Hindusthanno Prachin Itihas Uttararddh

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Hindusthanno Prachin Itihas Uttararddh" (Ancient History of Hindusthan, Part Two), translated by Chhotalal Balkrishna Purani:

This book is the Gujarati translation of the fourth edition of Vincent Smith's "A History of India Before the Muhammadan Conquest." The translation was undertaken by Chhotalal Balkrishna Purani, M.A., and published by the Gujarat Vernacular Society in Ahmedabad in Samvat 1991 (1935 CE). The publication was made possible by the Smt. Diwali Bai wife of Shri Prahladji Sevakram Memorial Granthamala Fund, with a donation of Rs. 5000 from their son Induprasad and daughter Kamalalakshmi, intended for publishing books useful to women.

Core Content and Scope:

The book focuses on the history of ancient India, specifically the "Uttararddh" or the latter half of the ancient period. It primarily covers the period from the Gupta Empire up to the Harshavardhana dynasty, and also delves into the history of various kingdoms in North and South India.

Key Eras and Dynasties Covered:

The table of contents and the introductory chapters reveal the following major periods and dynasties discussed:

• The Gupta Empire: Chapters 11 and 12 detail the Gupta Empire, starting from Chandragupta I to Kumaragupta I (roughly 320-455 CE), and continuing with the Gupta Empire and the Hunas (455-606 CE).

  • Chandragupta I: His marriage to Kumaradevi of the Lichchhavi dynasty is highlighted as a significant political event that laid the foundation for a new dynasty. His reign initiated the Gupta Era, starting in 320 CE.
  • Samudragupta: The text describes him as a powerful ruler and a military genius, comparable to Napoleon. His extensive military campaigns, including expeditions to the South, are detailed. His reign is marked by the "Prayashchitta" (Praise inscription) on Ashoka's pillar.
  • Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya): His reign is noted for its territorial expansion, particularly the conquest of Western India, including Malwa and Gujarat, and the defeat of the Sakas (Western Satraps). His era is also linked to the flourishing of literature and arts, with the likely presence of the poet Kalidasa at his court. The text also touches upon the influence of foreign cultures.
  • Kumaragupta I: His reign is mentioned as facing challenges, including the Hun invasions.
  • Skandagupta: He is credited with repelling the Hun invasions, saving the Gupta Empire from immediate destruction. However, later invasions led to the empire's decline.
  • Later Guptas: The text acknowledges the continuation of the Gupta lineage but notes their diminishing power and territorial influence, eventually being overshadowed by local dynasties and the rise of the Hunas.
  • The Hunas: Their invasions and their impact on the Gupta Empire are discussed, particularly in relation to Skandagupta's reign and the subsequent decline.

• Harshavardhana's Reign: Chapter 13 covers the reign of Harsha (606-647 CE), highlighting his military achievements in unifying North India, his administration, his religious tolerance (though with a later leaning towards Buddhism), and his patronage of arts and literature. The accounts of the Chinese travelers Hiuen Tsang and its companion text are crucial sources for this period. The text also notes the presence of the poet Banabhatta in Harsha's court. The significant administrative reforms, the grand religious assemblies, and the rivalry with Pulakeshin II of the Chalukya dynasty are discussed.

• Dynasties of North India: Chapter 14, "North Hindusthan's Medieval Kingdoms (647-1200 CE)," covers the period after Harsha. This section deals with the fragmented political landscape of North India, the rise of various regional powers, the impact of foreign invasions (including the Hunas and later Islamic incursions), and the emergence of influential Rajput clans.

  • The Rajput Clans: The text discusses the origins of Rajput clans, their migration into India, and their eventual assimilation into the Indian socio-political system. It highlights prominent clans like the Gujjars, Parihars, Chauhans, Paramaras, and Chandels.
  • Kanyakubja (Kannauj): The rise and fall of Kannauj as a significant political and cultural center are traced, its importance under Harsha, its subsequent decline, and its capture by various dynasties, including the Gurjara-Pratiharas and later the Gaharwaras.
  • Gahadavalas: Their reign over Kannauj, their rivalry with other Rajput clans, and their eventual defeat by Muhammad Ghori are described.
  • Chauhans (Chahamanas): The prominent rulers like Vigraharaja and Prithviraj Chauhan are discussed, with a focus on their military prowess and the significant defeat of Muhammad Ghori at Tarain in 1191, followed by Prithviraj's defeat and capture in 1192.
  • Chandellas: Their kingdom in Jejakabhukti (Bundelkhand) and their architectural achievements, particularly in Khajuraho, are mentioned.
  • The Influence of Islam: The book touches upon the early stages of Islamic invasions into India, beginning with Muhammad bin Qasim's conquest of Sindh and culminating in the campaigns of Mahmud of Ghazni and Muhammad Ghori, which significantly impacted the political landscape of North India.

• Southern Kingdoms: Chapters 15, 16, and 17 discuss the history of various kingdoms in South India.

  • The Deccan: It covers the period after the Satavahanas, discussing the Kadambas, the early Chalukyas of Vatapi (Badami), and the Rashtrakutas.
  • The Chalukyas: Their rise, expansion under rulers like Pulakeshin II, their rivalry with the Pallavas, and their eventual decline and resurgence under the Chalukyas of Kalyani are detailed.
  • The Rashtrakutas: Their emergence as a major power in the Deccan, their military campaigns, their patronage of arts and religion (including Jainism), and their eventual decline are discussed.
  • The Pallavas: Their origins (possibly foreign or a synthesis of foreign and local elements), their administrative and artistic achievements, their rivalry with the Chalukyas and other southern kingdoms, and their eventual fall are covered.
  • The Tamils: The history of the Tamil kingdoms, including the Pandyas, Cheras, and Cholas, is presented, with a particular focus on the Pandyas' maritime trade and early literature, the Cheras' naval strength, and the Cholas' extensive empire building, naval expeditions, and administrative system. The text highlights the grandeur of the Chola period, particularly under Rajaraja I and Rajendra Chola.
  • The Senas: The rise of the Sena dynasty in Bengal, their patronage of Sanskrit literature, and their eventual overthrow by Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khilji are mentioned.

Methodology and Critical Approach:

The translator, Chhotalal Balkrishna Purani, acknowledges Smith's extensive research but also offers critical observations. He notes that:

• Smith, while a capable historian, was also an imperialist, and his views should be read critically, considering his imperialistic perspective.
• Purani suggests that Smith might not have fully utilized the Puranas and other indigenous sources, which could have provided a more nuanced understanding of dynasties preceding the Guptas (like the Nagas and Vakatakas).
• He also points out potential inaccuracies or oversights in Smith's work, particularly regarding the "dark period" of Indian history from 150 to 300 CE.
• Purani expresses a desire for Indian scholars to undertake the task of writing Indian history, emphasizing the importance of direct engagement with Sanskrit and Pali sources.

Jain Connection:

While the book is a general history of India, its publication by the Gujarat Vernacular Society and the fact that it's presented as a Jain educational resource suggests a potential emphasis or inclusion of Jain perspectives where relevant to the historical narrative, particularly regarding the social and religious conditions of different periods. However, the core content remains a historical account of political dynasties and events.

Overall Significance:

"Hindusthanno Prachin Itihas Uttararddh" aims to provide a detailed historical account of a crucial period in ancient and early medieval India. It covers the rise and fall of major empires like the Guptas and the impact of significant rulers like Samudragupta, Chandragupta II, and Harsha. The book also provides insights into the socio-religious conditions, artistic achievements, and geographical context of these eras, drawing from both primary and secondary sources available at the time of its publication. The translation into Gujarati makes this rich historical narrative accessible to a wider audience in Gujarat.