Jain Shila Lekh Sangraha 03 - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Shila Lekh Sangraha 03" by Gulabchandra Chaudhary, based on the provided pages and catalog link:

Book Title: Jain Shila Lek Sangraha 03 (Collection of Jain Inscriptions, Part 3)

Author: Gulabchandra Chaudhary (Author of the Introduction), Vijaymurti M.A. Shastri (Compiler)

Publisher: Manikchand Digambar Jain Granthamala Samiti, Mumbai

Publication Date: Vikram Samvat 2013 / AD 1957

Overall Purpose: This book is the third volume in a series dedicated to compiling and analyzing Jain inscriptions from India. It aims to provide a critical study of these epigraphs to contribute to the understanding and reconstruction of Jain history, culture, and society. The introduction by Dr. Gulabchandra Chaudhary is particularly significant, offering detailed insights into various aspects of Jainism as reflected in the inscriptions.

Key Themes and Content (Based on Introduction and Table of Contents):

The book is structured to provide a scholarly examination of Jain inscriptions, covering a wide range of topics:

Jain Epigraphical Literature (Chapter 1): This introductory chapter establishes the importance and authenticity of inscriptions as historical sources, particularly for understanding the history of Jainism across India, with a special emphasis on the abundance of inscriptions found in South and West India. It discusses the types of materials used for inscriptions (stone, metal) and the various forms they take (rock inscriptions, temple inscriptions, idol inscriptions, pillar inscriptions, seals, copper plates). The chapter highlights the value of inscriptions in dating political events, tracing the evolution of Jain traditions (Ganas, Kulas, Shakhs), and understanding social and cultural life. It also touches upon the types of donations made (land, villages, money, goods) and the occasions for such donations (celestial events, festivals).
Inscriptions from Mathura (Chapter 2): This chapter focuses on the significant collection of inscriptions found at Mathura, particularly from the Kankali Tila. It covers a wide chronological range from the pre-Mauryan period (estimated) to the 11th century AD. Key findings discussed include:
- Iconography: Evidence for the nudity of Jain images dating back 2000 years, with the display of clothing appearing only from the 5th century AD. The absence of specific Tirthankara symbols in early sculptures, except for Adinath's matted locks and Parshvanath's serpent hoods. The prevalence of Yati and Yakshi worship alongside Tirthankaras.
- Social History: The participation of courtesans, dancers, and various artisan groups (blacksmiths, goldsmiths) in religious activities, as indicated by the inscriptions.
- Linguistic and Societal Practices: The custom of mentioning the mother's name along with the individual's name (e.g., Vatsiputra, Gonimiputra), which is valuable for cultural history.
- Sectarian History: The inscriptions corroborate the authenticity of the Kalpasutra's Sthaviravali by mentioning Ganas, Kulas, and Shakhs of Jain monks.
- Chronological Markers: The presence of regnal years of Kushan rulers like Kanishka, Huvishka, and Vasudeva, and their significance for dating.
- Architectural Evidence: The discovery of a Jain stupa named 'Devanirmit Vodh Stupa' and its potential antiquity dating back to the Mauryan period or even earlier. The collection of Ayagapattas (pedestals for offerings) with auspicious symbols and figures, providing a glimpse into Jain art and religious practices.
Dynasties and Jainism (Chapter 3): This extensive chapter delves into the relationship between various ruling dynasties and the Jain faith:
- North Indian Dynasties: Discussion of the influence and patronage of Jainism by rulers from the Mauryan period onwards, including the Kushanas, Guptas, and others.
- South Indian Dynasties: Detailed analysis of the patronage of Jainism by prominent South Indian dynasties such as the Chalukyas, Gangas, Kadambas, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas, and Vijayanagar rulers. It highlights how these dynasties provided support and protection to Jainism, enabling its flourishing.
- Smaller Dynasties and Feudatories: The role of smaller ruling families and feudatories in supporting Jain institutions and religious activities.
Jain Generals and Ministers (Chapter 4): This chapter showcases the significant contributions of Jain military leaders and administrators, demonstrating that Jain principles were not confined to religious ascetics but also influenced the political and military spheres. Their inscriptions often reveal acts of piety, patronage of Jain institutions, and participation in religious life.
The Lay Community and Jainism (Chapter 5): This section explores the involvement of the general populace in Jainism, discussing their contributions through donations, temple construction, and participation in religious festivals. It sheds light on the social history and integration of Jainism within broader society.
Women and Jainism (Chapter 6): The chapter highlights the active role of women in supporting Jainism, including royal women, aristocratic ladies, and common women who made significant donations, patronized religious establishments, and embraced Jain practices, including Sallekhana (voluntary fasting unto death).
Religious Tolerance and Syncretism (Chapter 7): The inscriptions provide evidence of religious tolerance and co-existence, with examples of Jain rulers and prominent individuals extending patronage to other religious traditions and vice versa. It also discusses instances of interaction and shared practices.
Crises and Jainism (Chapter 8): This chapter examines periods of challenge and decline for Jainism, as indicated by certain inscriptions, potentially related to political instability, the rise of rival religious movements, or persecution.
Centers of Jainism (Chapter 9): The book identifies and discusses various important Jain centers across India based on the geographical distribution of inscriptions. These centers played a crucial role in the propagation and sustenance of Jainism over centuries. Examples mentioned include Mathura, Udayagiri-Khandagiri, Prabhasa, Rajagriha, Ahichhatra, Devgarh, Gwalior, Khajuraho, Mahoba, Shravanabelagola, Podanpur, Palitana, and many others across North, West, and South India.
Specific Dynastic and Sectarian Studies: The introduction delves into the origins and development of various Jain sects, Sanghas, Ganas, and Gachhas, such as the Moolasangha, Kurchaka Sangha, Yapaniya Sangha, Dravida Sangha, and Nandisangha, using epigraphical evidence to establish their timelines and interrelationships. For instance, the text notes the earliest mention of Moolasangha in Ganga dynasty inscriptions and discusses the coexistence and interactions of different monastic orders like Yapaniya, Nirgranth, and Kurchaka.
Chronological and Linguistic Analysis: The inscriptions are analyzed for their linguistic features (Sanskrit, Prakrit, Kannada, Tamil) and epigraphy, providing insights into the historical periods they belong to.

Key Takeaways from the Introduction and Mentioned Facts (Page 9-11):

The introduction highlights several crucial points derived from the study of these inscriptions:

Iconography: Jain images were primarily depicted as nude, with the depiction of clothing becoming common from the 5th century AD. Early idols lacked specific Tirthankara symbols except for Adinath's locks and Parshvanath's hoods.
Yaksha and Yakshi Worship: The worship of Yakshas and Yakshinis alongside Tirthankaras was prevalent in ancient times, with their images being installed.
Social Inclusion: Inscriptions from Mathura show that courtesans, dancers, and people from artisan castes participated in religious activities like worship and installation of images.
Matronymics: A practice of mentioning the mother's name alongside personal names (e.g., Vatsiputra) was prevalent in North India.
Authenticity of Jain Texts: Mentions of Jain monks' Ganas, Kulas, and Shakhs in Mathura inscriptions help confirm the authenticity of the Kalpasutra's Sthaviravali.
Sectarian History: Kadamba dynasty inscriptions indicate the existence of Niryartha Mahashramana, Shvetapat Mahashramana, Yapaniya, and Kurchaka Sanghas in South India around the 4th-5th centuries AD, often coexisting harmoniously.
Moolasangha's Origin: The earliest mention of Moolasangha is found in the inscriptions of the Ganga rulers Madhavavarman II and his son Avinita (around 400-425 AD).
Evolution of Gachhas: Mentions of Ganas and Gachhas become increasingly prevalent in inscriptions from the 7th century AD onwards.
Specific Sectarian Mentions: Inscriptions from the 5th-6th centuries mention the Nandisangha and Nandigachha, and Shri Moolamoolagana and Punnagavrikshamoolagana under the Yapaniya Sangha. The Nandisangha is seen associated with Dravida Sangha from the 11th century and Moolasangha from the 12th century.
Balkalari/Balakara Gana: The mention of Balhari or Balgara Gana within the Yapaniya Sangha extends up to the 10th century, while the Balakara Gana is linked to Moolasangha from the 1s century.
Contested Records: The inscription from Makara, claimed to prove the existence of the Kondakundanvaya in the 5th century, is found to be fabricated upon examination.
Kondakundanvaya: Independent use of the Kondakundanvaya is observed in 8th-9th century inscriptions, with the combined usage of Moolasangha and Kondakundanvaya appearing for the first time in inscriptions around 1044 AD.

Significance of the Book:

Challenging Assumptions: Dr. Chaudhary's introduction presents facts that challenge existing historical and cultural assumptions, prompting deeper reflection and re-evaluation of Jain history.
Comprehensive Resource: The collection and study of these inscriptions are vital for a refined and accurate understanding of Jainism's history, political influence, social integration, and artistic development.
Preservation of Knowledge: The publication of these inscriptions by the Manikchand Digambar Jain Granthamala Samiti ensures the preservation and accessibility of valuable historical data for scholars and researchers.

In essence, "Jain Shila Lekh Sangraha 03" is a monumental work of scholarship that provides a critical and detailed exploration of Jain history through the medium of ancient inscriptions, offering a rich tapestry of information about the faith's past.