Indian Antiquary Vol 47 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on its content and context within the Indian Antiquary, Vol. XLVII (1918):

Overview of the Text:

The provided text is a collection of articles and notes published in the Indian Antiquary, a journal of Oriental research, in 1918. While the title of the book mentions "JainQQ" and links to a Jain exploration, the actual content presented is a compilation of diverse historical and linguistic studies, with only a few articles directly referencing Jainism. The primary focus of the provided pages is on Indian history, archaeology, epigraphy, religion, and linguistics.

Key Themes and Articles:

The collection covers a wide range of topics, with a significant portion dedicated to historical periods and cultural interactions:

Austrian Commercial Venture in India in the Eighteenth Century (Sir R. C. Temple, Bart.): This is a substantial, multi-part article detailing the efforts of Austrian merchants and ships to establish trade in India during the 18th century. It includes correspondence and official records from various British presidencies (Bombay, Fort St. George) and interactions with local Indian rulers and European consuls. The article highlights the challenges faced, diplomatic disputes, and the competitive environment of colonial trade, including a significant incident involving an Austrian ship and its captain, William Bolts.
New Light on the Gupta Era and Mihirakula (K. B. Pathak): This article delves into the complex chronology of the Gupta period in Indian history, specifically focusing on the Gupta era and the reign of Mihirakula. It engages with the interpretations of earlier scholars like Dr. Fleet and Dr. R. G. Bhandarkar, offering a revised chronology based on epigraphic and Jaina textual evidence. The article discusses the conversion of Gupta years to Saka years and provides a genealogical tree of the later Gupta rulers. It also explores the identification of Mihirakula with the tyrant Kalkiraja, drawing parallels between historical accounts and Jaina Puranic narratives.
The Prathara Occupation of Magadha (R. D. Banerji): This article investigates the historical period when the Pratiharas (Gurjara-Pratiharas) occupied the region of Magadha. It uses newly discovered inscriptions from Bihar to refine the timeline of this occupation, analyzing the extent of control by both the Pala dynasty and the Gurjara-Pratiharas, particularly in areas like Gaya and Uddandapura (Bihar).
The Wide Sound of 'E' and 'O' in Marwari and Gujarati (Dr. L. P. Tessitori): This is a linguistic study focusing on the phonetic evolution of the vowel sounds 'e' and 'o' in Marwari and Gujarati languages. The article critically examines and debates theories proposed by Mr. N. B. Divatia regarding the origins of these sounds, particularly the development of wide vowels. It analyzes manuscript evidence and proposes etymological explanations for the phonetic changes.
Asoka Notes, No. XII (Vincent A. Smith): This is a continuation of a series of articles by Vincent A. Smith on the Mauryan emperor Ashoka. This particular installment focuses on the identification of "Tambaparani" in Ashoka's Rock Edicts, arguing that it refers to the river in the Tinnevelly district rather than Ceylon, and discusses the implications for understanding early Indian political and geographical knowledge.
The Arthasastra Explains (K. P. Jayaswal): This article by K. P. Jayaswal explores various terms and concepts from the Arthasastra, the ancient Indian treatise on statecraft attributed to Kautilya. It sheds light on terms like "pranaya" (a form of tax), "god-idols of the Mauryas" (as a means of revenue), the meaning of "Nivi" in inscriptions, the correct interpretation of Asoka's edicts (as proclamations rather than edicts), and the meaning of "vinita" and "vacha" in Asoka's inscriptions. It also discusses "Narendra" as an alternative name for Chandragupta.
On the Authenticity of the Kautilya (Hermann Jacobi): This article engages in a critical scholarly debate about the authorship and authenticity of the Arthasastra. It examines the evidence for Kautilya as the sole author versus the idea that it originated from his school. The article discusses the nature of "schools" in ancient Indian learning and analyzes the internal evidence within the Arthasastra itself to support its authenticity and the personality of its author.
The Revised Chronology of the Last Gupta Emperors (Ramesh Chandra Majumdar): This article presents a reevaluation of the chronology of the later Gupta rulers, challenging the established timelines of scholars like Dr. Hoernle and Mr. V. A. Smith. It utilizes recently discovered inscriptions from Sarnath to propose a revised sequence of reigns for kings like Puragupta, Narasimhagupta, Kumâragupta II, and Budhagupta, offering a more consistent historical narrative.
The Vaulting System of the Hindola Mahal at Mandu (Captain K. A. C. Creswell, R.A.F.): This is an architectural study analyzing the unique vaulting system of the Hindola Mahal at Mandu. The author traces the origins of this construction technique, linking it to ancient Nabataean and Parthian architecture, and highlighting its departure from simple barrel vaults. It discusses the potential for lateral lighting and the use of stone as a primary building material.
Trimurtis in Bundelkhand (Rai Bahadur Hiralal): This note discusses several instances of Trimurti (the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva) sculptures found in Bundelkhand. It particularly focuses on a unique representation from Bangaon that is interpreted as sun worship in a triple form, drawing parallels with textual descriptions of Sauras (sun worshippers) and exploring foreign influences on Indian iconography, such as the top-boots worn by the figures.
The Faruqi Dynasty of Khandesh (Lt. Col. T. W. Haig, C.M.G.): This extensive historical account details the rise and fall of the Faruqi dynasty that ruled Khandesh for over two centuries. It compares different historical sources, particularly Firishta and Zafar al-Walihi, to reconstruct the political history, territorial extent, and succession of rulers. The article covers key figures like Malik Raja (Ahmad), Nasir Khan, Adil Khan II, and Bahadur Shah, discussing their alliances, conflicts with neighboring powers (Gujarat, Malwa, Ahmadnagar, and the Mughals), and the eventual annexation of Khandesh into the Mughal Empire. It also includes a genealogical table of the dynasty.
Vivekapátramálá (T. A. Gopinatha Rao, M.A.): This is a scholarly review and analysis of the Vivekapátramálá, a manuscript providing information about poets and sâsana writers from the Vijayanagara period. The article attempts to identify literary figures with historical record-keepers, discusses their genealogies, and analyzes the historical context and potential inaccuracies within the manuscript. It also touches upon the religious affiliations of these poets.
The Vaishnava Worship and Buddhism (K. P. Jayaswal): This note by K. P. Jayaswal explores the early history of Vaishnava worship, specifically the cult of Trivikrama Vishnu and the worship of footprints (Vishnu-pada). It argues for an earlier date for Vaishnava worship, predating the common scholarly consensus, and attempts to connect it with the early Buddhist period and the development of the footprint motif.
The Week-Days and Vikrama (K. P. Jayaswal): This note discusses the origin of the week-days in India and their connection with the Vikram era. It challenges the theory that week-days were introduced from Europe via Jewish influence, presenting evidence from Buddhist literature (Avadana) and the Gatha-Saptasati to suggest an earlier and potentially direct transmission. It also revisits the debate about the identity of Vikramaditya and the Satavahana dynasty.
Alleged Buddhist Influence in the Sun Temple at Konarak (Guru Das Sarkar, M.A.): This article critically examines the theory that the Konarak Sun Temple exhibits Buddhist influence. It analyzes the evidence cited by earlier scholars like Raja Rajendra Lala Mitra, including the car festival, Asoka inscriptions in Orissa, and specific sculptures. The author largely refutes these claims, arguing that elements like elephant friezes, the "teaching scene," and erotic sculptures are not exclusively Buddhist and can be found in contemporary Hindu temples, suggesting that Konarak's origins are primarily Hindu.
Samaja (N. G. Majumdar): This linguistic and historical article analyzes the term "samaja," discussing its various meanings in ancient Indian literature, particularly in the Kamasutra and Jataka tales. It connects the term to theatrical performances and wrestling combats, and importantly, supports Professor D. R. Bhandarkar's interpretation of Ashoka's Rock Edict I, suggesting that the king favored theatrical performances and religious festivals over animal sacrifices.

Jain Content:

While the collection is broad, direct references to Jainism are limited but present:

Dravya-Sangraha (Dravya Sangraha) by Nemicandra Siddhanta-Chakravarti: This is reviewed by H. C. Chakladar. The review highlights the work as a philosophical treatise of the Digambara Jainas, enumerating and defining the six Dravyas (substances) and seven Tattvas (categories) of Jainism, and outlining the path to soul liberation. It praises the edition's meticulousness and acknowledges the author Nemicandra Siddhanta-Chakravarti's influence, particularly through his disciple Chamunda Raya, the patron of the Gommatesvara statue.
The Practical Path by Champat Rai Jain: This book, also reviewed by H. C. Chakladar, aims to explain the "practical scientific method of self-realisation" according to Jain philosophy. The reviewer commends the author's clarity in presenting Jain doctrines but criticizes his attempts to link Jainism with Hinduism, finding his claims of Hinduism originating from Jainism and being influenced by "demoniacal influence" to be dogmatic and unsubstantiated.
An Epitome of Jainism by Puranchand Nahar and Krishnachand Ghosh: This comprehensive work, also reviewed by H. C. Chakladar, presents a critical study of Jain metaphysics, ethics, and history from a Svetambara perspective. It attempts to harmonize ancient Jain doctrines with modern science and philosophy, covering festivals, pilgrimage sites, literature, art, and architecture. However, the review points out weaknesses in the historical sections, particularly regarding the dating of events and the transliteration of Sanskrit and Prakrit words.
K. B. Pathak's article on the Gupta Era and Mihirakula: Mentions Jaina authorities and their statements regarding the conversion of Gupta years to Saka years, using them to support his chronological arguments against Dr. Fleet's interpretations.
K. P. Jayaswal's article on the Arthasastra: Mentions the Jaina tradition in his discussion of the period of the Huna sovereignty and the identification of Kalkiraja with Mihirakula, noting that Jaina authors provide exact dates for Mihirakula's birth and death, which is an advantage over Buddhist and Brahmanical versions.

Overall Significance:

This collection from the Indian Antiquary offers a valuable snapshot of Oriental scholarship in 1918. It showcases detailed historical research, linguistic analysis, and the ongoing efforts to reconstruct ancient Indian chronology and cultural practices. The articles demonstrate a rigorous engagement with primary sources, including inscriptions, manuscripts, and classical texts, while also revealing scholarly debates and differing interpretations of historical events and linguistic phenomena. The inclusion of several works on Jainism highlights its scholarly interest within the broader context of Indian religions and philosophies at the time.