Jain Sahitya Aur Sanskruti Ki Bhumi Mevad - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Jain Sahitya aur Sanskruti ki Bhumi Mevad" by Kasturchand Kasliwal, in English:

This book, authored by the renowned scholar Dr. Kasturchand Kasliwal, is a research-based account of the contribution of Jains to the cultural and literary enrichment of Mewar.

Mewar: A Land of Jain Literature and Culture

The text highlights the significant position of Mewar within Rajasthan, both historically and culturally. Mewar is lauded for its brave warriors who sacrificed their lives for the protection of their religion, culture, and heritage. The region's temples and pilgrimage sites are recognized as outstanding centers of architecture and art, holding a notable place in literature and culture.

The Maharanas (kings) of Mewar are noted for their respect for all religions and for not hindering their development. Jainism was a popular religion in Mewar. The rulers and their Jain and non-Jain consorts actively contributed to the propagation and spread of Jainism and culture. Their contributions included the construction of temples, installation of idols, proclamation of adherence to ahimsa (non-violence), and welcoming Jain ascetics and saints. In some instances, they even demonstrated a stronger commitment to ahimsa than Jain followers. Maharana Samar Singh and his mother Jayatalla Devi are specifically mentioned for their exemplary service in declaring a ban on animal sacrifice throughout the kingdom, thereby expressing their firm belief in ahimsa. The Jain Kirti Stambha (Pillar of Fame) in Chittorgarh, with its various inscriptions, is described as a glorious testament to the popularity of Jainism in Mewar. The Jain pilgrimage site of Rishabhdev is considered a paramount pilgrimage in all of Rajasthan, as well as in Gujarat and North India, attracting devotion from both Jain and non-Jain communities.

Mewar as a Hub for Jain Literature and Scholars

Mewar has also been a focal point for Jain literature and writers. Great Digambara Jain Acharya Dharsen had a deep connection with the region, sanctifying its land with his travels. In the seventh century, Acharya Virsen, after receiving education from Elacharya in Chittorgarh, was able to write significant commentaries like 'Dhavala' and 'Jaya Dhavala'. In the eighth century, the erudite Jain philosopher Haribhadrasuri emerged, spreading the fame of Jainism not only in Mewar but throughout India. In the eleventh and twelfth centuries, great Apabhramsa poets like Dhanpal and Harishen resided in Mewar. They praised the region in their poetry and propagated the dharma of ahimsa and truth through their Apabhramsa compositions.

The renowned Sanskrit scholar Mahapandit Ashadhar also hailed from Mewar. It was in this region that Bhattaraka Sakalkirti first received his education from Bhattaraka Padmanandi in Nenwan, and subsequently, extensively promoted Jain literature and culture in Mewar and the Bagad region. After Bhattaraka Sakalkirti, all subsequent Bhattaraks traveled through Mewar, propagating ahimsa and the Anekanta philosophy. In the eighteenth century, the great poet Daulatram, residing in Udaipur, composed works like 'Jivandhar Charit' and 'Kriyākosh Bhasha', praising the liberality and religious devotion of the Maharanas in his poetry.

Centers of Jain Manuscript Collections

Mewar is also recognized as an important region for Jain manuscript collections. The capital city of Mewar, Udaipur, has been a center of literature and culture for centuries and continues to hold that respect. All Digambara and Shvetambara temples in Udaipur house manuscript collections, both large and small, containing significant works in Prakrit, Apabhramsa, Sanskrit, Hindi, and Rajasthani. Copies of 'Nemnath Purana' by Brahm Nemidatta, made in Udaipur in 1664 and 1726, are preserved in the Amer Shastra Bhandar in Jaipur. A manuscript of 'Syadvada Manjari' from 1767 is housed in another repository in Jaipur. Similarly, manuscripts of dozens of other works, originally written in Udaipur, are now collected in various repositories across Rajasthan.

The text then proceeds to provide a brief introduction to some of the prominent manuscript collections in Mewar:

Shastra Bhandar of Sambhavnath, Digambar Jain Mandir, Udaipur: This is the oldest temple in Udaipur, housing a significant collection of 517 handwritten manuscripts dating from the 15th to the 20th centuries. The oldest manuscript is a commentary on Mattotpal's 'Laghu Jataka' from 1408, and the most recent is 'Solahkaran Vidhan' from 1965. The collection is particularly strong in Hindi compositions, with over 25 works published for the first time. Notable manuscripts include 'Sita Shil Ram Pataka Gunbeli' by Acharya Jayakirti (original manuscript from 1604), 'Rajul Patrika' by Somakavi, 'Hanuman Charit Ras' by Brahmgyan Sagar (composed in 1630), 'Bhattaraka Sakalkirti Ras' by Brahm Samal, and 'Aniruddha Haran' by Ratnabhushan Suri (manuscript from 1666).
Shastra Bhandar of Agrawal Jain Mandir: This repository holds a good collection of 388 manuscripts and samuchchayas (compilations). The oldest manuscript here is of Pujyapada's 'Sarvarthasiddhi' from 1370, written in Yoginipur (Delhi). Other notable works include 'Charudatta Prabandh' by Kalyan Kirti (1662), 'Sudarshan Sethani Chaupai' by Lalkavi (1636), 'Jivandhar Charit' by Daulatram Kasliwal (1805), 'Ajitnath Ras' by Brahm Yajinarai (15th century), 'Ambikaras' and 'Punya Stava Katha Kosh' by Ramchandra (1560), 'Shabd Bhed Prakash' by Maheshwar Kavi (1557), and 'Dharma Pariksha Ras' by Sumati Kirti (1648).
Shastra Bhandar of Khandelwal Jain Mandir: Located in Mandi Ki Naal, this temple has a collection of 185 manuscripts. The oldest is 'Bhupal Stavana' from 1363. It has a good collection of ras, puja, and stotra manuscripts, including 'Gajsinh Chaupai' by Rajsundar (1497), 'Ram Ras' by Madhavdas, 'Champavati Shil Kalyanak' by Muni Rajnand, and 'Simandhar Stavana' by Kamal Vijay (1682).
Gaudi Ji ka Upasara, Udaipur: This religious center has a collection of 625 manuscripts, primarily on subjects like Agamas, Ayurveda, and Astrology.
Yati Balchandra Vaidya's Collection, Chittorgarh: Shri Balchandra Vaidya's private collection boasts an excellent assortment of scriptures, totaling around one thousand manuscripts. It includes extensive material on Mantras, Stotras, Ayurveda, Astrology, and Agamas. This collection was established in 1941 by Pandit Vinayachandra.
Bhattaraka Yashahkirti Saraswati Bhavan, Rishabhdev: Rishabhdev is a famous Jain pilgrimage site in Mewar. The text mentions numerous inscriptions within the temple complex detailing its development. The 'Bhattaraka Yashahkirti Saraswati Bhavan' at this site holds a good collection of ancient handwritten manuscripts, numbering approximately 1070, including a significant number of compilations. Many of these were written in the 15th and 16th centuries and cover subjects like biographies, Puranas, poetry, ras, beli, phagu, and philosophy. All manuscripts are in good condition and well-preserved. Some significant works in this repository include 'Mahavir Charit' or 'Mahavir Ras' by Padmakavi (1606), 'Narasimhpura Jati Ras' (historical, detailing the origin and development of the Narasimhpura Jain community), 'Shantinath Purana' by Bhattaraka Ramchandra (original manuscript from 1783), 'Shrenik Charit' by Daulatram Kasliwal (1782, also containing a copy of 'Shripal Charit' by the same author), 'Pradyumna Ras' by Brahm Gunaraj (1606), and 'Lav Kush Akhyan' by Bhattaraka Mahichand (17th century).

The author also emphasizes that besides these listed collections, there are other manuscript repositories in various towns and villages of Mewar that have not yet been fully surveyed, highlighting the need for such comprehensive surveys.

Prominent Jain Ascetics and Literary Figures in Mewar

Mewar has been a primary patron land for Jain ascetics and literary figures. Jain acharyas have resided in this region from early times, propagating good literature and the Jain way of life through their writings. The text provides brief profiles of some of these notable acharyas:

Acharya Virsen: A great dialectician of the seventh century, fluent in Prakrit and Sanskrit. He studied scriptures extensively under Elacharya in Chitrakoot (Chittorgarh) and then wrote the 72,000-verse commentary on 'Dhavala'. He began writing a commentary on the Agam text 'Kashay Pahud' named 'Jaya Dhavala', but passed away after completing one-third of it. Acharya Virsen possessed mastery over logic, meter, astrology, grammar, and debate, evident in his 'Dhavala' commentary. His disciple Jinsen states that his knowledge of all scriptures dispelled people's doubts about the existence of omniscience.
Acharya Haribhadrasuri: A great scholar of Prakrit and Sanskrit with a strong connection to Chittorgarh. He wrote commentaries on Anuyogdwar Sutra, Avasyak Sutra, Dashvaikalik Sutra, Nandi Sutra, and Prajnapana Sutra. He also authored high philosophical works like 'Anekant Jay Pataka' and 'Anekantavada Pravesh'. His 'Samaraichchhakaha' is an important Prakrit work, and 'Dhurtakhyan' is a satirical composition. Haribhadra's 'Yogabindu' and 'Yogadrushti Sammuchchay' offer good insights into the philosophical views of Patanjali and Vyasa from a Jain perspective. He was a scholar of the eighth century.
Harishen: A great scholar of Apabhramsa, also from Chittorgarh. His father was Govardhan Dhakkad. The poet had the opportunity to visit Achalpur, where he composed 'Dhamma Pariksha' in 1044, containing 11 sections and 100 stories. Harishen was a great devotee of Mewar and beautifully described its beauty in his work.
Jindatt Suri: A Jain acharya of the 12th century. In 1164, he was appointed to the position of Acharya of the Kharatara Gacch by Devendra Suri in the Veer Jinlaya of Chittorgarh. He was also honored with the title of Agam Pradhan. He made significant contributions to Jain literature, composing 'Upadesarasayanray', 'Charchari', and 'Kal Swaroop Kalk' in Apabhramsa. His predecessor, Jinvallabh Suri, was also installed in the Kharatara Gacch in Chittorgarh in 1167.
Bhattaraka Sakalkirti: A great Jain saint of the 15th century and an erudite scholar of Sanskrit and Prakrit. He first studied under Bhattaraka Padmanandi in Nenwan, located in Mewar. He was born in 1443 and passed away in 1496. His notable works include 'Adi Purana', 'Uttarpurana', 'Shanti Purana', 'Parshva Purana', 'Mahavir Charit', 'Mallinath Charit', 'Yashodhar Charit', 'Dhanya Kumar Charit', 'Sukumal Charit', and 'Karmavipaka Sukti Muktavali'. He traveled through Mewar, Bagad, and Gujarat, rendering immense service to Jain literature and culture. He led a pilgrimage to Girnar and consecrated a metallic idol of Adinath Swami in Junagadh.

In addition to these scholars, the text concludes by mentioning that numerous other Jain literary figures contributed significantly to the creation and dissemination of Jain literature in Mewar.