Gujaratni Asmita

Certainly! Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Gujaratni Asmita" by Nandlal B Devluk, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Gujaratni AsmBita (The Essence of Gujarat) Author: Nandlal B Devluk Publisher: Yogesh Advertising Service, Bhavnagar

This multi-volume, comprehensive work, "Gujaratni Asmita," is a monumental cultural and historical reference book dedicated to the rich heritage and identity of Gujarat. Edited by Nandlal B Devluk and published by Yogesh Advertising Service, Bhavnagar, it aims to be an encyclopedic repository of Gujarat's multifaceted culture, history, and traditions.

Scope and Content:

The book's extensive table of contents reveals an ambitious undertaking to cover virtually every aspect of Gujarat's "Asmita" (Essence or Identity). It delves into:

• Geography and Environment: The text acknowledges the natural advantages and potential challenges of Gujarat, including water scarcity.
• Historical Periods: It explores Gujarat's history from prehistoric times, through the ancient Vedic period, the Solanki era, Muslim rule, the Mughal empire, the Maratha period, and the British Raj, concluding with independent Gujarat. Key cities like Ahmedabad are given detailed historical treatment.
• Places of Pilgrimage and Spirituality: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to cataloging and describing numerous religious sites, temples, and pilgrimage destinations across Gujarat, encompassing Jain, Hindu, and other traditions. This includes detailed accounts of famous temples and pilgrimage spots like Somnath, Dwarka, Taranga, Ambaji, Shatrunjaya, Girnar, Palitana, Modhera's Sun Temple, and the various sites along the Narmada river. The Jain heritage is particularly highlighted with mentions of Jain temples and pilgrimage sites.
• Culture and Traditions: The book extensively covers various facets of Gujarati culture, including:
  • Languages and Dialects: It discusses the development and regional variations of the Gujarati language and its dialects.
  • Literature: It explores Gujarati literature from its ancient origins to modern times, including the works of prominent poets, writers, and scholars like Narsinh Mehta, Meerabai, Akho, Premanand, Shamlaji, Dyalram, Narmad, Dalpatram, Ramanlal Desai, Kant, Kalapi, and Muni Jina. It also touches upon Jain devotional poetry.
  • Arts and Crafts: The text highlights Gujarat's rich artistic traditions, including painting (wall paintings, miniature paintings), sculpture (wood carving, specifically mentioning 'Nejvan'), embroidery, and various folk art forms.
  • Music and Dance: It discusses the evolution of music and dance in Gujarat, mentioning classical music, folk music, Ras Garba, Bhajans, and tribal dances.
  • Social Customs and Lifestyle: The book sheds light on social customs, rituals, festivals, fairs (like the Tarneitar fair), marriage traditions, and the characteristics of different communities and castes within Gujarat.
  • Notable Personalities: It profiles significant figures from Gujarat's history and cultural landscape – saints, poets, scholars, political leaders, industrialists, doctors, and social reformers. Figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Morarji Desai, Hitendra Desai, Balwantrai Mehta, Jashwant Mehta, and various religious leaders are mentioned.
  • Economic Development: It touches upon Gujarat's economic growth, including industries, trade, cooperative movements, and mineral resources.
  • Natural Heritage: The book also acknowledges Gujarat's natural beauty, including its wildlife (Gir lions, wild asses in Kutch), bird sanctuaries, rivers (Narmada, Tapi, Mahi), and forests.
  • Jain Heritage: Given the context of the publisher and catalog, it's evident that the Jain contribution to Gujarat's culture, temples, and intellectual life is a significant aspect covered within the broader scope of the work.

Overall Theme and Purpose:

"Gujaratni Asmita" is a patriotic endeavor to document and celebrate the identity and cultural richness of Gujarat. It aims to serve as a valuable resource for future generations, inspiring pride in their heritage and providing a comprehensive understanding of what makes Gujarat unique. The book emphasizes the harmonious blend of different cultures and traditions that have shaped Gujarat's resilient and vibrant "Asmita." The forewords by various ministers and dignitaries of the Gujarat government at the time of its publication (around 1970) underscore the book's importance as a cultural reference.

In essence, "Gujaratni Asmita" is a comprehensive tribute to the land of Gujarat, encompassing its geographical expanse, historical journey, religious sanctity, diverse cultural expressions, and the indelible spirit of its people.