Gujaratno Itihas

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Gujaratno Itihas" (History of Gujarat), based on the provided Gujarati text:

Book Title: Gujaratno Itihas (History of Gujarat) Author: Maulana Saiyad Abu Jafar Nadvi Publisher: Gujarat Vidyasabha, Ahmedabad Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/032051/1 Translated by: Dr. Tuhai R. Nayak

This book, the eleventh in the Memon Haji Suleman Shahmohamed Lodhiya Granthamala, offers a detailed history of Gujarat, covering the period "from the world of Aryans to the attacks of Muslims." It was translated from Urdu by Dr. Tuhai R. Nayak, Professor of Persian at M. J. Vidyabhavan.

The book is presented as the first part of a multi-volume history. The author, Maulana Saiyad Abu Jafar Nadvi, an Arabic professor at M. J. Vidyabhavan, was approached in 1921 by members of the Archaeology Department at Gujarat Rashtriya Vidyapeeth, Ahmedabad. They intended to compile a comprehensive history of Gujarat based on various languages and sources. Nadvi was entrusted with the Islamic language aspects and began collecting material, corresponding with renowned authors from India, Arabia, Syria, and Constantinople. Though the project faced financial difficulties in 1928, Nadvi felt compelled to complete the history, noting the lack of a comprehensive Urdu history of Gujarat.

Key features and content of Volume 1, Part 1 (Introduction):

• Geographical Description: The book begins with a detailed account of Gujarat's geography, including its boundaries, population (estimated at 1 crore, with 17 lakh Muslims), area (74,000 sq miles), coastline, gulfs, peninsulas, islands, mountains, rivers, lakes, deserts, climate, and seasons. It also touches upon rainfall patterns and hill stations.
• Rivers: Six major rivers are described with their origins and mouths: Saraswati, Banas, Sabarmati, Mahi, Narmada (Reva), and Tapi.
• Mountains: A list of significant mountains in Gujarat is provided, including Abu, Vindhyachal, Jamil, Barada, Siddhachal (Shatrunjaya), Idar, Pavagadh, Lunavada, Rajpipla, Chotila, Mandavgadh, Girnar, Arasur, and Satpura.
• Resources and Industries: The text details Gujarat's agricultural produce (sugarcane, fennel, tobacco, opium, roses, etc.), fruits (sitaphal, jamphal, grapes, apples, mangoes, melons, etc.), minerals (gold, agate, marble, iron, lead, manganese, mica, saltpeter, salt), and industries (textiles, paper, soap, agate work, locks, matches, jari and silk fabrics). The significance of Surat for jari work and Patan for Patola silk is highlighted.
• Language and Education: It discusses the progress of the Gujarati language, its various dialects (Surti, Charotri, Kathiyawadi, Kutchi), its grammar, and its literary development, with particular attention to poets like Narasinh Mehta, Mirabai, Bhalan, Akho, Premanand, Shambhalbhat, Prembhat, and Dayanand. It notes the influence of Sanskrit, Marathi, Hindi, and Urdu on Gujarati.
• Religions: A brief mention of the diversity of religions practiced by Gujarat's inhabitants is made, including Hinduism, Islam, Parsiism, Christianity, Judaism, Jainism, Buddhism, Arya Samaj, Shaivism, Veerashaivism, Shri Vaishnavism, Swaminarayan sect, Brahmo Samaj, Prarthana Samaj, Kabirpanth, Vallabh Vaishnav, and Ramanandi.
• Political Divisions: The book outlines Gujarat's administrative divisions, noting that it was not a single province but part of the Bombay Presidency, with princely states and agencies. The districts under Bombay government are listed as Ahmedabad, Kheda, Panchmahal, Bharuch, Surat, and Thane (partially in Maharashtra).

Historical Overview (Key periods covered in Volume 1):

• The Age of Hindus:
  • Aryan Rule and Original Name of Gujarat: Discusses the arrival of Aryans and their settlement, and the evolution of the region's name from "Rashtra" to "Laat" and eventually "Gujarat."
  • Yadav Dynasty: Mentions the kingdom of the Yadavs in Dwarka, with Krishna as a prominent figure, and their eventual decline due to infighting and indulgence.
  • Mauryan Dynasty: Covers the reign of the Mauryas, particularly Ashoka, and the discovery of his edicts in Gujarat.
  • Greek Influence: Notes the presence of Greeks as governors and their eventual independence.
  • Kshatraps and Guptas: Briefly touches upon the rule of the Kshatrapas and the powerful Gupta dynasty.
  • Trikutaka Dynasty: Mentions their rule from around 250-450 AD.
  • Gurjar People: Discusses the migration of the Gurjars from Central Asia and their settlement, leading to the eventual naming of Gujarat.
  • Maher Dynasty: Their migration from Iran and rule in Saurashtra.
  • Chalukya Dynasty: Covers their rule in Gujarat from 610-740 AD, with rulers like Jayasingh Varma and Pulkeshi Janashraya.
  • Valabhi Kingdom: A significant portion is dedicated to the history of Valabhi, its rulers (Bhatark, Dhruvasena, Shiladitya, etc.), its geographical location, its destruction (discussing various theories including Arab attacks and internal conflict), and its economic prosperity.
  • Rashtrakutas: Their influence in Gujarat from 743-974 AD, including their internal struggles and interactions with the Gurjar and Chalukya kingdoms.
  • Chavda Dynasty: Details the rise of Vanraj Chavda and the founding of Anhilwad (Patan), covering significant events and challenges.
  • Solanki Dynasty: Begins with Mulraj Solanki, his conquest of Gujarat, his patronage of Brahmins, and his conflicts. It then moves on to Bhimdeva I, his defeat by Mahmud of Ghazni, and his subsequent efforts to restore his kingdom. It also covers Karna Solanki and his reign.
  • Vaghela Dynasty: Traces the lineage from the Solankis, with details on Arnoraj, Lavanprasad, Viradhawal, Vishaldev, Arjunadev, Sarangdev, and the last ruler Karan Vaghela.
• Muslim Invasions:
  • Arab Relations with India: Discusses the early trade relations between Arabs and India, highlighting Gujarat's role as a key port.
  • Early Arab Arrivals: Mentions the early Arab travelers and their accounts.
  • Mahmud of Ghazni: Details Mahmud's campaigns into India, particularly his attack on Somnath, the destruction of the temple, and the reasons behind his invasion, exploring various historical perspectives and refuting purely religious motivations. It analyzes the strategic and economic reasons behind the Somnath campaign.
  • Muhammad bin Qasim's Conquest of Sindh: Briefly mentions this event as a precursor to further Muslim influence.
  • Ghori Dynasty and their Attacks: Covers the invasions of Muhammad Ghori and his general Qutb al-Din Aibak, their battles, and their eventual conquest of parts of Gujarat. It discusses the reasons for Ghori's initial defeat.
  • Qutb al-Din Aibak: His role in establishing Muslim rule in North India and his interactions with Gujarat.
  • Sultan Ghiyasuddin Balban: His reign and impact on the region.

Key themes and aspects highlighted:

• Synthesis of Sources: The author emphasizes the use of various historical texts in Persian, Arabic, Urdu, Gujarati, English, Sanskrit, and Chinese to provide a comprehensive account.
• Cultural and Linguistic Influences: The book explores the impact of various cultures and languages (Persian, Arabic, Portuguese, English) on Gujarat, particularly on its language and literature.
• Religious Coexistence and Conflict: It touches upon the interplay of different religious communities and their interactions throughout history.
• Debunking Myths: The author critically examines historical narratives, particularly concerning the destruction of Somnath and the motivations of invaders, suggesting political and economic reasons over purely religious ones.
• Social and Economic Conditions: The text provides insights into the daily life, trade, industries, and agricultural practices of the time.
• The Author's Perspective: Nadvi acknowledges the human element in history and invites feedback for future editions, aiming for accuracy and balance.

This first volume of "Gujaratno Itihas" is a scholarly work that aims to provide a factual and detailed history of Gujarat, integrating diverse sources and offering critical analysis of events and rulers.