Gujaratno Rajkiya Ane Sanskritik Itihas Part 08 British Kal - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Gujaratno Rajkiya ane Sanskritik Itihas Part 08 British Kal" by Hariprasad G Shastri and Pravinchandra Chimanlal Parikh, based on the provided pages:

This book, Volume 8 of the "Political and Cultural History of Gujarat" series, covers the British period in Gujarat from 1B18 to 1914. It aims to provide a detailed account of the political and cultural developments during this era, which lasted for approximately 130 years.

Key aspects covered in the book include:

I. Political History:

Introduction and Sources (Chapter 1): The book begins by outlining the various sources used for reconstructing the history of the British period in Gujarat. These include government records, correspondence, gazetteers, contemporary historical texts, inscriptions, coins, newspapers, periodicals, and historical literature. The chapter highlights the shift in importance from traditional sources like inscriptions to newer ones like newspapers and periodicals, reflecting the changing times.
Early British Contacts with Gujarat: It reviews the initial interactions of the British with Gujarat, starting from the establishment of the East India Company in 1600 due to flourishing trade with Europeans and Dutch. The first British ship landed in Surat in 1608, marking the beginning of their presence. The book details the permission granted for trade between 1613-1618 and Surat's role as the headquarters for British commercial outposts.
East India Company's Rule (1818-1858) (Chapter 3): This section chronicles the direct rule of the East India Company over parts of Gujarat, dividing British India in Gujarat into five districts.
The Revolt of 1857 in Gujarat (Chapter 4): It discusses the impact of the 1857 revolt on Gujarat, noting specific events within the region that reflected the broader discontent against British rule. The chapter emphasizes that while the revolt didn't succeed in expelling foreign rule, it led to the transfer of power from the East India Company to the British Crown, ushering in a more responsible form of governance.
Political History of British Gujarat (1858-1914) (Chapter 5): This chapter outlines the second phase of British rule, focusing on the political awakening and rise of nationalism in Gujarat. It notes how, despite being influenced by British rule and Western culture, the people of Gujarat gradually developed a sense of national identity and the courage to oppose the exploitative policies of the British. The introduction of new educational systems and local self-governance institutions further fueled this awakening. However, it contrasts this with the more widespread and potent national awakening spurred by Mahatma Gandhi's return from Africa.
Dominion over Princely States (Chapter 6): This chapter details the increasing influence of British rulers over local princely states. It explains how these states were categorized into seven classes, with their powers significantly controlled. The chapter also introduces the Residencies and Political Agencies in Gujarat, along with the major princely states of mainland Gujarat, Saurashtra, and Kutch.
Governance System (Chapter 7): It reviews the administrative systems in British territories within Gujarat and the governance of local princely states. An appendix in this chapter provides details about the various currencies in circulation in Gujarat between 1818 and 1914, belonging to both the East India Company, the British government, and various princely states.
Political Awakening and Rise of Nationalism (Chapter 8): This section explores the dual impact of British rule: the dominance of British power and the influence of Western culture on one hand, and the gradual development of political awareness and nationalistic sentiment on the other. An appendix to this chapter introduces institutions and organizations that represented this political consciousness.

II. Cultural History:

Social Conditions (Chapter 9): This chapter examines the various facets of societal life, including the prevalent social evils and reform movements. An appendix provides insights into the culture of tribal communities.
Economic Conditions (Chapter 10): It details the economic landscape, highlighting the development brought about by peace and the use of modern technology on one hand, and the decline of indigenous crafts, trade, and commerce due to British exploitative policies on the other. An appendix offers a review of the decline of ports and shipping during that period, providing a clear picture of the downfall. It also discusses the increasing migration and settlement of Indians abroad, with Gujaratis holding a prominent position, as evident from Appendix 2.
Education (Chapter 11): This chapter focuses on the significant changes brought about by British rule in the educational system, particularly noting advancements in teacher training and girls' education. It also covers the development of standard Gujarati language and the role of printing in standardizing the Gujarati script, while acknowledging the persistence of various dialects among the general populace.
Gujarati Language, Dialects, and Script (Chapter 12): This chapter delves into the evolution of the Gujarati language, its various dialects, and the standardization of its script, also influenced by printing technology.
Literature (Chapter 13): It discusses the continuation of medieval literary traditions alongside the development of modern literature spurred by new educational methods. It also highlights the emergence of new literary forms. An appendix discusses the origin and development of printing in Gujarat, and another appendix details the promotion of writing and publication by the education department, Vadodara state, and various educational institutions.
Journalism (Chapter 14): This chapter highlights the emergence and growth of journalism in Gujarat during the British period, recognizing newspapers and periodicals as valuable gifts from Western civilization.
Religious Conditions (Chapter 15): It analyzes the concurrent trends of corruption and reform within religious sects during this period, noting the significant contributions of the Swaminarayan sect and new religious reform movements. It also touches upon the initial clashes between traditional practices and reforms, eventually leading to a synthesis. An addendum discusses the activities of Christian missionaries.

III. Archaeology:

Architecture (Chapter 16): Following the cultural history section, this part of the book presents an archaeological perspective. It discusses the decline of traditional architecture but also the emergence of new trends influenced by Western styles. The contribution of Swaminarayan sect temples to art during this period is particularly noted.
Sculpture (Chapter 17): This chapter focuses on sculptural art.
Painting, Dance, and Music (Chapter 18): The final chapter reviews the old and new trends in painting, dance, and music, with an appendix providing an overview of various indigenous crafts of the period.

Overall, the book provides a comprehensive and structured historical analysis of Gujarat during the British period (up to 1914), covering its political evolution, societal changes, economic conditions, educational advancements, religious transformations, and the development of its literature and art. It acknowledges the limitations of page allocation for a topic as vast as the British period in Gujarat, indicating that further in-depth study and expanded narratives are possible. The book also acknowledges the financial assistance received from the Gujarat State Government for its publication.