Jain Sahitya Ka Samajshastriya Itihas - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Sahitya ka Samajshastriya Itihas" (Sociological History of Jain Literature) by Usha Agarwal, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Jain Sahitya ka Samajshastriya Itihas (Sociological History of Jain Literature) Author: Dr. Usha Agarwal Publisher: Classical Publishing Company, New Delhi ISBN: 81-7054-350-9

Core Argument and Approach:

The book aims to present a scientific and sociological study of Jain literature, viewing it as a mirror to ancient Indian society and culture. The author emphasizes that Jain literature, an integral part of Indian literature, reflects the social, cultural, political, and geographical history of its times due to the inherently syncretic and liberal nature of Jain philosophy. The study employs historical and comparative methods to analyze Jain social thought, concluding that Jain society, while idealistic and oriented towards renunciation, is also grounded in realism, shaped by historical events and diverse aspects of social life.

Key Themes and Content Areas:

The book systematically explores the evolution and content of Jain literature from a sociological perspective, covering various genres and periods. The main themes and areas of focus are:

Origins and Development of Jain History (Chapter 1):
- Discusses the definition and interpretation of Jain history, adopting a comparative approach.
- Examines the methods of Jain and non-Jain historical writing.
- Traces the antiquity and historicity of Jain history, supported by literary and archaeological evidence.
- Analyzes the commencement and development of Jain history writing from the 6th to the 12th century CE, highlighting the creation of literature in Sanskrit, Prakrit, Apabhramsha, Kannada, Tamil, and Marathi.
Objectives and Characteristics of Jain Historians (Chapter 2):
- Investigates the objectives and features of Jain historians.
- Explores the contemporary circumstances influencing Jain historical writing, including political, religious, and social factors.
- Highlights the primary objective of Jain literature as solidifying and propagating Jain principles.
- Details the characterization of the Trishashthi Shalakapurushas (63 great personages) and the associated dynasties, including the lineages of Arhats, Chakravartis, Balabhadras, etc.
- Notes the "Jainization" of Hindu concepts and the incorporation of events related to Jain patrons.
- Explains how the literature reflects the social and cultural milieu of the time, often through religious narratives and a syncretic, liberal approach.
Subject Matter and Development of Jain History (Chapter 3):
- Examines the early mentions of Jain history within the Jain tradition.
- Discusses the gradual loss and decay of knowledge due to the cyclical nature of time and the influence of later literature.
- Traces the development of Jain history writing, starting with the Agama literature, and the subsequent evolution through commentaries and narrative literature.
- Covers the themes present in Agama literature and their elaboration in later works, including religious aspects, monastic conduct, spiritual practices, temple worship, the Varnasrama system, Purusharthas, and the theory of Karma, often drawing parallels with Hindu traditions.
Purana Literature (Chapter 4):
- Defines and explains the concept of "Purana."
- Discusses the purpose, characteristics, and writing methods of Jain Puranas.
- Details the diverse subjects covered: geographical cosmology (Jambudvipa, continents, heavens), political structures (origin of the state, administration, taxation, criminal justice), social organization (Varnasrama, position of women, festivals, omens), and religious principles (Triratna, Dana).
Katha Sahitya (Narrative Literature) (Chapter 5):
- Explores the objectives, style, and themes of Jain narrative literature.
- Covers religious beliefs and principles, social structures (caste, marriage, entertainment, status of women, prostitution, widow remarriage, purdah, niyoga, sati, courtesans), economic activities (sources of income, maritime trade, economic prosperity), and political systems of the time.
Charitakavya (Biographical Poetry) (Chapter 6):
- Analyzes the purpose, subject matter, basis, and contribution of Charitakavyas to historical knowledge.
- Details the political aspects (royal titles, qualities of kings, succession, council of ministers, treasury, foreign relations, espionage, punishment systems, military organization, warfare).
- Discusses social elements like Varna system, rituals, marriage, and education, as well as geographical descriptions.
- Explores the religious context, including the duties of householders, Sallekhana, and Moksha.
Abhilekhaiya Sahitya (Epigraphic Literature) (Chapter 7):
- Studies the means, types, objectives, methods, and language of Jain epigraphy.
- Examines the social aspects reflected in inscriptions, such as the Varnasrama system, Sanskaras, marriage, education, the status of women, and economic activities (agriculture, irrigation, trade).
- Analyzes the political situation, including decentralization, imperial divisions, royal succession, administration, foreign relations, and military departments.
- Details religious principles, monastic conduct, temple and idol construction, and the genealogies of Jain Sanghas, Gan, Gachchhas, etc.
Hindu Influence on Jain Historical Facts (Chapter 8):
- Highlights the pervasive influence of Hindu culture on Jain traditions, literature, and art.
- Discusses the Jainization of Hindu narratives and concepts, the syncretic approach to deities and philosophical principles (Panchamahavrata, Dasadharma, Syadvada, Samyavada, Karmavada), and the impact on Jain worship.
- Examines the influence on sculptural art, including the portrayal of Yaksas, Yaksinis, Gandharvas, and the inclusion of Hindu deities in Jain iconography.
Conclusion (Chapter 9):
- Summarizes the key findings and reiterates the importance of Jain literature in understanding ancient Indian society.
- Emphasizes the evolving nature of Jain historical writing, from early philosophical focus to later inclusion of socio-cultural elements.
- Highlights the syncretic and humanistic approach of Jain authors, who adapted and integrated elements from other traditions to spread their message effectively.
- Reaffirms the dual focus on spiritual ideals and the practicalities of social and political life, showing Jainism as grounded in realism.

Author's Contribution:

Dr. Usha Agarwal, a Reader and Head of the Sociology Department, brings her academic expertise in Sociology and History to this work. Her background, marked by strong university rankings and numerous publications, provides a solid foundation for this interdisciplinary study.

Overall Significance:

"Jain Sahitya ka Samajshastriya Itihas" is presented as a significant work for understanding the history and sociology of Jainism and its literature. It offers a comprehensive analysis of how Jain texts serve as a valuable source for reconstructing and comprehending ancient Indian society, culture, politics, and philosophy. The book is considered a valuable resource for scholars and students interested in Jain studies, Indian history, and sociology.