Hastikundi Ka Itihas - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Hastikundi Ka Itihas" by Sohanlal Patni, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Hastikundi Ka Itihas (The History of Hastikundi) Author: Dr. Sohanlal Patni Publisher: Ratamahavir Tirth Samiti, Hastikundi

Overall Purpose and Significance:

The book aims to shed light on the historically neglected city of Hastikundi, which was a capital of the Rashtrakutas in Rajasthan. The author argues that while other ancient cities like Chandravati have received extensive historical attention, Hastikundi's importance, evidenced by inscriptions and eulogies (like the one by Suryacharya), has been overlooked by historians. The book posits that the Rata Mahavir temple is the sole surviving monument of Hastikundi and thus the history largely revolves around it. The author's goal is to reconstruct the social, cultural, political, economic, and religious life of Hastikundi during the Rashtrakuta period and to encourage further research into the region's historical and cultural heritage.

Key Themes and Findings:

Historical Neglect and Re-evaluation: The preface highlights the injustice done to Hastikundi's history by previous scholars who ignored crucial epigraphic evidence. The author emphasizes the need to re-examine the history of Rajasthani dynasties in light of the inscriptions found at Hastikundi.
The City of Hastikundi:
- Location: Located near Bijapur village, approximately 14 km from Jawai Bandh railway station in Rajasthan.
- Names: Known by names like Hastikundi and Hastitundi. The latter meaning "elephant's mouth," possibly linked to the lion's emblem at the Rata Mahavir temple having an elephant's face. "Hathudi" is its current local name.
- Meaning: "Hastikundi" means "city full of elephants," suggesting a significant presence of elephants, perhaps for military might.
- Capital of Rashtrakutas: The city served as the capital of the Rashtrakutas in this region.
- Remains: The primary surviving monument is the Rata Mahavir temple. Although the city itself is in ruins, remnants of its fortifications can be seen in the Aravalli mountain range. Descriptions mention ancient wells, step-wells (baodis), and ruins of palaces and fortifications, indicative of a large and prosperous city.
Chronology and Political History:
- Early Period: The region was part of the Malwa Republic, later submitting to the Guptas and then falling under the influence of the Huns. Yashodharman's victory over the Huns in the 6th century is mentioned.
- Post-Guptas: The area came under the empire of Harshavardhana and later the Pratiharas.
- Rashtrakuta Influence: The Rashtrakuta rule in this region is believed to have started during the era of Govindaraja III. Hastikundi's rulers, like Harivarma, are thought to have been feudatories of the Rashtrakutas, possibly tasked with guarding against the Parmars of Malwa and Solankis of Gujarat.
- Later Rulers and Decline: After the Rashtrakutas, the area came under Chauhan rule. The invasions of Mahmud of Ghazni (around 1023 AD), who defeated the Chauhan ruler Rampal of Nadol and the Rathore ruler Dattavarma of Hastikundi, and subsequently sacked both cities, contributed to Hastikundi's destruction. Later, the region was under Chauhan control, and eventually, according to some accounts, the Rathore dynasty of Hastikundi ended with Singha Haturia Rathore.
The Rata Mahavir Temple and its Inscriptions:
- Ancient Status: The temple and its inscriptions are considered among the oldest Jain temple inscriptions in Rajasthan.
- Inscriptions: Several inscriptions are discussed, notably:
  - Inscription No. 318 (Vikram Samvat 1053): This is a significant inscription detailing the installation of the statue of Lord Rishabhdev by Dhaval Rathore, the renovation of a temple originally built by Vidagdhraja, and provides information about the city's social and economic life. It was written by Suryacharya.
  - Inscription No. 316 (Vikram Samvat 673 & 666): These are believed to be royal decrees from Vidagdhraja and his son Mammat, detailing the temple's maintenance and revenue collection. They mention the Rashtrakuta rulers' patronage of Jainism.
  - Other Inscriptions: Mentions of inscriptions from 1015, 1048, 1122, 1335, 1336, 1345, and 1346 Vikram Samvat, providing further historical details and mentioning rulers and events.
- Temple's Main Deity: The inscriptions suggest a transition in the main deity of the temple. While an inscription from 673 VS mentions the temple as a "Mahavir temple," the 1053 VS inscription clearly states the installation of Lord Rishabhdev. The book theorizes that the temple might have been originally dedicated to Mahavir and later underwent renovation and installation of Rishabhdev, with the name "Rata Mahavir" (Red Mahavir) possibly referring to a later red-colored idol of Mahavir or an evolution of the name.
Prominent Acharyas and Religious Influence:
- The book details the significant role played by Jain monks and acharyas in Hastikundi.
- Key figures mentioned:
  - Acharya Siddhasurishwar: Initiated the construction of the Mahavir temple in 360 VS.
  - Acharya Devguptasurishwar: Provided relief during a famine in 623 VS.
  - Acharya Kakksurishwar VII & VIII: Facilitated religious activities and conversions.
  - Acharya Sarvadevasurishwar: Preached to local rulers, influencing their adoption of Jainism.
  - Acharya Yashobhadrasuri: A prominent figure whose life and achievements are detailed, including his influence on the royal family and the spread of Jainism.
  - Acharya Vasudevasuri (also known as Balibhadrasuri and Keshavasuri): A key figure who established the Hastikundi Gach (sect) and played a crucial role in the temple's history and the propagation of Jainism.
  - Acharya Shantisurishwar: Mentioned in connection with the installation of Rishabhdev in 1053 VS.
  - Acharya Vijayvallabhsurishwarji: A modern-era acharya who oversaw the major renovation and consecration of the Rata Mahavir temple in 2006 VS, and whose legacy is honored in the area.
Social and Economic Life:
- Jainism as State Religion: The inscriptions suggest that Jainism was the state religion or at least highly patronized by the ruling Rathores of Hastikundi, with rulers like Vidagdhraja and his successors embracing Jainism.
- Donations and Patronage: Royal families and wealthy individuals were generous donors, contributing to the construction and maintenance of temples and religious institutions. Royal decrees ensured the protection of temple wealth.
- Trade and Taxation: The inscriptions reveal a well-structured economic system with regulations on trade, agricultural produce, and local industries. Taxes were levied on various goods and services, contributing to the royal treasury and public works.
- Architecture and Urban Planning: The city was well-planned with forts, palaces, and numerous temples and step-wells, showcasing advanced architectural skills.
- Social Conduct: The text implies a society that valued morality and religious observance, with rulers setting examples of righteous conduct and generosity. Women were adorned and enjoyed a sense of security.
Renovation and Modern Relevance:
- The book details the significant renovation of the Rata Mahavir temple in Vikram Samvat 2006 (1949 AD) under the guidance of Acharya Vijayvallabhsurishwarji.
- The current management and development of the temple site are also discussed, highlighting contributions from various individuals and organizations.
- The author calls for the Indian government's archaeological department to excavate the site to uncover more of Hastikundi's past glory.

Conclusion:

"Hastikundi Ka Itihas" is a scholarly endeavor to revive the history of a significant but overlooked Jain site. By meticulously analyzing ancient inscriptions and traditions, Dr. Sohanlal Patni reconstructs the rich past of Hastikundi, its rulers, its religious landscape, and its societal structure, emphasizing the enduring legacy of Jainism in the region through the Rata Mahavir temple. The book serves as a testament to the importance of epigraphic evidence in historical research and a call for the preservation and further exploration of such historical treasures.