Gujaratna Aetihasik Lekho Bhag 01

The book "Gujaratna Aetihasik Lekho Bhag 01" (Historical Inscriptions of Gujarat, Part 1) edited by Girjashankar Vallabhji Acharya, published by The Forbes Gujarati Sabha, is a significant compilation of historical inscriptions and writings related to Gujarat, spanning from ancient times to the end of the Vaghela dynasty. This summary aims to capture the essence and scope of the book based on the provided pages.

Overall Purpose and Scope:

The primary objective of this publication, as stated in the foreword by H.V. Divatia, Honorary Secretary of The Forbes Gujarati Sabha, is to present a collection of historical inscriptions, copperplates, and other writings pertinent to Gujarat's history. The compilation is meticulously edited and annotated by Mr. G.V. Acharya, the Curator of the Archeological Section at the Prince of Wales Museum, Bombay. The book is intended to be a valuable resource for historical research and aims to facilitate the widespread dissemination of Gujarati literature and history at an affordable cost.

Key Features and Content:

• Historical Focus: The book covers Gujarat's history from ancient times up to the conclusion of the Vaghela dynasty.
• Compilation of Inscriptions: It primarily focuses on collecting and presenting various historical inscriptions, which are crucial primary sources for understanding the political, social, religious, and economic conditions of ancient and medieval Gujarat.
• Editorial Rigor: The inscriptions are carefully edited and annotated by a learned scholar, Mr. G.V. Acharya, indicating a commitment to academic accuracy and depth.
• Nurturing Literature and History: The Forbes Gujarati Sabha has a definite program to publish works related to Gujarat's history and literature. This book is a significant part of that program, alongside other published works like "Prabandha Chintamani," "Chaturvinshati Prabandha," treatises on religious sects, and ongoing projects like the translation of a Hindi historical poem and a study on Buddhism's influence on Gujarati literature.
• Accessibility: The Sabha has a policy to offer its publications at half price to educational institutions and libraries to promote literature and learning, demonstrating a commitment to making historical knowledge accessible.
• Content Highlighted: The book specifically includes inscriptions related to:
  • Mauryan Dynasty: Featuring the edicts of King Ashoka, including detailed descriptions and translations of the first thirteen edicts found on the Girnar rock.
  • Kshatrapa Dynasty: Inscriptions from the time of rulers like Damana, Rudrasimha, and Rudrasena.
  • Gupta Dynasty: Inscriptions related to the Gupta rulers like Skandagupta.
  • Valabhi Dynasty: Various copperplate grants and inscriptions of rulers like Dronasingha I, Dhruvasena I, and others.
  • Other Dynasties: The index also indicates inscriptions from the Traikūṭaka, Kalachuri, and Chalukya dynasties, among others.
• Comprehensive Index: The book includes a detailed index of the collected inscriptions, specifying the content, year of publication, and current location, which is invaluable for researchers.
• Foreword and Preface: The foreword by H.V. Divatia and the preface by the author, Girjashankar Vallabhji Acharya, provide context, outline the historical journey of the compilation, and acknowledge the challenges faced during its creation, including personal health issues and unfortunate accidents.
• Socio-Cultural Insight: The inscriptions offer insights into the religious practices (mentioning the presence of Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Shakta sects), administrative divisions, social customs, and geographical information of Gujarat during different periods. The translation of Ashoka's edicts, for instance, reveals his principles of governance and welfare.
• Linguistic and Paleographic Importance: The book serves as a repository of ancient Prakrit and Sanskrit inscriptions, contributing to the study of linguistic evolution and paleography in Gujarat.
• Catalog Link and Publisher Information: The provided catalog link (jainqq.org/explore/034505/1) and publisher details (The Forbes Gujarati Sabha, Bombay) establish the source and accessibility of the text.

Author's Perspective (from Preface):

The author, Girjashankar Vallabhji Acharya, shares the genesis of this work, which originated from the idea of his late colleague, Ranjitram Vavabhai Mehta, to collect historical sources of Gujarat. Acharya Acharya himself faced significant personal challenges, including illness and an accident, which delayed the project. Despite these setbacks, the completion of the first volume reflects a deep commitment to historical research and a desire to make these vital inscriptions accessible to the public. He also acknowledges the possibility of missing inscriptions and welcomes collaboration from scholars.

In essence, "Gujaratna Aetihasik Lekho Bhag 01" is a foundational work for anyone interested in the early history of Gujarat. It provides direct access to primary source material, meticulously presented and contextualized, offering a window into the region's rich past.