Jain Literature As A Sorce Of Special

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Jain Literature as a Source of Social and Cultural Life of Medieval Rajasthan (1400-1800 A. D.)" by Dr. G. N. Sharma:

This article argues that while Rajasthan's political history is well-documented by numerous works focusing on kings and wars, there is a significant gap in sources detailing the broader "organic or national growth." Dr. Sharma asserts that Jain literature serves as a crucial and often overlooked source for filling this gap, offering invaluable insights into the social and cultural fabric of medieval Rajasthan between 1400 and 1800 AD.

The author highlights that Jain writers, unlike chroniclers of political events, generally focused on the varied aspects of human life, encompassing religion, society, art, and literature. Their writings shed light on:

• Pilgrimages and religious activities: Details of "sanghas" (pilgrim groups), religious festivals, and fairs are documented.
• Everyday life and customs: The literature captures pastimes, education, customs, usages, and traditions prevalent during the period.
• Urban planning and aesthetics: Insights into town planning and garden designs are found within these texts.
• Moral and ethical behavior: Jain literature includes manuals on rituals, rites, and codes of daily discipline, outlining expected moral conduct for both common people and rulers.
• Social and economic data: Even works not directly historical often contain valuable information in their prologues, epilogues, and colophons regarding the social and economic life of the era.

Dr. Sharma emphasizes that this literature exists in both manuscript and printed forms, preserved in various Jain "Bhandaras" (repositories) across Rajasthan, such as those in Amber, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Nagaur, Jodhpur, Sadri, and Ghanerao. These treasures are written in a variety of languages including Rajasthani, Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Apabhramsa, and come in forms like Rasas, Vats, Dhalas, Dohas, Caritras, Gathas, Kathas, Vartas, and Gitas. He stresses the immense value of these manuscripts, calling for their survey, pooling, and cataloging to illuminate historical events.

The article then proceeds to analyze specific Jain literary works as examples:

• Nabhinandana Jinoddhara Prabandha by Kakkarsuri (14th century): This work chronicles a temple consecration ceremony and provides accounts of important towns like Osiän and Kirādu. It also offers interesting insights into the court of Alauddin Khilji, the Turkish nobility, and the industrious religious practices of the Vaisyas. The author's realistic view of the functions of the Sanghas is also noted.
• Hammiramahakavya by Nayacandra Suri (14th century): While a historical Kavya about Hammir Deo of Ranthambore, it contains descriptions of the rainy season, the Sati system, and the Raja's religious routine. It also offers moral views on hospitality, asylum, and sympathy, and demonstrates the author's knowledge of both Rajput and Turkish warfare techniques, making it valuable for military history.
• Somasaubhagyakavya by Somasuri (15th century): Primarily focused on the life of Soma Sunder, this work provides social and cultural references from the era of Maharana Kumbha. Despite a lack of historical detail, it describes educational practices, the role of astrologers, educational aims, subjects of study, and teacher-pupil interactions. It also highlights Delwada as a center of Jain religion and trade, noting its market activities and the quality of wall paintings, making it useful for studying the growth of Mewar painting.
• Works of Samayasunder (16th-17th century): Known for his folk tales in Rajasthani and Gujarati, Samayasunder's writings, such as Sinhalsut, Valkalciri, and Campakasethakatha, are described as collections of fictional stories and anecdotes illustrating virtues, vices, and human calamities. These are valuable for understanding contemporary opinions and social behaviors, with specific stories like the sea voyage offering insights into social interactions.
• Works of Hemaratana and Jaimal (Late 16th-Early 17th century): Writers like Hemaratana (Gorabādala) and Jaimal (Gorābādala Copai) provide vivid descriptions of individuals like beggars and soldiers, shedding light on medieval warfare and heroic figures. They emphasize aspects of "Swami Dharma" (duty to a lord/religion) and are noted for their contributions to the historical debate surrounding Padmini.
• Works of Upadhyaya Labdhodaya (17th century): A prolific writer, Labdhodaya spent much of his life in Mewar. His work Padmini Copas (written at the instance of a Rana's minister) records genealogies and describes the prosperous condition of Chittor. Crucially, it offers details on social aspects like the game of chess, slave girls, dowry, palanquins, court etiquette, the council of the feudal order, and the dress and diet of the people, painting a picture of the 17th-century social setup.
• Khuman Raso by Dalapat Vijaya (1767-1790 V.S. - late 18th century): This work serves as an annals of Mewar history from the early Guhilots to Raj Singh. It details social history aspects such as the Parda system, slave system, Sati system, and the modes of dress and diet of the elite. It also outlines the duties of the Kshatriyas, emphasizing sacrifice, boldness, and piety, and describes military preparations for the 18th century.

In conclusion, Dr. Sharma posits that Jain literature has a two-fold significance: it facilitated the extension of Jain missionary activity and contributed to purging superstitions through popular songs and tales. It fostered an appreciation for education, religion, and art. For intellectuals, it spurred a "veritable revolution," leading some towards reform movements. Ultimately, this literature profoundly influenced Indian culture and society, providing a cultural endorsement of traditional social stratification and fostering religious and cultural awakening. The article suggests that a further survey of the vast and scattered Jain literature can yield even more relevant facts about Rajasthan's social and cultural history.