Itihas Na Agnat Pradesh Ma Swair Vihar Nirgranth Aetihasik Lekh Samucchaya

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, which appears to be a review of a collection of historical essays:

Book Title: Nirgrantha Aitihasik Lekh Samucchaya (Collection of Nirgrantha Historical Essays) Author(s): Madhusudan Dhanki (as indicated by the review) Publisher: Shreshthi Kasturbhai Lalbhai Smarak Nidhi (mentioned at the end of the review) Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229587/1 (This link is for the catalog, not the book itself)

Summary:

This review discusses the collection of historical essays by Professor Madhusudan Dhanki, titled "Nirgrantha Aitihasik Lekh Samucchaya," published in two volumes. The review emphasizes that while modern historical methods, influenced by Western scholars, are now globally accepted, their application to Jain history is relatively recent, starting around fifty years ago.

The reviewer highlights that contemporary historians no longer rely solely on traditional literature like character sketches, storybooks, or rasos. Instead, they require both internal and external evidence, including inscriptions, copper plates, idol inscriptions, coins, archaeological findings, and scientific testing. Furthermore, historians need a broad understanding of various literary forms, including the prefaces and colophons of manuscripts, travelogues, folk songs, documents, and even legends, as historical fragments are scattered across these diverse sources. A comprehensive historian must also possess knowledge of geography, astronomy, and philosophy, and be proficient in languages, grammar, and literature. Strong memory and imaginative power are also crucial for effective research.

The review praises Professor Madhusudan Dhanki as a capable, well-equipped, dedicated, and sharp-sighted historian with multifaceted talents. It notes his significant contribution to Jain historical research, which he has incorporated into his broader work. The collection, comprising approximately 56 essays written from 1966 onwards, is described as densely packed with historical material, showcasing a wide range of subjects, an engaging presentation style, a pure historical perspective, and the author's preparedness. The reviewer expresses satisfaction that Dhanki's work demonstrates that the ongoing task of refining history based on newly available material continues.

The essays are lauded for illustrating how minor details can play a significant role in historical research and the skill required to coordinate such details. They are presented as exemplary models for scholarly historical writing. Specific essays are mentioned as being as valuable as textbooks for history students, such as "On the Ancient Fort - Junagadh," "The Time of Swami Samantabhadra," "Vadi Kavi Bappattisuri," and "Jain Temples Built by Siddharaj." Dhanki's approach is characterized by his rigorous adherence to the principle of "nothing is written without a source" (namulam likhyate kinchit), his extensive research for evidence, his erudition, sharp memory, and dedication to his subject. The detailed notes accompanying the essays, some extending to 5-10 pages, further attest to the depth of his research. Examples are provided of how he uses Karnatak inscriptions to support the assertion that Meenaldevi's original name was Mailaldevi, and how he draws from legends, literature, customs, and architectural sciences to establish the original name of the vyantar (demigod) Vali.

The review also acknowledges that historians, like all humans, can make mistakes or be influenced by biases. It commends Dhanki for his willingness to identify and correct errors made by his contemporaries or predecessors. The essay "Jain Temples Built by Siddharaj" is cited as an instance where he directly refutes the assertions of a predecessor while still respectfully acknowledging the scholar's contributions and other merits. In the essay "The Time of Swami Samantabhadra," Dhanki's arguments dismantling the reasoning of prejudiced scholars are described as a blend of sharp critique and respect, making them engaging without being off-putting. Another essay that critiques two contemporary scholars regarding the builder of the Arhat Ajitnath temple in Taranga is presented as an example of a historian's responsibility, emphasizing the importance of facts over speculation in history.

Dhanki's expertise in art, architecture, and archaeology is particularly evident in his research on Jain temples and sculptures. The second volume is noted for its rich content on these subjects, and it includes a significant number of photographic plates of sculptures and idols at the end, described as a visual treat.

The reviewer also points out specific instances where Dhanki's analytical skills are evident, such as his interpretation of an inscription related to Gautamswami and the author Vajraswami, and his argument that Kumudachandra, a Digambara scholar, was the author of "Chikur Dvātrinshikā" and "Kalyanmandir," not Siddhasen Divakar. He also successfully identified a missing link in "Prabhavakcharita" and shed light for the first time on the "Kalyan" traya (three types of Kalyanas) in sculptural compositions.

While praising the book's printing, paper quality, decoration, and the accompanying illustrations, the reviewer does point out some proofreading errors, particularly in the Sanskrit-Prakrit material, which could be problematic for a scholarly work. Examples of these errors are provided. The review also notes that while essays are sequentially numbered, the titles are not, which is considered a deficiency.

Appendices containing alphabetical lists of personal names, place names, and book titles are provided at the end of both volumes, which are deemed helpful for researchers. The extensive ancillary information in the notes is also highlighted as a valuable resource for both information and perspective for history students. A suggestion is made for alphabetical indices of special names within the notes, though it is acknowledged that this might not have been feasible. The review mentions the presence of introductory and observational writings by Shri Hariprasad G. Shastri and Professor Bansidhar Bhatt in the respective volumes.

The reviewer concludes by offering a few minor corrections and observations based on their reading, such as the possible derivation of the word 'nokarsi' and the potential for misreading certain letters in older scripts. They also offer an alternative interpretation for the word "samarpita" in a verse, suggesting "samarthita" might be the original reading, and explaining the potential for confusion between "th" and "v" in manuscript readings. The reviewer also raises a question about the meaning of "nij daita" and suggests it might be a corrupted form of "dayita," referencing Lalitadevi as Vastupal's wife as a contextual clue.

In essence, the review highly praises Professor Madhusudan Dhanki's dedication to his subject, his capability, his engaging and humanistic writing style, and his insightful approach. The "Nirgrantha Aitihasik Lekh Samucchaya" is presented as a significant work that illuminates various aspects of Jain history and provides readers with an immersive experience of exploring the lesser-known regions of history.

Publication Details provided at the end of the review:

• Nirgrantha Aitihasik Lekh Samucchaya - Volume 1: Author: Madhusudan Dhanki, First Edition, 2002, Pages: Demi Octavo 348 + 24, Price: Rs. 400.
• Nirgrantha Aitihasik Lekh Samucchaya - Volume 2: First Edition, 2002, Pages: Demi Octavo 304 + 20 + 80 Art Plates, Price: Rs. 500.
• Publisher: Shreshthi Kasturbhai Lalbhai Smarak Nidhi
• Available from: Sharadaben Chimanbhai Education Research Centre, Opposite Ranakpur Society, Shahibaug, Ahmedabad-380004.
• Also available from: Jain Derasar Nanikakhar - 370435, Dist. Kutch, Gujarat.