Jain Rajnaitik Chintan Dhara - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Rajnaitik Chintan Dhara" by Rameshchandra Jain, based on the provided pages:

This book, "Jain Rajnaitik Chintan Dhara" (The Stream of Jain Political Thought), authored by Rameshchandra Jain and published by Arunkumar Shastri, is a detailed exploration of political philosophy within Jain literature. The work is a result of extensive research and compilation, aiming to bring to light the significant contributions of Jain thinkers to the field of political science, which the author believes have been largely overlooked.

Core Themes and Arguments:

Moral Foundation of Politics: The book emphasizes that Indian political thought, including Jain thought, has always been rooted in ethical values, emphasizing self-discipline and inspiring others. The ideal ruler is depicted as one who prioritizes the welfare and happiness of the populace, even at personal sacrifice, as exemplified by the character of Rama in the "Uttara Charitra."
The Ideal King: Jain scriptures, such as "Vinayo Moksha Marg" (Humility is the Path to Liberation), stress the importance of a humble ruler. The concept of a Jitendriya (one who has conquered their senses) is paramount for a king, as such a ruler can effectively govern the subjects. Ancient texts describe kings as parents to their subjects, whose happiness and sorrow are intertwined with the people's. The book quotes the sentiment from "Abhigyan Shakuntalam" where King Dushyanta declares himself to be the true kinsman of the people for anything they are separated from, except sin.
Critique of Modern Politics: The editorial section of the book laments the current state of politics, where the lack of character in elected representatives leads to widespread unhappiness. It points to the "criminalization of politics" as a primary reason for societal suffering, contrasting it with the ethical standards of ancient rulers. The author quotes Vadiibhasingh, who describes ancient kings as possessing qualities of ideal parents, gurus, friends, and guardians, unburdened by the common frailties.
Definition of "Rashtra" (Nation): Acharya Somdev defines "Rashtra" as a place where wealth in the form of cattle, grains, and gold (hiranya) is abundant and flourishes. The book notes a contemporary imbalance, where emphasis is placed on grains and gold, while the welfare and humane treatment of cattle are neglected, often subjected to cruelties in modern slaughterhouses.
Importance of Intelligence and Foresight: The text highlights the necessity of a robust intelligence network (secret agents) for national security, especially in border regions prone to foreign agents and terrorist activities. It suggests that ancient Indian political strategies, rooted in ethical principles, can provide solutions to modern-day problems.
Jain Contribution to Political Thought: The book aims to bridge the gap in understanding Jain political thought by illuminating the ideas of prominent Jain scholars from the 7th to the 10th centuries CE. It emphasizes that Jain philosophy, often perceived as solely spiritual, also encompasses a strong national consciousness and a comprehensive political framework.
Historical Context: The book traces the evolution of Indian political thought from the Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic period, epics (Ramayana and Mahabharata), and the Dharmashastras (like Manusmriti and Yajnavalkya Smriti), before delving into the specific contributions of Jain political thinkers.

Key Jain Political Thinkers and Their Ideas (as presented in the book's table of contents and summaries):

The book dedicates chapters to the contributions of various Jain scholars:

Ravisena: Author of the Padma Charitra, emphasizing the king's role in maintaining societal order through exemplary conduct and prioritizing the family's reputation. He highlights the importance of justice and the ideal king being a source of both happiness and fear to different strata of society.
Jatasimhanandi: Author of Varangcharita, stressing a king's awe-inspiring reign that instills fear in wrongdoers and ensures the well-being of the populace. He also emphasizes the king's righteous conduct when interacting with virtuous individuals.
Jinnsen I: Author of Harivansha Purana, providing insights into the administrative structure, including the roles of priests, ministers, and other officials. He discusses the importance of advisors and the political landscape of the 8th century CE.
Dhananjaya: Author of Dvisandhana Mahakavya, highlighting the king's responsibility to uphold societal norms, foster a sense of fearlessness, and be a beacon of justice. He advocates for ruling through love and emphasizes the importance of maintaining equilibrium in personal and public life.
Vadiibhasingh: A prominent figure whose works like Chatrachudamani and Gadyachintamani offer glimpses into political life, including the organization of armies (infantry, cavalry, chariots, elephants) and the importance of strategic thinking in warfare and diplomacy.
Jinnsen II: Known for his commentary on Kashayaprahuta and Adi Purana, he discusses the king's role as a protector and provider for his subjects, emphasizing principles of governance and administrative efficiency.
Gunabhadra: Author of Uttara Purana, elaborating on the qualities of an ideal state, the importance of accumulating wealth ethically, and the significance of the three powers (mantra, utsaha, prabhushakti) for royal success.
Veernandi: His works discuss the king as a guru and friend to his subjects, advocating for policies that ensure the people's happiness and contentment. He outlines the king's responsibility to maintain social harmony and provide for all sections of society.
Asaga: Known for Vardhamana Charita and Shantinath Charita, he criticizes the flaws of rulers who are arrogant, succumb to temptations, or act without proper deliberation, emphasizing the need for self-control and ethical conduct.
Somadeva: Author of Yashastilaka Champu and Nitivakyammrita, he presents a comprehensive framework for political thought, covering the nature of dharma, artha, kama, the control of inner enemies, the characteristics of a virtuous king, and the principles of statecraft, diplomacy, and administration.

Structure of the Book (Table of Contents):

The book is meticulously structured into ten chapters, covering a vast array of political concepts:

Chapter 1: Indian Politics Before the 7th Century: A historical overview from the Indus Valley to the Gupta period, including the political systems described in the Vedas, epics, and Dharmashastras.
Chapter 2: Major Jain Political Thinkers and Their Contributions (7th to 10th Centuries): Detailed analysis of the political philosophies of key Jain scholars mentioned above.
Chapter 3: The State: Defining the state, its origin, components (nation, country, region, territory), its attributes (qualities and defects), its purpose, and its functions.
Chapter 4: The King: Discussing the king's importance, coronation, succession, daily routine, different types of kings (Kulkara, Chakravarti, etc.), his friends and enemies, his rights and duties, judicial behavior, and the qualities and faults of a king.
Chapter 5: The Prince: The education and upbringing of princes.
Chapter 6: The Council of Ministers and Other Officials: The importance of the council, their qualifications, appointment, duties, and the hierarchical structure of administrative officials.
Chapter 7: Treasury and Fortifications: The significance of the treasury, sources of income, expenditure, and the strategic importance and types of forts.
Chapter 8: Army or Military: The definition and classification of the army, including different types of troops (infantry, cavalry, chariots, elephants), army organization, conduct during war, and military strategies.
Chapter 9: Justice and Administration: The need for justice, the role of judges and assemblies, judicial responsibilities, court systems, and the overall administrative structure from village to provincial levels.
Chapter 10: International Relations: The role of ambassadors and spies, their qualifications, duties, and the strategies for managing relations with foreign powers, including alliances and rivalries.
Chapter 11: Conclusion: A summary of the key findings and the lasting relevance of Jain political thought for contemporary society.

Overall Significance:

"Jain Rajnaitik Chintan Dhara" serves as a vital resource for understanding the nuanced and ethically grounded political philosophy within Jain tradition. It aims to demonstrate that Jainism offers not only spiritual guidance but also a robust framework for societal governance and political organization, emphasizing justice, morality, and the welfare of all beings. The book is a testament to the intellectual depth and practical applicability of Jain thought in the realm of politics and governance.