Jain Shila Lekh Sangraha 04

Based on the provided text, here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Shila Lekh Sangraha 04" by Vidyadhar Johrapurkar:

Overall Purpose and Context:

This book, "Jain Shila Lekh Sangraha 04" (Jain Inscription Collection, Part Four), is part of a larger series dedicated to compiling and making accessible Jain inscriptions. The primary goal is to provide a scholarly resource for the study and understanding of Jain history, literature, and religious practices through epigraphical evidence. The publisher is Manikchand Digambar Jain Granthamala Samiti, and the publication is facilitated by Bharatiya Jnanapith, Kashi. The volume is published in Veer Nirvana Samvat 2491.

Content Overview:

The collection presents a significant number of Jain inscriptions, with this particular volume containing 654 inscriptions. These inscriptions are chronologically arranged and represent a substantial effort to gather previously scattered and often inaccessible information.

Key Areas Covered by the Inscriptions:

The introduction and detailed analysis within the book, authored by Dr. Vidyadhar Johrapurkar, provide insights into the historical and religious context of these inscriptions. The major themes and subjects covered by the inscriptions include:

1. Chronological Scope: The inscriptions range from the 4th century BCE (one inscription) and 3rd century BCE (one inscription) up to the 19th century CE, with some undated ones. The majority fall within the period between the 1st century BCE and the 16th century CE.

2. Geographical Distribution: The inscriptions are primarily sourced from various regions of India, with a significant concentration from Mysore (447 inscriptions). Other states represented include Madras (82), Andhra (46), Madhya Pradesh (15), Odisha (16), Rajasthan (21), Uttar Pradesh (9), Bihar (4), Bengal (1), Gujarat (3), Maharashtra (7), and Kerala (1).

3. Languages: The inscriptions are in Prakrit (18), Sanskrit (88), Telugu (8), Tamil (77), and predominantly Kannada (460 inscriptions).

4. Thematic Classification: The inscriptions can be broadly categorized by their purpose:

   • Temple Construction/Renovation: 87 inscriptions describe the building or restoration of Jinamandiras (Jain temples).
   • Icon Installation: 126 inscriptions record the installation of Jinamūrtis (Jain idols).
   • Donations: 208 inscriptions detail donations of villages, land, gold, and tax revenues to temples and monks.
   • Samādhimaraṇa (Conscious Death): 164 inscriptions mention the practice of voluntary death by Jain monks, householders, and women.
   • Other: This includes inscriptions related to cave construction (13), monastic economic affairs (4), community agreements (3), and social reform (1).

5. Jain Sanghas (Sects/Monastic Lineages): A significant portion of the introduction is dedicated to outlining the various Jain Sanghas and their sub-sects as evidenced by the inscriptions. The book details mentions of:

   • Yāpanīya Sangha: Seventeen inscriptions mention this Sangha, dating from the 6th to the 13th century CE, with references to its various gaņas (sub-divisions) like Kumili Gaṇa and Puṇṇāgavṛkṣamūla Gaṇa.
   • Mūla Sangha: This major division is extensively covered, with details on its various branches such as Senagaṇa, Deśīgaṇa, Sūrasthagaṇa, Balakāragaṇa, Krāṇūra Gaṇa, and Nigamānvaya. The inscriptions provide information on their lineages, influential āchāryas, and patrons.
   • Gauḍa Sangha: One inscription is noted.
   • Drāviḍa Sangha: Eight inscriptions mention its existence from the 11th to the 14th century CE, detailing its branches like Nandi gaṇa-Arungala Anvaya.
   • Mathura Sangha: One inscription mentions its existence in the 10th century CE.
   • Pañcastūpa Nikāya: One inscription from the 5th century CE is cited.
   • Jambūkhaṇḍagaṇa: One inscription from the 6th-7th century CE is mentioned.
   • Siṁhavūra Gaṇa: One inscription from the 9th century CE is noted.

6. Royal Patronage: The inscriptions reveal the patronage Jainism received from various ruling dynasties across India:

   • North India: Mention of dynasties like Kharavela's lineage (4th-1st century BCE), Gupta rulers (5th century CE), Rashtrakutas of Hastikundi (10th century CE), Paramaras of Malwa (11th century CE), Chālukyas of Gujarat (11th-12th century CE), Kalachuris of Bundelkhand (12th century CE), and Chāhamānas of Rajasthan (11th-12th century CE).
   • Mughal Empire: Three inscriptions from the time of Akbar, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb.
   • South India: Extensive evidence of patronage from dynasties such as the Gangas (13 inscriptions from the 6th to 10th century CE), Kadambas (15 inscriptions from the 6th to 16th century CE), Rashtrakutas (13 inscriptions from the 8th to 12th century CE), Pandyas (5 inscriptions from the 7th to 13th century CE), Pallavas (3 inscriptions from the 6th to 8th century CE), Chalukyas of Badami (2 inscriptions from the 8th century CE), Chalukyas of Vengi (3 inscriptions from the 8th-10th century CE), Chalukyas of Kalyani (58 inscriptions, primarily from the 11th-12th century CE), Cholas (25 inscriptions from the 10th-12th century CE), Hoysalas (30 inscriptions from the 11th-13th century CE), Kalachuris (7 inscriptions from the 12th century CE), and Yadavas of Devagiri (15 inscriptions from the 13th century CE), Vijayanagar rulers (20 inscriptions from the 14th-18th century CE), and various smaller southern dynasties.

7. Decline of Jainism: The introduction notes that from the 12th century onwards, the rise of Veerashaiva and Shri Vaishnava traditions led to the decline of Jainism, with some Jain temples being converted into temples dedicated to Vishnu or Shiva, as evidenced by inscriptions found on reused stones.

Editorial and Publishing Efforts:

• The collection is a continuation of the work initiated by the late Pt. Nathuramji Premi, founder of the Manikchand Granthamala.
• The previous volumes had compiled 500 (Part 1), 850 (Parts 2 & 3) inscriptions. This fourth part adds 654 inscriptions, covering the period after 1908.
• The editors, Dr. Hiralal Jain and Dr. Adinath Neminath Upadhye, express gratitude to Dr. Vidyadhar Johrapurkar for his diligent compilation and analysis.
• The introduction provides important caveats for researchers:
  • The provided text is based on careful transcription but might contain inaccuracies due to script variations (especially in Kannada). Original sources should be consulted for crucial findings.
  • The attribution of āchāryas with the same name needs careful verification with evidence beyond mere name similarity.
  • The absence of an āchārya's name in these inscriptions does not mean they didn't exist.
  • Summaries should not be the sole basis for new theories; original texts are paramount.

Significance:

"Jain Shila Lekh Sangraha 04" is a vital contribution to Jainology, providing an organized and accessible corpus of epigraphical data crucial for reconstructing an accurate and detailed history of Jainism in India. It highlights the widespread presence, influence, and rich history of Jainism across various regions and periods, supported by direct historical evidence.