Jain Shasak Amogh Varsh Pratham

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text about the Rashtrakuta ruler Amoghavarsha I:

The book "Jain Shasak Amogh Varsh Pratham" by Dinbandhu Pandey discusses the life and reign of Amoghavarsha I, a prominent Rashtrakuta king who ruled from around 814 CE to 878 CE. The text highlights Amoghavarsha I as a devout follower of Jainism, but also a remarkable example of religious tolerance and harmony.

Key Aspects of Amoghavarsha I's Reign and Personality:

• Religious Devotion and Tolerance: Amoghavarsha I was a staunch follower of Jainism, specifically the Syadvada school, and a disciple of the renowned Jain Acharya Jinasena. Despite his Jain faith, he demonstrated profound goodwill towards other religions. This is evident in inscriptions that praise both Jain Tirthankaras (like Jinendra) and Hindu deities such as Vishnu and Shiva. The text mentions his use of the Garuda emblem on his royal seal, a symbol associated with Vishnu, and inscriptions that jointly praise Vishnu and Shiva, or even mention Brahma, Indra, and Parvati. He also patronized the construction of the Dashavatara cave at Ellora, which has a Jain inscription, suggesting his involvement in inter-religious cultural patronage.

• Patronage of Literature and Arts: Amoghavarsha I was a significant patron of literature and the arts. He was himself a renowned poet and authored the "Kavirajamarga," considered the first treatise on Kannada poetics. He provided extensive support and patronage to numerous scholars and writers. Prominent Jain scholars like Jinasena and Gunabhadra, authors of the "Adipurana," received his patronage. The works of Shakatayana ("Shakatayana Vyakarana" with its commentary "Amoghavritti") and Virasena (commentary "Jayadhavala" on Gunadhara's "Kashayapahuda") were composed during his reign, with their titles being honorific references to Amoghavarsha I. Mahaviracharya also completed his mathematical treatise "Ganitasarasangraha" during this period. The text notes that his reputation for supporting literary figures was praised by scholars from the 12th to the 16th centuries.

• Benevolent and People-Oriented Ruler: Amoghavarsha I was deeply concerned for the welfare of his subjects. The Sanjan inscription states that to alleviate the suffering of his people, he offered one of his fingers in the worship of Mahalakshmi, following the tradition of selfless sacrifice by figures like Jimutavahana, Dadhichi, and Shibi. Bhattakalanka, in his "Shabdanushasana," even compared Amoghavarsha I's sacrifice to be manifold times greater than these legendary figures. His reign, particularly the latter decades, was marked by peace, which he likely utilized for cultural and public welfare initiatives.

• Comparison with Chandragupta II: The Sanjan inscription compares Amoghavarsha I favorably to the Gupta ruler Chandragupta II, describing him as having a greater character and being a more generous donor. Both rulers faced political challenges at the beginning of their reigns, consolidated their power, suppressed rebellions, and launched military campaigns. Both were also popular among their subjects and patrons of religion, literature, and art. The Sanjan inscription's author appropriately highlights Amoghavarsha I's superior character and stature within the history of the Rashtrakuta dynasty. The commentary on the "Jayadhavala" by Virasena also praises Amoghavarsha I's fame as being as pure as the moon, contrasting it with the fame of the Gupta ruler, which it likens to a mosquito.

• Support for Jain Institutions: Amoghavarsha I's reign ensured full protection and support for Jainism. His feudal lords, such as Bankeya and those from Soundatti, were also followers of Jainism. The Kannur inscription mentions him granting donations to Jain followers. There is also evidence suggesting his contribution to the construction of the Jain caves at Ellora. Within the Jain tradition itself, he is held in high regard, with some Jain viharas in Banavasi recognizing him as a founder of various religious ordinances.

In conclusion, the book "Jain Shasak Amogh Varsh Pratham" portrays Amoghavarsha I as a multi-faceted ruler who was a devout Jain, a champion of religious tolerance, a significant patron of arts and literature, and a beloved leader dedicated to the well-being of his people. He established a benchmark for rulers in terms of public welfare, cultural inclination, and religious tolerance, making a substantial contribution as a Jain ruler in the history of governance.