Itihas Darshan Sanskruti Samrakshan Aur Acharya Hastimalj

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text in English:

The book "Itihas Darshan Sanskruti Samrakshan aur Acharya Hastimal" by Prem Suman Jain, published by Z_Jinvani_Acharya_Hastimalji_Vyaktitva_evam_Krutitva_Visheshank_003843.pdf, celebrates the monumental historical work undertaken by Acharya Shri Hastimalji Maharaj. The text emphasizes that history is a mirror reflecting civilization and culture, shaped by events, philosophies, and societal changes.

Acharya Shri Hastimalji Maharaj is lauded for his extensive and rigorous effort in creating the four-volume "Jain Dharm Ka Maulik Itihas" (The Fundamental History of Jainism). This work is described as a landmark achievement in preserving Jain culture, a feat only a profound scholar-saint like him could accomplish. The author highlights that the Jain tradition, with its vast geographical spread, diverse languages, and numerous sub-sects, required a unifying force to compile its history. Acharya Shri's history serves as a foundational pillar upon which further understanding and development of Jain culture can be built.

The summary then elaborates on the key characteristics and contributions of Acharya Shri's historical work, citing endorsements from prominent scholars:

• Neutral and Authentic History: It is presented as a neutral and authentic account of Jainism.
• Valuable for Indian History: The compilation of source material is deemed useful for Indian history in general.
• Biographies of Prominent Figures: It includes biographical accounts of significant individuals from both the Digambar and Shvetambar traditions.
• New Historical Facts: The work brings forth previously unknown historical facts.
• Comparative Study of Tirthankaras: The lives of the 24 Tirthankaras are presented from a comparative perspective.
• Insights into Jain Tradition: It offers knowledge of many important new aspects of Jainism.
• Scientific Evaluation of Tirthankara Tradition: The history of the Tirthankara tradition is evaluated using comparative and scientific methods.
• Use of Brahmanical and Buddhist Literature: The research for historical facts also incorporates Brahmanical and Buddhist literature.
• Authenticity through Footnotes: The inclusion of footnotes referencing original texts ensures the work's authenticity.
• Adherence to Scriptures: The author meticulously ensured the work did not contradict scriptural tenets.

The text further breaks down the content of each of the four volumes:

• Volume 1: Focuses on the Kula-kara system in Jain tradition and the biographies of the 24 Tirthankaras from Rishabh Dev to Mahavir. It also analyzes key events, rulers, and society during the Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic period, and Epic era.
• Volume 2: Covers the religious history of Jainism for the first thousand years after Mahavir's Nirvana, detailing the Kevali period, Dash Purvdhar period, Shruta Kevali period, and general Purvdhar period. It is crucial for understanding the origin and development of both Digambar and Shvetambar traditions and sheds light on Agam literature and its commentaries. The volume also presents new facts about the Maurya dynasty, subsequent dynasties, foreign invaders, and important acharyas.
• Volume 3: Details the history of Jainism for 475 years after the Nirvana of Devardhi Ksama Shraman, roughly from the 4th to the 9th century CE. This period is considered an era of literary and philosophical excellence, but with less abundant historical material. The volume uses comparative references and provides significant material on the Yāpaniyā Sangha, Bhaṭṭāraka tradition, Jainism in South India, contributions of Jain philosophers, and the Gupta dynasty. The author acknowledges that extracting historical facts from literary contexts is challenging but achievable by scholar-saints like Acharya Shri. The conclusions in this volume are intended to inspire further contemplation among historians and religious readers.
• Volume 4: Covers the history of Jainism from Veer Nirvana Samvat 1476 to 2000 (approximately the 10th to 15th century CE). This volume, written by Gajsingh Rathore under Acharya Shri's guidance, is rich with authentic details of Jain acharyas, including the contributions of influential figures like Jinchandrasuri, Abhaydeva Suri, Acharya Hemchandra, and Jinprabh Suri. While it discusses prominent Shvetambar Gachhas and Sanghas, the Digambar acharyas are mentioned as potentially omitted due to space constraints. The volume also touches upon Mughal rulers, important Jain rulers, and lay followers, making it valuable for understanding medieval Indian history. It acknowledges the competitive and turbulent environment within Jainism during this period and states that the material presented was chosen to maintain the integrity of Jain principles and history. The author notes that many aspects of Jain tradition might have been left out due to limitations of space and time.

The text concludes by emphasizing that "Jain Dharm ka Itihas" is multifaceted, encompassing Tirthankaras, great figures, influential lay followers, rulers, philosophers, literary figures, Sanghas, and acharyas. Acharya Shri Hastimalji Maharaj's four-volume history is a significant achievement, providing a framework for understanding Jain culture. He has equipped society with the historical perspective to delve deeper and create a more comprehensive and diverse history of Jainism.

Finally, the text suggests several modern books that can aid in the ongoing study and research of Jain history, highlighting the need for comparative analysis of historical material from various sources, including ancient Jain texts, inscriptions, and literary works. The author calls for a "Brihat Itihas" (Great History) of Jainism to be written in multiple parts to fully illuminate all aspects of Jain culture, and suggests that new editions of Acharya Shri's work should include updated information. The publishing institutions and patrons of such vast works are commended.