Jain Dharma Ka Maulik Itihas Part 4

Certainly! Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Dharma ka Maulik Itihas Part 4" by Acharya Hastimal Maharaj, based on the provided text snippets.

Book Title: Jain Dharma ka Maulik ItPahāsa Part 4 (The Fundamental History of Jainism, Part 4) Author: Acharya Shri Hastimalji Maharaj Publisher: Jain Itihas Samiti Jaipur Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/002074/1

This fourth volume of the "Fundamental History of Jainism" (Jain Dharma ka Maulik Itihas) by Acharya Hastimal Maharaj is titled "Samanya Shrutadhar Khand (2)" (The Era of General Shrutadharas, Part 2). It was published by Jain Itihas Samiti Jaipur and serves as the 7th publication of the committee. The work was authored, compiled, and edited by Shri Gajsingh Rathod and Shri Premraj Bogawat, with guidance and consultation from Shri Devendra Muni Shastri and Dr. Narendra Bhanawat.

Overall Scope and Structure:

The book covers the period from Veer Nirvana Samvat 1476 to 2000 (which corresponds to roughly the 15th to 20th centuries CE). It aims to provide a historical narrative of Jainism, interwoven with the social and political history of India during that extensive period. This volume is a continuation of a multi-part series, with previous parts covering the history from Lord Rishabhdev to Lord Mahavir, and then from Veer Nirvana Samvat 1 to 1000, and up to 2000 in the third volume.

Key Themes and Content (Based on the Table of Contents and Chapter Snippets):

The book delves into a critical and often turbulent period of Jain history, marked by:

1. The Era of General Shrutadharas (Samanya Shrutadhar Kaal): This volume focuses on the later history of this period, starting from the 48th successor of Lord Mahavir, Acharya Shriman Uman Rishi, and proceeding through subsequent pontiffs and influential figures.
2. Prominent Acharyas and Their Times: The text details the lives and contributions of numerous Jain Acharyas, including:
   • Acharya Shri Uman Rishi (48th pontiff)
   • Acharya Shri Jaysen (49th pontiff)
   • Acharya Phalgumitra (37th Yugpradhanacharya)
   • Acharya Vijayrishi (50th pontiff)
   • Acharya Dharamghosh (38th Yugpradhanacharya)
   • Acharya Devrishi (II) (51st pontiff)
   • Acharya Jinvallabh Suri (disciple of Acharya Abhaydev Suri)
   • Acharya Abhaydev Suri (author of Navangi Vritti)
   • Acharya Malayagiri (including discussion of his unavailable works)
   • Acharya Hemchandrasuri (a highly influential figure, discussed extensively)
   • Acharya Surasen (52nd pontiff)
   • Acharya Lalji Swami (60th pontiff)
   • Acharya Gyarishi Ji (61st pontiff)
   • Acharya Nangji Swami (62nd pontiff)
   • Acharya Roopji Swami (63rd pontiff)
   • Acharya Jinshendra Suri (founder of Kharatar Gacch)
   • Acharya Jinprabh Suri and Som Sundar Suri
   • Acharya Vishakhgani (44th Yugpradhanacharya)
3. Political and Social Context: The book emphasizes the importance of understanding the political landscape during the reigns of these Acharyas. It discusses:
   • Racial and political conditions in India, including the invasion of Mahmud Ghaznavi.
   • The impact of Muslim rule on India and its religious traditions.
   • The rise of Islam and its influence.
   • The political situation during the reigns of prominent kings like Gurjaradheesh Shri Siddhraj Jaysingh and Paramarhat Maharaja Kumarpal, highlighting their interactions with Jainism.
4. Key Historical Events and Movements:
   • The Campaign for the Eradication of the Chaityavasi Tradition: This is a major theme, detailing the efforts to reform or eliminate what was seen as a departure from core Jain principles and practices within the Chaityavasi tradition, which gained significant influence.
   • The Dawn of Religious Revolutions (Dharmakranti ka Shankhnad): The text signifies this period as one of significant religious reform movements and shifts within Jainism.
   • The Founding of Gacchas (Sects/Traditions): The establishment of various Jain Gacchas (like Kharatar Gacch, Anchalgacch, Agamic Gacch) and their historical backgrounds is discussed, including the origins of the Tapa Gacch branch.
   • The Crisis in Jainism in Dakshinapatha (Southern India): The text highlights the challenges faced by Jainism in the South, particularly the decline due to the rise of Lingayatism and the impact of the Bhakti movement led by figures like Ramanujacharya. It also touches upon the protection offered to minorities by rulers like Bukkaraya.
   • The Lokashah Movement: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to Lokashah, who is portrayed not as the founder of a new sect but as a reformer who challenged existing practices and propagated specific Jain tenets (like the 34 concepts). The text addresses controversies and differing views on Lokashah's life and beliefs.
5. Detailed Analysis of Historical Figures and Events:
   • Acharya Hemchandrasuri: A substantial focus is placed on the life and influence of Acharya Hemchandrasuri, his philosophical and literary contributions, his relationship with rulers like Jayasingh Siddharaj and Kumarpal, and the impact of his reforms.
   • Acharya Abhaydev Suri: His significant contribution as the author of the Navangi Vritti (commentaries on nine Jain Agamas) is highlighted.
   • The Role of Kings and Patrons: The text emphasizes the crucial role of kings like Kumarpal, Siddhraj Jaysingh, and the Gang Dynasty rulers (like Maharaja Marasingh and the general Chamundaraya) in patronizing and protecting Jainism during this era.
   • Inter-Gacch Conflicts: The book touches upon the rivalries and debates between different Jain traditions and Gacchas.
   • The Impact of External Forces: The summary includes discussions on the early invasions of India by Muslim rulers like Mahmud of Ghazni, the socio-political conditions in India, and the influence of rising religious movements like Shaivism and Vaishnavism (Lingayats and Ramanujas) on Jainism, particularly in the South. The text provides detailed accounts of the persecution of Jains in Tamil Nadu and the subsequent rise of Lingayats.
6. "Forgotten Historical Facts" (Bhule-Bisre Aitihasik Tathy): This section is dedicated to unearthing lesser-known or debated historical details, such as the time period of Acharya Kundkund and the historical context of specific Jain practices.
7. Appendices: The book includes an index of names (Tirthankaras, Acharyas, Kings, Lay followers), sects, clans, and geographical locations, as well as a list of reference texts.

Significance of the Volume:

This fourth part is particularly crucial as it covers a period of significant internal and external challenges for Jainism. The rise of various sects (Gacchas), the decline of certain traditions, the impact of ruling dynasties, and the reform movements initiated by influential Acharyas like Hemchandrasuri and the later reform efforts against Chaityavasi practices are meticulously analyzed. The author's intent, as expressed in the editorial, is to present history based on authentic sources, connecting historical events chronologically and sociologically to provide a comprehensive understanding of Jain Dharma's evolution. The editors express their dedication to presenting the "fundamental history" as a light for future generations.

This summary aims to capture the essence of the extensive historical narrative presented in the provided snippets. The book appears to be a detailed and scholarly work on a less commonly detailed period of Jain history.