Jain Dharma Ka Maulik Itihas Part 2 - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Dharma ka Maulik Itihas Part 2" by Hastimal Maharaj, based on the provided pages.

Book Title: Jain Dharma ka Maulik Itihas Part 2 Author: Hastimal Maharaj Publisher: Jain Itihas Samiti Jaipur Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/002072/1

Overall Scope and Purpose:

This second volume of "Jain Dharma ka Maulik Itihas" covers the period from the Nirvana of Lord Mahavir (Veer Nirvana Samvat 1) up to Samvat 2000. It aims to provide a factual account of major religious, social, and political events during this millennium. The book meticulously details the lineage of Jain religious leaders and the chronological history of prominent dynasties. It delves into complex issues of Jain history, offering evidence-based solutions to resolve myths and shed new light on previously obscure aspects of Indian history. A significant focus is placed on the invaluable contributions of women in Jain tradition as ascetics (Shramani) and lay followers (Shramanaupasika). The author employs a captivating and accessible style to present the inherently complex and potentially dry subject of history.

Key Sections and Themes:

The book is structured into several key sections, providing a detailed historical narrative:

Preface and Editorial: The introductory sections express gratitude to the divine lineage of Acharyas and acknowledge the contributions of the editorial board and individuals who supported the creation of this volume. The foreword also highlights the book's aim to present historical facts with clarity and accessibility.
Chapter 1: Golden Age (Swarnimkal): This section likely covers the period of the Tirthankaras, from Lord Rishabhdev to Lord Mahavir, although the detailed content isn't provided in the snippet.
Chapter 2: Kevalikāl (The Era of Kevalins - 1 to 64 Veer Nirvana Samvat): This is a significant portion of the volume, focusing on the immediate post-Mahavir period.
- Indrabhuti Gautama: The book details his background, education, married life (though with some ambiguity regarding completeness), his intellectual prowess as a scholar and head of a vedic vidya academy, and his eventual philosophical debates and profound conversion to Jainism under Lord Mahavir. It elaborates on the incident where Lord Mahavir refuted his atheistic beliefs and the subsequent revelation of the true meaning of "vigyanaghan." His transformation into a disciple, his role as the first Ganadhar, and his contemplation after Mahavir's Nirvana are discussed. His previous lives are also explored.
- Arya Sudharma: Recognized as the first spiritual successor (Pattadhar) of Lord Mahavir in the Digambar tradition, the book explores his lineage, education, life before initiation, his conversion, and his subsequent spiritual practice as a Chalustha (one who has not attained Keval Gyan). It discusses the structure of his monastic order (Gan), the Nirvana of other Ganadhars, and the question of whether other Acharyas were under his authority. The text argues why Arya Sudharma is considered the first successor and details the process of his succession. His other names, such as Lohacharya, and the debate about his Kshatriya lineage are also presented.
- Arya Jambu: The second Pattadhar, the book delves into his previous lives (Sagardatta and Shivkumar), his parents, his renunciation, his austere vows, the proposal for initiation, discussions with parents, his marriage, his wives' enlightenment, and his eventual initiation with 527 individuals. His encounters with King Kunik, his birth and Nirvana, and the lineage of his teachings (Prashna-parampara) are discussed. The text also covers the dynasties prevalent during the Kevalikal, including the Shishunaga dynasty of Magadha, the Pradyota dynasty of Avanti, and the Paurava dynasty of Kaushambi.
- The Twelve Angas (Dvadasangi): A substantial part of this section is dedicated to the detailed introduction and analysis of the twelve Angas of Jain scripture: Acharanga, Sutrakritanga, Sthananga, Samavayana, Viyaha-pannatti (Bhagvati), Nyayadhammakyao, Uvasagadasao, Antagadadasao, Anuttaravavaiyadasao, Prashnavyakaran, Vivakshrut, and Drishtivada. It discusses their respective content, significance, and the debates surrounding their composition and eventual disappearance (Hras and Vichchhed).
- Drishtivada: This section highlights the ultimate Anga, Drishtivada, which is described as containing the core principles of Jain philosophy and is considered lost. The book elaborates on its lost nature, its fourteen Purvas, and the different interpretations regarding its existence and content.
- The Decline and Disappearance of the Dvadasangi: The text critically examines the gradual decline and eventual disappearance of the twelve Angas, discussing the timelines and reasons proposed by both Shvetambara and Digambara traditions.
- Drishtivada's Significance: The book details the concept of Drishtivada, its components (Parikarma, Sutra, Purvagata, Anuyoga, Chulika), and its importance in understanding the vastness of Jain knowledge.
Chapter 3: Shrutakevali Kāl (The Era of Shrutakevalins - Veer Nirvana Samvat 64 to 170): This section focuses on the Acharyas who possessed knowledge of all twelve Angas.
- Acharya Prabhavaswami: The third Pattadhar.
- Acharya Shyyambhav: The fourth Pattadhar, credited with the composition of the Dashavaikalika Sutra.
- Acharya Yashobhadraswami: The fifth Pattadhar.
- Acharya Sambhutavijaya: The sixth Pattadhar.
- Acharya Shribhadravahu: The seventh Pattadhar, a prominent figure whose life and works are discussed in detail, including differing interpretations between Shvetambara and Digambara traditions regarding his role and the authenticity of certain texts attributed to him. The text also touches upon political and historical events of his era.
Chapter 4: Dashapurvadhar Kal (The Era of Dashapurvadhars - Veer Nirvana Samvat 170 to 584): This chapter covers the Acharyas who possessed knowledge of ten Purvas.
- Acharya Sthulabhadra: The eighth Pattadhar, his life, including his relationship with Kosa and Vararuchi, and his role in the first Agam Vachana are detailed.
- Arya Mahagiri and Arya Suhasti: The ninth and tenth Pattadhars, respectively, their lives and contributions are discussed. The text also touches upon the Sangh Vyavastha after Arya Suhasti and the lineage of Vachakacharyas and Yugpradhanacharya.
- Vachakacharya Balisaha: The eleventh Pattadhar.
- Vachakacharya Swati: The twelfth Pattadhar.
- Vachakacharya Shyamacharya: The thirteenth Pattadhar.
- Vachakacharya Shandilya: The fourteenth Pattadhar.
- Vachakacharya Samudra: The fifteenth Pattadhar, and the dynasties of his time.
- Vachakacharya Mangoo: The sixteenth Pattadhar.
- Vachakacharya Nandil: The seventeenth Pattadhar.
- Vachakacharya Nagahasti: The eighteenth Pattadhar, and the religious intolerance during the Murunda period.
- Acharya Vajraswami: The key figure of this era, the text discusses his brilliance, humility, and the Digambara perspective on Dashapurvadhars.
Chapter 5: Samanya Purvadhar Kal (The General Purvadhar Period - Veer Nirvana Samvat 584 to 2000): This broad section continues the historical narrative through various Acharyas and important events. It includes the lineage of Vachakacharyas up to the twentieth, Yugpradhan Acharyas, and the reign of kings like Vikramaditya and Harshavardhana. It also addresses significant events like the separation of traditions (Sampradaybhed), the creation of the Yapaniya Sangh, and the impact of foreign invasions. The text elaborates on the council held at Vallabhi and the writing down of the Angas.
Appendices: Includes a word index and a bibliography.

Key Insights and Contributions:

Chronological Accuracy: The book meticulously attempts to establish a factual chronology of religious and political events, resolving historical complexities and correcting widespread misconceptions.
Authenticity of Jain Tradition: It reinforces the authentic history of Jain Dharma through its lineage of Acharyas and the chronological presentation of dynasties.
Analysis of Dvadasangi: A significant portion is dedicated to the detailed study of the Dvadasangi, including its introduction, content, and the critical analysis of its gradual decline and eventual disappearance, incorporating different traditional viewpoints.
Contribution of Women: The text notably highlights the significant role and contributions of women in Jainism as Shramanis and Shramanaupasikas.
Reconciliation of Differences: The author aims to resolve historical disputes and misconceptions between Shvetambara and Digambara traditions with evidence-based reasoning.
Accessible History: The book is written in a fluent and engaging style, making the complex subject of Jain history understandable and interesting for a broad audience.
Historical Context: It places the history of Jainism within the broader context of Indian history, discussing contemporary dynasties and political events.

Overall Impression:

"Jain Dharma ka Maulik Itihas Part 2" appears to be a monumental scholarly work that meticulously traces the historical development of Jainism during a crucial millennium. It is rich in detail, covers a wide range of topics from scriptures to socio-political influences, and demonstrates a commitment to factual accuracy and clarity. The emphasis on resolving historical enigmas and illuminating dark chapters of Indian history makes it a valuable resource for scholars and practitioners alike.