Jain Samaj Ka Bruhad Itihas

This Jain text, "Jain Samaj ka Bruhad Itihas" (A Grand History of the Jain Community), Volume 1, authored by Kasturchand Kasliwal and published by Jain Itihas Samiti Jaipur, is a monumental work aimed at chronicling the social, cultural, and archaeological history of the Jain community, with a particular focus on the 20th century. The first volume covers the lives of Jain acharyas, munis, scholars, patrons, all-India institutions, and other social activities. It also delves into the social history of regions like Purvanchal, Rajasthan, Bihar, Malwa, Uttar Pradesh, and South India, featuring biographical sketches of over 800 prominent social workers, often with accompanying photographs.

Key aspects and themes highlighted in the provided pages:

• Publisher's Note: The Jain Itihas Prakashan Sansthan's second publication, following "Khandelwal Jain Samaj ka Bruhad Itihas." The institution was established in April 1985 with the objective of publishing the social, cultural, and archaeological history of the Jain community and presenting the ancient and historically significant aspects of Jainism to the world. The first volume was published in 1989 after 3-4 years of work, and this second volume aims to integrate scattered historical pages of the entire Jain society after three years of dedicated effort. The publisher acknowledges potential shortcomings in the first attempt and hopes for a liberal view from historians. Financial support was sought from all sections of the community, and most supporters praised the initiative. The author expresses regret for delays caused by finalizing biographical information and obtaining photographs.
• Author's Note: Dr. Kasturchand Kasliwal expresses immense joy in presenting this comprehensive history, fulfilling a long-held dream. He acknowledges the diverse spread of the Jain community across India, emphasizing the difficulty of compiling thousands of years of social history. The focus on the 20th century is due to its recency and direct experience or oral accounts from ancestors. The author notes the complex divisions within Jainism (Digambar, Shwetambar, and further sub-sects within Digambarism, along with various philosophical streams) and the challenges in writing a chronological history, yet an effort has been made to incorporate all these streams.
• Sources of History: The primary sources for this history are Jain periodicals like "Jain Gazette," "Jain Mitra," "Jain Sandesh," and "Veer." However, finding organized archives of these publications is difficult. The author specifically thanks the "Jain Gazette" files available at the Mahasabha office in Kota for being a crucial source. Other sources include city directories and historical accounts of specific Jain communities like Khandelwal, Pallival, Kharawad, and Jaiswal.
• Ancient Jain History: The text asserts that Jainism and Jain society have been integral parts of India since historical times, predating the arrival of Aryans. It highlights Rishabdev as the first Tirthankar and connects the country's name "Bharat" to his eldest son Bharat. References to Rishabdev, Neminath, and Parshvanath in Vedic literature are cited as proof of Jainism's antiquity. The core principles of Jainism – Ahimsa, Anekant, and Aparigrah – are emphasized as being paramount in Jain society.
• Jain Society during Mahavir's Era: While exact details are scarce, the text mentions a Sangha of one lakh monks and three lakh lay followers, suggesting a vast following. It describes the society's four-varna structure based on occupation, with class distinctions but not societal segregation. The migration of Bhadrabahu Swami with 12,000 monks during Chandragupta's time to South India is mentioned as evidence of the society's large scale.
• Structure of Jatis (Castes): The text explains the origin of many Jain 'jatis' from collective conversions in towns and villages, with names derived from their place of origin (e.g., Agrawal from Agroha, Khandelwal from Khandela). The strengthening of 'jati bandhan' (caste bonds) for social security, particularly regarding marriage, and the subsequent hierarchical view of castes are discussed, along with the eventual religious framing of these social structures. The author notes the proliferation of sub-castes, mentioning over 250 within the Digambar Jain society.
• Jainism during the Muslim Period: This era is characterized by the destruction of temples and idols by Muslim rulers following invasions. Forced religious conversions and looting were common. Despite this, some temples survived due to the protection offered by Rajput rulers or the rulers' preoccupation with wars. The text notes a significant decline in Jain population, from over three crores during Akbar's reign to a mere 18,34,148 in the 1901 census.
• Regional Jain History: The book meticulously details the Jain community's presence and activities in various regions:
  • Bihar and Odisha: Bihar is highlighted as a major center of Jainism, with significant archaeological evidence and important pilgrimage sites. A decline in Jainism in Bihar from the 12th century onwards is noted, with a resurgence in the last 150 years. Odisha's Khandagiri and Udayagiri caves are cited as proof of Jainism's presence since the first century.
  • Bengal and Assam: Mahavir's visit to Bengal is mentioned. Archaeological findings in Paharpur (Gupta period) indicate a significant Jain presence. The decline during the Muslim period and the contribution of Nanu Godha (minister to Raja Man Singh) in constructing 84 temples are noted. The migration of the Marwari community to Kolkata in the last 200 years, establishing a significant Jain presence, is also discussed, including details on the number of temples.
  • South India: Jainism gained strength in South India after Mahavir's nirvana, reaching villages and towns. The influence of Acharya Bhadrabahu and Emperor Samprati is emphasized. The presence of massive Khadgasan statues of Bahubali and the prominence of Jainism during the Kadamba and Rashtrakuta dynasties are highlighted. The text states that 30% of the total Jain population resides in Maharashtra and Karnataka, providing statistics for Mumbai and other districts. The birth of numerous influential acharyas like Kundakunda, Umaswami, Samantabhadra, Jinacharya, Raviṣenacharya, Swayambhu, and Pushpadanta from South India is noted.
  • Gujarat: Gujarat is identified as a significant Jain center, with Girnar as a famous Siddha Kshetra and the Nirvana Sthal of the 22nd Tirthankar, Neminath. The influence of Acharya Dharasena and King Kumarpala, along with Hemchandracharya, is discussed. The development of the Bhattarak tradition in cities like Surat and Bharuch during the Muslim period is mentioned. Kanji Swami's role in Sonpur and temple construction in Gujarat is highlighted. Gujarat ranks third in Jain population with five lakh adherents.
  • Haryana, Punjab, and Kashmir: Early Jain presence is indicated by findings from Mohenjo-daro and Harappa. The historical integration of Punjab and Haryana is noted. The impact of invasions from Mahmud Ghaznavi to Aurangzeb, leading to the destruction of temples and burning of scriptures, is cited as the reason for Jainism's decline in Punjab after the 11th century. The presence of Jain families and temples in cities like Rawalpindi, Lahore, Ambala, and Multan before Pakistan's formation is mentioned, with Oswal, Khandelwal, and Amwal jatis being prominent. The activities of Bhattarak Jinchandra, Prabhachandra, and Shubhchandra in Punjab are noted. The text provides population statistics for these regions as of the 1981 census.
• History of the Current Century (20th Century): This period is described as one of numerous interesting events and struggles, with advancements and setbacks in social, religious, and literary fields. It highlights the period of subjugation (1888-1947) and the community's contribution to the freedom struggle.
  • Lack of Central Organization: Before the 20th century, the Bhattaraka tradition dominated, but their influence waned with the rise of local panchayats.
  • Education: The establishment of Jain educational institutions like Sagar, Morena, and Varanasi is mentioned as a 20th-century development. The Sanskrit Mahapathshala in Jaipur (1885) is highlighted for its aim to educate students in Sanskrit and Jainism.
  • Jain Periodicals: The era saw the beginning of Jain publications, with ten periodicals appearing before 1888, symbolizing the community's awakening.
• Establishment of All-India Institutions:
  • Shri Bharatvarshiya Digambar Jain Mahasabha: Founded in Sambat 1949 (1912 AD) at Mathura, with Raja Lakshmandas as its first president. Its aim was to revitalize the Jain community. It also published the weekly "Jain Gazette" and established the Digambar Jain Mahavidyalaya and Digambar Jain Mahasabha Parikshalaya.
  • Akhil Bharatvarshiya Digambar Jain Parishad: Established on January 26, 1923, in Delhi, with prominent figures like B.R. Sheetala Prasad, Barrister Champat Rai, and Sahu Jugmandardas. It focused on eradicating social evils and promoting inter-caste marriages. The publication of "Veer" served as its mouthpiece. Its role in securing public holidays for Mahavir Jayanti and ensuring accurate census reporting is noted.
  • Shri Digambar Jain Mahasabha: Founded in 1975 with the vision of a "Jain Parliament" to foster unity and mutual love within the Digambar Jain society. Its role in the successful completion of the Bhagwan Bahubali Mahamastakabhishek ceremony is highlighted.
  • Shri Bha.Di. Jain Shantiveer Siddhant Sanrakshini Sabha: Established 40 years prior to protect Jain Agamas and principles, organizing religious camps and supporting research in Apabhramsa language.
  • Bharatvarshiya Digambar Jain Shastri Parishad: An ancient all-India institution for Jain scholars, aiming to unite them and promote the service of religion, culture, and literature.
  • Bharatvarshiya Digambar Jain Vidvat Parishad: Founded in Kolkata during the Veer Shasan Jayanti on November 2, 1938, to unite scholars, foster literary interest, and create awareness.
• Establishment of Caste-Based (Jati) Mahasabhas: Alongside national institutions, the 20th century saw the rise of caste-specific 'mahasabhas' (e.g., Khandelwal, Bagherwal, Jaiswal, Parwar, Padmavati Porwal) aimed at their community's upliftment. While these contributed to organization, reform, and education, internal conflicts and resistance to change led to their decline.
• Khandelwal Jain Mahasabha: Established on February 28, 1919, in Mumbai due to the efforts of Lunakaran Pandya and Padmchand Benada. The text details its first convention in Kolkata (1920) and subsequent meetings across India, the publication of "Khandelwal Jain Hitechhu" newspaper, and the proposal of provincial committees. It also mentions internal disputes, particularly the 'Lohad Sajjan' movement, which ultimately led to the Mahasabha's dissolution.
• Bhartiya Digambar Jain Tirtha Kshetra Committee: Established in Sambat 1959 as a subcommittee of the Mahasabha, it became an independent organization in 1930 to protect and manage Jain pilgrimage sites. It divided the country into six regions for better administration and has been actively involved in the preservation and renovation of these sacred sites for 60 years.
• Jain Population: The text provides census data from 1891 to 1991, showing a population growth from 14,16,635 to an estimated 40,00,000. However, it also notes that the growth rate is lower than the general population increase, suggesting a demographic concern for the community.
• Social Leaders, Scholars, and Patrons of the 20th Century: The book lists prominent individuals who significantly contributed to society, religion, and literature. This includes figures like Shrimad Rajchand, Ray Bahadur Mulchand Ji Soni, Jugmandardas Ji, Dhanalall Ji Faujdar, Bholalall Ji Sethi, Arjunlal Sethi, Barrister Champat Rai Ji, Seth Manakchand Ji Hirananand J.P., Pt. Chainshukhdas Ji Nyaytirtha, Ganeshprasad Ji Varni, and Seth Hukumchand Ji Kasiwal. The text also mentions the passing of influential acharyas and scholars during different decades.
• Notable Events of the 20th Century: The book details significant events such as the Arya Samaj debates (Shastrarth), the National Movement's participation, the celebration of Bhagwan Mahavir's 2500th Nirvana Mahotsav, the welcome of great souls, the last decade of the century, the samadhi of acharyas, the organization of Panchkalyanaks and other rituals, the Suryakirti episode, the Jambu Dweep Gyan Jyoti inauguration, the Kundakunda Dvishahasrabdi Samaroha, and the installation of the fifth Pattacharya.
• Abhinandan Granths (Festschrift Publications): The tradition of publishing festschrifts to honor social workers and scholars is highlighted as a significant development in the last 50 years. The first such publication mentioned is the "Premi Abhinandan Granth," followed by others honoring Sir Seth Hukumchand Ji, Brahmacharini Chanda Bai Ji, Acharya Shanti Sagar Ji, Tanusukhrai Ji, Kanji Swami, Babu Chotelal Ji, Bhavarilal Ji Bakliwal, Acharya Shiksagar Ji, Tejkan India, Pt. Chainshukhdas Ji, Pt. Sumeruchand Diwakar, and others. These publications are seen as valuable sources of information on Jain philosophy, history, and archaeology.
• Specific Regional Chapters: The latter part of the provided text offers detailed accounts of the Jain community in various regions:
  • Purvanchal Pradesh: This section details the Jain presence in Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, etc., tracing its history from ancient archaeological evidence to modern settlements. It names significant cities like Guwahati, Vijayanagar, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, and Imphal, providing details about their Jain populations, temples, social organizations, and prominent individuals. The impact of the Aryika Indumati Ji and Suparshwmati Ji's visits is also highlighted.
  • Rajasthan: This is a very extensive section covering the social history and prominent social workers across various districts and regions of Rajasthan, including Jaipur, Dausa, Tonk, Sawai Madhopur, Alwar, Kota, Bundi, Jhalawar, Sikar, Nagaur, Pali, Udaipur, Ajmer, and others. It delves into the history of various Jain castes, the presence of Jain temples and pilgrimage sites, and the contributions of numerous individuals.
  • Jaipur City: This chapter focuses specifically on Jaipur, tracing its Jain history from its establishment, detailing the population demographics of various Jain communities, the number of temples and their architectural significance, the importance of Jain scriptoriums (Shastra Bhandars), and providing biographical sketches of over 195 "Yashasvi Samaj Sevies" (successful social workers).
• Biographies of Social Workers: The book is replete with detailed biographies of individuals from different regions, highlighting their contributions to society, religion, business, and sometimes politics. These sketches often include family details, educational background, business endeavors, social and religious activities, and personal characteristics.

In essence, "Jain Samaj ka Bruhad Itihas" (Volume 1) is an encyclopedic compilation dedicated to preserving and disseminating the rich history and contributions of the Jain community, particularly focusing on the dynamic 20th century and the diverse geographical spread of its adherents.