Hemchandracharya

This is a summary of the Jain text "Hemchandracharya" by Motichand Girdharlal Kapadia, based on the provided pages. The book is a detailed biography and analysis of the life and works of Acharya Hemchandracharya, a prominent Jain scholar and reformer.

Overall Scope:

The book aims to present a comprehensive account of Acharya Hemchandracharya's life, his influential role in Jainism and Gujarati history, and the scholarly evaluation of his works. It draws heavily on various historical texts and analyses the methodology of Western scholars in studying Jain history.

Key Themes and Content:

1. Introduction and Purpose (Pages 3-5):

   • The book is a Gujarati translation of an English work, which itself was a translation of a German article about Hemchandracharya.
   • It highlights the importance of "Kathaanug" (narrative literature) in Jain tradition and how Jain acharyas enriched it.
   • The primary goal is to introduce revered figures of Jainism through historical accounts and foster unity within the Jain community.
   • Hemchandracharya is presented as an extraordinary figure, revered in history and literature for his all-encompassing genius. He was a skilled diplomat, a profound scholar, and an influential personality in literature and governance.
   • The book claims to present a chronological biography of Hemchandracharya, possibly for the first time in such detail.
   • The author, Motichand Girdharlal Kapadia, prepared this work based on his father's jail sentence, translating an original English text. The publisher, Seth Devchand Damji Kundalakar, supported its publication.

2. The Influence of Dr. Buhler and Western Scholarship (Pages 6-10):

   • The text acknowledges the significant contribution of Dr. Buhler, who published an essay on "Hemchandra's Life" in a German magazine in 1889.
   • The author elaborates on translating this German essay into English and then into Gujarati during his imprisonment.
   • The book emphasizes the need for further research into Jain archaeology and antiquities, particularly those mentioned in German literature.
   • It details the various historical sources used by Dr. Buhler for his analysis, including:
     • Prabhavakcharitra by Prabhachandrasuri (circa 1249 AD)
     • Prabandhachintamani by Merutunga Acharya (1305-1306 AD)
     • Prabandhakosha by Rajasekhara Suri (1348-1349 AD)
     • Kumarpalcharitra by Jinmandana (1435-1436 AD)
   • It also references Hemchandracharya's own works like Dvyashraya, Kumarpalcharitra, and Mahavircharitra (part of Trishashthishalakapurushcharitra).
   • The text discusses the critical approach of Buhler, his use of primary sources, and his method of presenting historical facts. It notes that Buhler's conclusions are not necessarily final and that he sometimes shows bias or over-criticizes certain aspects.
   • A particular point of discussion is Buhler's views on child initiation in Jainism, referencing his research and its potential implications. The author states his intention to provide a more detailed discussion in a future, more comprehensive biography of Hemchandracharya.
   • The author praises the meticulous approach of Western scholars in citing sources, analyzing texts, and leaving room for further discussion, contrasting it with potential limitations in contemporary Gujarati scholarship.

3. Analysis of Primary Sources (Pages 14-24):

   • The book examines various historical works that detail Hemchandracharya's life, critiquing their content and historical accuracy.
   • It mentions early attempts by Western scholars like H. H. Wilson and K. Forbes. Forbes' Ras Mala is discussed, noting its reliance on Prabandhachintamani and its inclusion of legends.
   • The impact of the discovery of Jain manuscripts from Western India on Hemchandra's history is highlighted, leading to the identification of works like Prabhavakcharitra, Prabandhakosha, and various Kumarpalcharitras.
   • A critical comparison of sources like Prabhavakcharitra and Prabandhachintamani is made, pointing out their differences and occasional contradictions.
   • The role of Prabandhakosha as a potential complement to Prabandhachintamani is discussed.
   • Kumarpalcharitra by Jinmandana is described as a compilation of earlier works, attempting to reconcile conflicting accounts and offering detailed narratives.
   • The author emphasizes the need to critically evaluate these sources, considering their authors' intentions, biases, and reliance on oral traditions or legends.
   • The distinction between "Charitra" (lives of Tirthankaras and ancient kings) and "Prabandha" (lives of prominent religious figures) is explained.
   • The author acknowledges the challenges in assessing the historical value of these works due to their narrative nature, potential exaggerations, and dependence on oral traditions.

4. Hemchandracharya's Early Life and Initiation (Pages 25-39):

   • The book details Hemchandracharya's birthplace (Dhandhuka), his parents (Pahini and Chachig, belonging to the Vanik community), and his birth year (1145 Vikram Samvat).
   • It recounts the story of his mother Pahini's dream and its interpretation by Sadhu Devachandra, predicting a significant future for her son.
   • The narrative describes how young Changdev (Hemchandracharya's given name) was offered for initiation to Sadhu Devachandra.
   • Different accounts from Prabhavakcharitra, Prabandhachintamani, and Prabandhakosha regarding his initiation are presented, highlighting variations in the details.
   • The author analyzes these accounts, particularly the role of Devachandra, the circumstances of his mother's consent, and the name change to Somachandra (and later Hemachandra).
   • The initiation ceremony at Stambhatirtha (modern Khambhat) is described, including the involvement of Udayana, a prominent minister.
   • The author critically examines the details, questioning the exact timing and location of the initiation based on the sources.

5. Hemchandra and King Jayasingh Siddharaja (Pages 40-58):

   • This section details Hemchandracharya's entry into the court of King Jayasingh Siddharaja of Gujarat.
   • It describes Jayasingh as a powerful and cultured ruler, a patron of literature, and an ambitious conqueror.
   • Various accounts of Hemchandra's first meeting with Jayasingh are presented, including the famous anecdote where Hemchandra impressed the king with his poetic talent.
   • The author critically evaluates these narratives, suggesting that while the initial encounter might be legendary, Hemchandra's eventual influence on Jayasingh is historically significant.
   • The commission to write a new grammar, Siddha-Hemachandra, is discussed, highlighting Jayasingh's desire for a comprehensive and accessible grammar, and the king's support in acquiring necessary manuscripts from Kashmir.
   • The structure and content of Siddha-Hemachandra are briefly mentioned, along with its subsequent widespread dissemination.
   • The author discusses the possible motivations behind Jayasingh's patronage, including his intellectual curiosity and desire to emulate earlier patrons like King Bhoja.
   • The text touches upon the political context of Jayasingh's reign and his military campaigns.

6. Hemchandra and King Kumarpala (Pages 76-148):

   • This extensive section details Hemchandracharya's relationship with Kumarpala, Jayasingh's successor.
   • It explores the conflicting accounts of how Hemchandra met Kumarpala and influenced his conversion to Jainism.
   • The author analyzes the narratives from Prabhavakcharitra, Prabandhachintamani, Prabandhakosha, and Kumarpalcharitra, highlighting their discrepancies and mythological elements.
   • The narrative of Kumarpala's exile and Hemchandra's prophecies regarding his future kingship is examined.
   • The author critically assesses the accounts of Kumarpala's adoption of Jainism, discussing the role of ministers like Udayana and Vagbhata.
   • Hemchandra's strategic approach in influencing Kumarpala, by initially aligning with his existing beliefs (like Shaivism) and gradually introducing Jain principles, is analyzed.
   • The book details the reforms introduced by Kumarpala under Hemchandra's guidance, including the prohibition of animal sacrifice, the ban on alcohol and gambling, the emphasis on vegetarianism, and the legal reforms regarding inheritance.
   • The construction of Jain temples, particularly the Kumara-vihara, and the royal patronage of Jainism are discussed.
   • The author also notes Kumarpala's continued adherence to certain Hindu practices, highlighting the syncretic nature of religious influences during that period.
   • The section includes detailed discussions on the timing of Kumarpala's conversion and Hemchandra's death, based on the analysis of various historical sources.
   • The numerous legends and miracles associated with Hemchandra and Kumarpala are presented and critically examined for their historical basis.

7. Hemchandracharya's Literary Works (Pages 149-228 - Notes):

   • The footnotes provide detailed references and critical analyses of the sources used in the main text.
   • They discuss the dating of various texts like Prabhavakcharitra, Prabandhachintamani, and Kumarpalcharitra.
   • The author provides critical commentary on the historical accuracy, biases, and mythological elements present in these sources.
   • Specific works of Hemchandracharya are mentioned, including Siddha-Hemachandra (grammar), Dvyashraya Mahakavya (historical epic), Abhidhanachintamani (lexicon), Anekaarthasangraha (synonym lexicon), Alankar Chudamani (poetics), Chhndanushasan (prosody), and Yogashastra.
   • The author also discusses the scholarly debates and historical inconsistencies found in different versions of these accounts, and the challenges in establishing precise historical timelines.
   • The analysis of Hemchandra's works highlights his diverse knowledge and his contribution to grammar, poetry, law, and philosophy.
   • The footnotes also offer insights into the lives of Hemchandra's disciples and their contributions.

Concluding Remarks:

The book emphasizes the enduring legacy of Acharya Hemchandracharya as a pivotal figure who shaped Jain tradition and influenced the cultural and political landscape of Gujarat. It encourages further research and appreciation of his multifaceted contributions. The later pages include advertisements for Jain institutions and Ayurvedic medicines, reflecting the context of the book's publication.