Jain Sahitya Samvardhan Me Rashtra Kutyug Ka Yogdan - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Jain Sahitya Samvardhan me Rashtra Kutyug ka Yogdan" (Contribution of the Rashtrakuta Era to the Development of Jain Literature) by Dr. Jyoti Prasad Jain:

The book emphasizes the profound influence of political stability and patronage on cultural and literary progress. It posits that a strong, continuous rule for a significant period fosters peace, prosperity, and inspiration for religious, cultural, and artistic endeavors. When rulers are virtuous, enlightened, and appreciate arts and learning, it's like adding fragrance to gold. The general populace often follows the lead of the ruling elite.

Crucially, the text highlights that if rulers favor a particular religion or tradition, the literature and art associated with that tradition will flourish. However, if rulers are liberal, tolerant, and respectful of all religions, then various cultural traditions within the state will thrive, leading to mutual exchange, cooperation, and harmony among followers of different faiths. This, the author argues, is a recipe for the comprehensive advancement of the nation.

The book illustrates this principle with historical examples:

Gupta Period: The Golden Age of Brahmanical Sanskrit literature and art.
Pala Dynasty (Bengal-Bihar): The flourishing of Buddhist culture.
Solanki (Chaulukya) Rule (Gujarat): The creation of the best and most extensive Jain literature of the Shvetambara tradition.
Paramara Dynasty (Malwa): The substantial production of Jain and Brahmanical literature, attributed to their scholarly patronage.
Rashtrakuta Era (Deccan): The composition of the most numerous and significant Jain works on diverse subjects, primarily from the Digambara tradition.
Vijayanagara and Mughal Empires: Golden ages for their respective art and literature.

The author then delves into the Rashtrakuta period specifically, noting that its rise in the 8th century CE in the Deccan coincided with a period of strong Jain influence in the region. Even before the Rashtrakutas, prominent Digambara Acharyas like Swami Samantabhadra (late 1st-2nd century CE) and Kundakunda, Pushpadanta, and Bhutabali had significantly influenced South India. The Ganga rulers, particularly Durvinita, were patrons of Jainism, with Acharya Pujyapada Devanandi (464-524 CE) being a significant figure. Similarly, Acharya Bhatta-kalanka Deva (c. 640-720 CE) from the Western Chalukyas of Badami, successors to the Kadambas, was another prominent Jain scholar.

The text details the Rashtrakuta dynasty's origins with Dantidurga (c. 720-753 CE), who established his rule and made Ellora his capital. His successors, Krishna I (757-773 CE) and Dhruva Dharavarsha (779-793 CE), expanded the empire and patronized scholars. The Rashtrakutas, like their predecessors, followed a policy of religious tolerance, which facilitated the creation of valuable Jain literature.

Key figures and their contributions during the Rashtrakuta era:

Swami Virasena (c. 750-790 CE): A disciple of Aryanandi, he established a center of learning in Nasik under Dantidurga's reign. This center, which grew into a university, produced scholars like Dasharathaguru, Vinayasena, Padmasena, Kumarsena, Devsena, and Jinasena Swami. Virasena himself authored commentaries like Dhavala and Jayadhavala, and works on mathematics.
Dhruva Dharavarsha (779-793 CE): His court was graced by scholars.
Govinda III (793-814 CE): The empire expanded further, and his reign saw the literary activities of Swami Jinasena, Shripala Muni, Elacharya, and the poet Swayambhu.
Amoghavarsha I (815-876 CE): Described as the greatest patron of Jainism, Amoghavarsha was a devout Jain himself. His court was a hub of intellectual activity. Notable works from his reign include:
- Swami Vidyananda's philosophical treatises.
- Poet Swayambhu's continuation and editing of his father's epic poems.
- Ugradityacharya's "Kalyanakaraka" (on medicine) and the "Hitahitadhyaya" (on abstaining from meat).
- Mahaviracharya's "Ganitasara-sangraha" (on mathematics).
- Shakatayana Pālyakirti's "Shabdānushasana" (grammar) and his commentary "Amoghavritti."
- Mahakavi Asaga's mythological biographies like "Mahaviracharita."
- Swami Jinasena completing the "Jayadhavala" commentary and beginning the "Mahapurana."
- Gunabhadra completing the "Mahapurana" (Adipurana and Uttarapurana).
- Amoghavarsha himself authored "Kavirajamarga" (Kannada literature) and "Prashnottara Ratnamalika."
Krishna II (878-914 CE): His reign continued the literary tradition, with Gunabhadra being his guru.
Indra III (914-922 CE): Continued patronage of Jain scholars and institutions.
Amoghavarsha II, Govinda IV, Amoghavarsha III: While weaker rulers, they maintained state patronage for Jainism.
Krishna III (939-967 CE): The last great Rashtrakuta emperor, his reign saw a resurgence of Jainism and prolific literary output. This period produced prominent figures like Jain ministers Nanna and Bharata, Jain Ganga king Bharasimha, chieftains like Kesari Chalukya, the warrior Chamundaraya, and eminent poets and scholars like Pushpadanta, Pampa, Somadeva Suri, Indranandi, Viranandi, Kanakanandi, Ajitasena Acharya, and Nemicandra Siddhanta Chakravarti.

The text notes the decline of Rashtrakuta power after Krishna III, culminating in the sacking of Manyakheta by the Parmars and the rise of the Western Chalukyas. Despite the political turmoil, the significant establishment of the Gommateshwara statue at Shravanabelagola just before the end of the Rashtrakuta era is mentioned.

Overall Impact:

The author asserts that for nearly two and a half centuries, Jainism was the foremost religion in the Deccan under the Rashtrakutas. A large portion of the population, including emperors, royalty, nobles, merchants, artisans, and commoners, were followers. Jain gurus, institutions, and educational centers played a vital role in public education. The era fostered inter-religious harmony and saw a comprehensive development of Indian culture, with Jain artists adorning the land and Jain poets and writers enriching its literary treasury.

Literary Output:

It is estimated that during the Rashtrakuta era, approximately 100 Jain authors, predominantly from the Digambara tradition, produced around 200 significant works. These works spanned Sanskrit (approx. 110), Prakrit (approx. 35), Kannada (approx. 20), Apabhramsha (approx. 15), and Tamil (approx. 6). The literary output included:

Vast Agamic Commentaries: Such as Dhavala and Jayadhavala.
Systematic and Philosophical Works: Covering theoretical, ontological, spiritual, and logical aspects.
Mythological and Narrative Literature: Including biographies and Puranas.
Works on Ethics, Devotional Hymns, and Mantra Shastra.
Grammar, Lexicography, Prosody, Rhetoric, Mathematics, Astrology, Ayurveda, Medicine, Zoology, and Political Science.

The text acknowledges the significant literary contributions of over a dozen Shvetambara Acharyas like Siddhasena, Haribhadrasuri, and Dhanapala in Rajasthan and other regions outside the direct Rashtrakuta influence, but notes that these were independent of Rashtrakuta patronage.

The book concludes with a detailed table listing known Rashtrakuta-era Jain authors and their works, including approximate dates, languages, and, where possible, verse counts and specific eras (Vikram Samvat or Shaka Samvat). It acknowledges that some works may be lost or their attribution uncertain.