Jain Itihasni Zalak

This document appears to be the table of contents and introductory material for a book titled "Jain Itihasni Zalak" (A Glimpse of Jain History) by Muni Jinvijayji and edited by Ratilal Deepchand Desai, published by Gurjar Granthratna Karyalay.

Here's a breakdown of the content based on the provided pages:

Book Information:

• Title: Jain Itihasni Zalak (જૈન ઇતિહાસની ઝલક) - A Glimpse of Jain History
• Author: Padma Shree Muni Jinvijayji (પદ્મશ્રી મુનિ જિનવિજયજી), an archaeologist and scholar.
• Editor: Ratilal Deepchand Desai (રતિલાલ દીપચંદ દેસાઈ)
• Publisher: Gurjar Granthratna Karyalay (ગૂર્જર ગ્રંથરત્ન કાર્યાલય), Ahmedabad.
• Series: Shri Jagmohan Das Kara Smarak Pustakmala-8 (શ્રી જગમોહનદાસ કારા સ્મારક પુસ્તકમાળા-૮)
• Publication Date: September 1966 (મહાવીર નિર્વાણુ સંવત ૨૪૯૨, વિક્રમ સંવત ૨૦૨૨)
• Price: Two Rupees (બે રૂપિયા)
• Dedication: The book is dedicated to the revered memory of Param Pujya Sw. Shri Vijayvallabh Surishwarji Maharaj (પરમપૂજ્ય સ્વ. શ્રી વિજયવલ્લભસૂરીશ્વરજી મહારાજ), a philanthropic, saintly leader of the Sangh.

Content Overview:

The book is a collection of essays and historical accounts related to Jainism, focusing on significant figures, historical periods, and the religion's influence, particularly in Gujarat. The table of contents reveals the following key topics:

1. Mahamuni Jambuswami (મહામુનિ જંબુસ્વામી): The last Kevali (omniscient being) and a successor to Lord Mahavir.
2. Jainism in Kalinga: The Hathigumpha Inscription and King Kharavel (કલિંગમાં જૈનધર્મ: હાથીગુફાલેખ અને રાજા ખારવેલ): Discusses the historical significance of the Hathigumpha inscription, the role of King Kharavel, and the prevalence of Jainism in Kalinga.
3. Jainism in Gujarat (ગુજરાતને જૈનધર્મ): Explores Gujarat's role as a special center for Jainism, its contribution to culture, ethics, and trade, the role of prominent Jain individuals in governance and society, the influence of Jainism on Gujarati culture, the development of Jain temples and pilgrimage sites, and the significant contribution of Jains to literature and the preservation of history.
4. Siddhasen Divakar and Swami Samantbhadra (સિદ્ધસેન દિવાકર અને સ્વામી સમંતભદ્ર): Focuses on these two important Jain logicians and philosophers who laid the foundation for Jain epistemology and debated with other philosophical schools.
5. Jinvhadra Gani Kshamasramana (જિનભદ્રગણિ ક્ષમાશ્રમણ): Highlights his role as an important commentator on Jain scriptures, particularly the Avashyak Sutra.
6. Haribhadra Suri and His Time (હરિભદ્રસૂરિ અને એમને સમય): Discusses the life and contributions of Haribhadra Suri, an influential Jain scholar and reformer, and attempts to ascertain his time period.
7. Jineshwar Suri (જિનેશ્વરસૂરિ): Focuses on this influential Jain Acharya who played a significant role in reforming the monastic order and promoting Jainism in Gujarat, particularly in places like Anhilpur.
8. Maharshi Hemchandracharya (મહર્ષિ હેમચંદ્રાચાર્ય): A detailed account of the life and immense contributions of the great Jain scholar, poet, logician, and reformer Hemchandracharya, his influence on King Siddharaja and Kumarpala, and his role in shaping Jain philosophy and literature.
9. Rajrishi Kumarpal (રાજર્ષિ કુમારપાલ): The life of King Kumarpal, his conversion to Jainism, his virtuous reign, his significant contributions to society, and his image as an ideal Jain ruler. The text highlights his adherence to Jain principles like ahimsa (non-violence) and his patronage of Jainism.
10. Mahakavi Vijaypal and Shripal (મહાકવિ વિજયપાલ અને શ્રીપાલ): Discusses these prominent Jain poets and their literary works, shedding light on the Jain community's involvement in cultural and literary spheres.
11. Vastupal-Tejpal and Their Glorious Saga (વસ્તુપાલ-તેજપાલ અને તેમની કીર્તિગાથા): Details the lives and significant contributions of the renowned Jain ministers Vastupal and Tejpal, their patronage of arts and religion, and their role in building magnificent temples and promoting Jainism.
12. Jagadguru Hiravijayasuri (જગદ્ગુરુ હીરવિજયસૂરિ): Chronicles the life of the revered Jain Acharya Hiravijayasuri, his interactions with Emperor Akbar, his successful advocacy for Jain principles like ahimsa, and his appointment as "Jagadguru."
13. Other Propagators of Jainism during the Mughal Emperors (મોગલ સમ્રાટોના અન્ય પ્રતિબંધક): Discusses other significant Jain scholars and figures like Shanti Chandra Upadhyay, Bhanuchandra, and Siddhi Chandra who influenced Mughal emperors like Akbar and Jahangir, leading to favorable policies and respect for Jainism.
14. Some Guiding Lights (કેટલાક જ્યોતિર્ધરો): Briefly introduces several notable figures from Jain history and mythology, including King Chetaka of Vaishali, King Udāyana, Bhadrabahu Swami, Dronacharya, Mahakavi Dhanpal, Mahamahopadhyay Meghvijayji, and Upadhyay Yashovijayji.

Key Themes and Significance:

• Historical and Archaeological Significance: The book emphasizes the importance of archaeological findings like the Hathigumpha inscription in understanding Jain history.
• Gujarat as a Jain Hub: It highlights Gujarat's crucial role in the development, preservation, and flourishing of Jainism.
• Influence of Jainism: The text details the profound impact of Jainism on Gujarat's culture, ethics, economy, art, and literature.
• Prominent Jain Acharyas and Patrons: It provides biographical sketches and highlights the significant contributions of key Jain scholars (like Hemchandracharya, Haribhadra Suri, Jinvhadra Gani) and influential lay patrons (like Vastupal-Tejpal, Kumarpal) in shaping Jain philosophy, literature, and societal influence.
• Interfaith Harmony: The book touches upon the tolerant and inclusive approach of Jainism and its adherents towards other religions, as exemplified by figures like Vastupal and the general attitude of Gujarat.
• Preservation of Jain Heritage: It underscores the efforts of Jain scholars in preserving ancient Jain texts and historical records.

Introductory Pages:

The initial pages include a heartfelt dedication to Shri Vijayvallabh Surishwarji Maharaj and acknowledgments to various individuals and institutions that contributed to the book's publication. It also includes a touching tribute to Shri Jagmohan Das Kara, after whom the book series is named, commemorating his life and unfortunate demise.

In essence, "Jain Itihasni Zalak" is a scholarly work that aims to provide readers with a comprehensive yet accessible overview of significant events, personalities, and developments in Jain history, with a particular focus on its impact in Gujarat.