide a robust history of Jainism's development in North Madhya Pradesh, as well as shed light on the political and cultural history of the region during the medieval period.
Correcting Historical Misconceptions: The author emphasizes that contemporary Jain literature can correct significant historical errors. As an example, he refutes the common historical narrative that the Chauhan king Prithviraj conquered Delhi from the Tomaras. According to Jain sources, the Chauhans never captured Delhi, and Prithviraj's kingdom was limited to the Shakambhari region with Ajmer as his capital.
Early Jain Presence and Padmavati: The article traces Jainism's presence in the Gwalior region back to the early centuries CE. It mentions Nag kings ruling in Mathura, Kantipuri, Padmavati, and Vidisha. Padmavati (present-day Pawaya) and Kantipuri (present-day Kutwar) are identified as being in the Gwalior region. The author suggests that the Padmavati Purwal Jain sub-caste, which claims descent from the sage Devnandi, likely originated from this region, with Devnandi possibly being a king or his son who converted to Jainism. Archaeological excavations at Pawaya and Kutwar are deemed crucial for understanding Jainism's early status there.
Gopachalgadh and Jain Temples: The history of Jainism in Gwalior fort (Gopachalgadh) is discussed, with the construction of a temple to Vardhaman Mahavir by Ama, son of King Yashodharman of Kannauj, around 750 CE being a significant early event. Archaeological evidence, including sculptures from the 8th and 9th centuries found in various locations around Gwalior, supports the presence of Jain temples and art during this period.
Pratiharas and Tomaras: The article notes that during the Pratihara rule, who made Gopachalgadh their secondary capital, the state generally fostered all religions. There is no evidence of restrictions on Jainism. The subsequent Tomara dynasty, starting with Viramdev (1402-1423 CE), played a crucial role in the resurgence of Jainism. His Jain minister, Kushraj, was instrumental in this revival, and under their patronage, the construction of temples and the copying of ancient Jain texts resumed.
The Role of Merchants and Scholars: The text highlights the significant contributions of Jain merchants and scholars, particularly the poet Raidhu. Merchants like Bilha, Sahdev, and Khelha patronized the construction of Jain idols and commissioned Jain texts. The influence of Bhattaraka Yashahkirti is emphasized for his work in reviving ancient Jain literature. The article points out that Raidhu's writings, often patronized by these merchants, also promoted religious tolerance by finding common ground between Jainism and other faiths.
Later Period and Decline: The article mentions that Gwalior continued to be a center of Jainism under the Tomaras until the early 16th century. However, with the eventual fall of the Tomara kingdom and the rise of Turkic rulers, the fortunes of Jainism in the region began to decline. The destruction of the Jain temple by Iltutmish and the displacement of the Tomara rulers marked a turning point.
Legacy and Call for Research: The author concludes by stressing the importance of remembering the contributions of the Jain community and their spiritual leaders to the cultural and religious landscape of Gwalior and North India. He calls for further research to uncover the lost narratives and bring to light the significant heritage of Jainism in the region. The forgotten efforts of scholars like Bhattaraka Gunakirti and Yashahkirti, and the generous patronage of merchants, deserve recognition and commemoration.

In essence, "Gopadri Devpatane" is a scholarly attempt to reconstruct and highlight the rich but largely overlooked history of Jainism in Gwalior, urging for a deeper appreciation and study of its past.