Gwalior Evam Uske Nikatvarti Kshetro Me Sthit Jain Sanskrutik Kendra

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Gwalior evam uske Nikatvarti Kshetro me Sthit Jain Sanskrutik Kendra" by Dr. V. V. Lal:

This book, focusing on Jain cultural centers in and around Gwalior, highlights the region's rich historical and archaeological significance as a hub of Jainism. Dr. V. V. Lal emphasizes that Jain culture, also known as Shraman culture, is one of India's oldest and has left a deep imprint on the northern and central parts of the country.

Key Themes and Locations Discussed:

• Gwalior and its Surroundings as a Rich Archaeological Zone: The book asserts that Gwalior and its surrounding areas are exceptionally rich in Jain archaeological remains, including numerous tirths (pilgrimage sites), temples, and sculptures. This abundance is attributed to the extensive travels and preachings of Jain Tirthankaras and ascetics across India, who promoted an अहिंसात्मक (non-violent) lifestyle.

• Pawayya (Padmavati): Identified as the ancient city of Padmavati mentioned in the Vedas, Pawayya (near Dabra in Gwalior district) is considered one of the oldest settlements in the region. Archaeological findings here provide evidence of Jainism's widespread presence. A particularly unique sculpture found here depicts a person carrying a meditating nude figure on their head, suggesting its Jain origin.

• Sihonia (District Morena): Described as an ancient historical city, Sihonia's historical name was Krantikpuri, the capital of Naga rulers. Archaeological remains from the 1st to 15th centuries are abundant, with many related to Jainism. The monumental Chaitranath idol group, built during the reign of the Tomar king Veerdev of Gwalior, is still preserved and bears an inscription from 1410 CE.

• Duvkund (District Morena): Located in the Sheopur tehsil of Morena district, Duvkund is another ancient center of Jain culture with remnants of many ancient Jain sculptures. An inscription from 1088 CE indicates that Jain scholars received patronage from the Kachchhapghat kings of the region. An inscription from 1095 CE mentions the worship of the paduka (footprints) of Acharya Shri Devsen of the Kashth Sangh.

• Sonagiri (Siddhakshetra Swarnagiri): Situated three miles from Datia station, Sonagiri is a significant pilgrimage site. The village name, Sanawal, is believed to be a corrupted form of "Shramanachal," meaning a prominent center of Shraman culture. Jain texts mention it as a significant place of practice for Jain ascetics, with approximately 5.5 crore ascetics attaining salvation here. The site features 77 temples on the hill and 16 grand temples at the base. The temple of Tirthankar Chandraprabhu at the summit is particularly important. The idol of Tirthankar Chandraprabhu here is believed to be the oldest and was installed around 300 CE. An inscription indicates the temple's construction in 335 Vikrama Samvat. The site also boasts an archaeological museum with ancient Jain idols dating back to 300 CE and remnants of Samavasharana.

• Narwar (District Shivpuri): Considered to have been established by Nala during the Nal-Damayanti era, Narwar was historically known as Nalpur. Many Jain temples and sculptures have been found here, with inscriptions dating back to the reigns of kings like Yajvapal, Gopaldev, and Asalladev, who contributed significantly to the development of art. During the 13th and 14th centuries, Jainism saw considerable spread in Narwar and its surrounding areas. Numerous Jain idols with inscriptions have been found here, and most inscriptions from the Yājñapāla kings were composed by Jain monks.

• Chanderi (District Guna): Chanderi and Tumain in the Guna district were important centers of Jain art. Chanderi has many ancient and grand Jain temples, and numerous stone sculptures from this period have been found, depicting Tirthankaras, goddesses, and other figures, many with inscriptions. The establishment of Chanderi occurred around 1400 CE. Shri Bhattarak Devendra Kirti and his successors played a crucial role in spreading Jainism in the region.

• Gwalior City Itself: Gwalior city is also identified as an ancient center of Jain culture. Evidence suggests a Jain temple existed on Gwalior Fort in the 11th century. Beyond the fort, ancient idols and remains are found in the surrounding areas, including those in the village of Saujana (Suhjana) near the Tighra dam. While Jain culture's spread might have seen a slight decline during the Kachchhapghat rule, it experienced significant and unprecedented growth under the Tomar kings in the 14th-15th centuries. The rock-cut cave temples and massive Tirthankar idol groups around Gwalior Fort are unique achievements of monumental archaeology. The idol of Adinath at Urvai Gate is the largest in this region of central India. The rock-cut cave temples and large idol clusters on stone baolis (stepwells) are unparalleled nationally.

• Need for Preservation and Research: The author concludes by lamenting the lack of attention from patrons of Jain culture towards preserving and promoting this vast ancient heritage. He stresses the urgent need for conservation and collection of these artifacts, suggesting that enough material exists to establish a national-level museum. He also advocates for the establishment of a dedicated research institute to study this ancient culture and contribute to the broader knowledge of Indian culture. The author expresses hope that some individuals will come forward to highlight this region's ancient and glorious past during the 2500th Mahavir Nirvana Mahotsav.

In essence, the book provides a detailed account of the significant presence and influence of Jain culture and architecture in the Gwalior region, identifying key historical sites and underscoring the imperative for their preservation and further scholarly investigation.