Indian Antiquary Vol 06

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on its content and significance, while acknowledging the volume's broader scope:

Title: The Indian Antiquary, A Journal of Oriental Research, Vol. VI. (1877) Author: Edited by Jas. Burgess Publisher: Swati Publications (reprint) Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/032498/1

Overall Scope: The Indian Antiquary, Volume VI., is a collection of diverse scholarly articles on various aspects of Oriental research in 1877. While the title suggests a focus on Indian antiquities generally, the included content contains significant material related to Jainism, particularly in the form of epigraphic studies and discussions of historical and cultural practices. The journal features contributions from numerous respected scholars of the time, covering archaeology, history, literature, languages, philosophy, religion, and folklore.

Key Themes and Content:

1. Epigraphy and Inscriptions: A substantial portion of the volume is dedicated to the transcription, translation, and analysis of ancient inscriptions, particularly copper-plate grants. This includes:

   • Sanskrit and Old Canarese Inscriptions: A series by J. F. Fleet (Bo. C.S.) deciphers and analyzes inscriptions from various dynasties, including the Kadambas and Western Chalukyas. These inscriptions are crucial for reconstructing early Indian dynastic histories and providing detailed information about land grants, religious endowments, and administrative practices.
   • Three Mâlwa Inscriptions: Articles by Nilakantha Janârdan Kirtane detail grants from kings like Vâkpati Raja Deva and Bhoja Raja of Dhâr, offering insights into the history of the Malwa region and the genealogies of its rulers.
   • Valabhi Grants: G. Bühler presents further analysis of these important inscriptions, shedding light on the rulers of Valabhi and their relationship with Buddhist monasteries.
   • Inscriptions from the Caves of Junnar: Various inscriptions found in the Buddhist caves at Junnar are transcribed and translated by Professor H. Kern, offering insights into Buddhist ritual, monastic life, and the dating of these rock-cut structures.
   • New Edicts of Asoka: G. Bühler's crucial work identifies and interprets three new edicts of Asoka, which help fix the chronology of Buddhism in India and shed light on Asoka's personal religious journey.
   • Kadamba Grants: A series of inscriptions from the Kadamba dynasty, found in the Belgaum district, are meticulously analyzed by J. F. Fleet, providing details about their rulers, their relationship to Jainism, and the early history of the Kadamba lineage.

2. Historical and Cultural Studies:

   • Historical Sketch of the Hill Fortress of Pawagadh: Major J. W. Watson provides a detailed historical account of the strategic fort of Pawagadh in Gujarat, its sieges, and the lineage of its rulers, connecting it to significant historical events in Gujarat.
   • Notes on the Muharram Festival: W. F. Sinclair observes the similarities between Muharram practices and Hindu religious processions, offering an interesting comparative cultural analysis.
   • Explorations at Korkei and Kayal: Rev. Dr. R. Caldwell discusses his archaeological explorations in South India, identifying Korkei with the ancient Greek Kolkhoi and Kayal with Marco Polo's Cael, and analyzing the geological reasons for their abandonment.
   • The Ancient Nāgari Numerals: Pandit Bhagvânlâl Indraji presents a groundbreaking theory on the origin of these numerals, arguing that they are derived from Sanskrit syllables, a view supported by G. Bühler.
   • Paper-making in the Himalayas: The late Charles Horne's observations on paper-making from the Daphne plant are included, offering practical and historical information about this craft.

3. Jain Content:

   • Kadamba Inscriptions: Several Kadamba inscriptions explicitly mention grants made to Jain temples and Arhats (Jain saints), indicating the presence and patronage of Jainism during the Kadamba period.
   • Valabhi Grants: The inscriptions mention grants to Buddhist monasteries, but the broader context of religious patronage in ancient India often involved multiple faiths, and the study of these inscriptions contributes to understanding the religious landscape where Jainism also flourished.
   • Buddhist Caves at Junnar: While primarily focused on Buddhism, the discussion of architectural styles and the comparative analysis with other monastic sites indirectly contributes to the broader understanding of religious architecture in ancient India, a field in which Jainism also made significant contributions.
   • The term 'Jina': The inscriptions of the Kadamba kings use the term 'Jinendra' and 'Jinasana' when referring to Jain saints and temples, directly linking these historical records to Jainism.
   • Ancient Nāgari Numerals: The discussion on the origin of Nāgari numerals touches upon their use in both Buddhist and Jaina manuscripts, highlighting the interconnectedness of Indic scripts and their adoption across different religious traditions.

Significance of the Volume: The Indian Antiquary, Vol. VI., is a pivotal publication for understanding the state of Oriental research in the late 19th century. It showcases the meticulous work of scholars in epigraphy, linguistics, and history, providing primary source material (inscriptions) and critical analysis that formed the bedrock for future scholarship on ancient India. The inclusion of diverse articles demonstrates the journal's commitment to a holistic approach to Oriental studies. For Jain studies, it offers direct access to early epigraphic evidence that confirms the historical presence and patronage of Jainism during significant periods of Indian history, particularly during the reign of the Kadamba dynasty.

In summary, while not exclusively a Jain text, Volume VI. of the Indian Antiquary contains valuable epigraphic evidence and historical discussions that are highly relevant to the study of Jainism's historical footprint in ancient India.