Jainism In North India - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jainism in North India" by Chimanlal J. Shah, based on the provided table of contents and introductory pages:

Book Title: Jainism in North India Author: Chimanlal J. Shah Publisher: Longmans, Green and Co., London Publication Year: 1932

Core Focus: The book aims to provide a historical account of Jainism in North India from 800 B.C. to A.D. 526. It focuses on the geographical region of Aryavarta and a chronological period culminating in the finalization of Jain canonical works at the Vallabhi Council in A.D. 526.

Author's Rationale and Context (from Preface and Introduction):

Under-representation of Jainism: Shah highlights that Jainism has been significantly overlooked compared to other major Indian religions like Buddhism.
Need for Research: He emphasizes the importance of understanding Jainism's historical and legendary aspects, its founder's doctrines, the divisions among disciples, its spread, and its rivalry with Buddhism.
Geographical and Chronological Limitations: The book specifically addresses North India (Aryavarta) due to the distinct historical trajectory of Jainism in South India. The chronological limit of A.D. 526 is chosen as a significant turning point in Jainism's history, marking the codification of its texts and a perceived shift from primitive simplicity.
Methodology: Shah states that the work follows rigorous historical methods, acknowledging that no human work is entirely flawless, especially as it's his first major publication. He aims to present a balanced view, criticizing earlier scholarship that sometimes led to fantastic or untoward conclusions about Jainism's origins and relationship with Buddhism.
Jainism's Resilience: The introduction also notes Jainism's remarkable persistence as a living sect with significant influence in modern India, contrasting it with Buddhism's practical disappearance from its birthplace.

Key Themes and Chapters:

Chapter I: Jainism Before Mahavira:
- Discusses the origin and antiquity of Jainism, going beyond modern criticism.
- Establishes the historicity of Pārsva and Mahāvīra.
- Examines early references to Jainism in Buddhist and Hindu literature.
- Analyzes scholarly opinions on Jainism's antiquity.
Chapter II: Mahavira and His Times:
- Provides details about Pārsva and the time gap between him and Mahāvīra (approximately 250 years).
- Describes the religious climate in India during Mahāvīra's era, noting the flourishing of religion, the increasing influence of Brahmans, and the abuses of the caste system, which Mahāvīra and Buddha addressed without explicit anti-Brahmanical prejudice.
- Explains Jainism in general, including Mahāvīra's life, his ascetic career, nudity, and the interpretation of Jain canons.
- Discusses the origin of the world according to Jainas, the concept of Jinas, Jivas, Ajivas, Punya, Papa, and the path to Moksha through the Ratnatraya (Right Belief, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct).
- Explains Tirthankaras, Kevalins, Ahimsa, Sāmāyika, Pratikramana, and Syādvāda.
- Details significant schisms, including the seven Ninhagas and the prominent rivalry with Gośāla Mankhaliputta.
- Explores the division into Svetambara and Digambara sects, the causes of the schism (particularly nudity), and its relation to Mathura sculptures.
- Notes that distinct divisions may not have existed until the Christian era, with final separation around the Vallabhi council.
- Mentions minor divisions and the "mania for divisions" as a peculiarity of Jainism.
Chapter III: Jainism in Royal Families (800-200 B.C.):
- Traces royal patronage from Pārsva's time, noting a lacuna of 260 years between him and Mahāvīra.
1. Focuses on Mahāvīra's connections with royal families like the Videhans, Licchavis, Jñātrikas, and Vajjis.
- Highlights how these clans were influenced by Mahāvīra's teachings.
- Discusses the relationship with the Mallaki clans and Ganarajas of Kasi-Kosala.
- Examines the influence of Jainism within the sixteen Mahājanapadas and the empires of Magadha (Saisunāgas, Nandas, Mauryas).
Chapter IV: Jainism in Kalinga-Desa:
- Focuses on Jainism during the reign of Kharavela, with the Hathigumpha inscription as the primary source.
- Emphasizes the importance of Orissa in Jain history and describes the numerous caves on the Khandagiri and Udayagiri hills, many dating from the 2nd/3rd century B.C.
- Details the historical significance of the Hathigumpha inscription, its contents, and the date of Kharavela.
- Discusses Kharavela's relationship with Jainism, his military campaigns, and the prominence given to Pārsva in the art of Kalinga.
Chapter V: Mathura Inscriptions:
- Marks Mathura inscriptions as a new landmark after Kharavela, covering the period from Vikramaditya (around 57 B.C.) through the Kushana period.
- Discusses the importance of Vikramaditya and his era, noting Jaina claims of his conversion by Siddhasena Divakara.
- Highlights the role of Saint Kalaka and the legend connecting Jainism with Ujjain.
- Explains the significance of Mathura inscriptions for understanding the Jaina church, particularly the Kankali Tila mound as a source of Jaina records.
- Analyzes dated and undated Kushana inscriptions, their importance for Jaina history, and the transition to the Gupta period.
Chapter VI: State of Jainism during the Gupta Period:
- Covers the period after the Kushanas, the political landscape with the rise of the Guptas, and the state of religion during the Gupta era.
- Examines epigraphic evidence of Gupta sympathy towards Jainism.
- Discusses Jaina canonical works, including the Digambara belief regarding the Svetambara canon, the fourteen Purvas, twelve Angas, Upangas, Painnas, Chedasutras, and Mulasttras.
- Notes the language of the canon and commentatorial works.
Chapter VII: Jaina Literature of the North:
- Provides introductory remarks on the extensive Jaina literature.
- Details the Siddhanta (canonical works), including the fourteen Purvas, twelve Angas, twelve Upangas, ten Painnas, six Chedasutras, four Mulasutras, and two solitary texts.
- Discusses the Digambara rejection of the Svetambara canon and the historical context of the Pataliputra and Vallabhi councils.
- Highlights the significance of the Uttaradhyayana, Avasyaka Sutra, Dasaveyaliya, and Nandisutra.
- Explains the concept of Ardha-Magadhi as the language of the canon and the shift towards Sanskrit.
- Reviews commentatorial works (Niryuktis) and independent works, mentioning prominent authors like Bhadrabahu, Umasvati, Siddhasena Divakara, and Padaliptacarya.
Chapter VIII: Jaina Art in the North:
- Focuses on the sculptural, architectural, and pictorial contributions of Jainas to North Indian art.
- Asserts that Jainism finds its best expression in architecture, emphasizing the Jaina love for constructing temples in picturesque and secluded locations.
- Discusses the caves of Orissa (Udayagiri and Khandagiri) and their Jaina significance, noting the prominence of Pārsva.
- Analyzes Mathura remains, including Ayagapatas, Toranas, and the Vodva Stupa.
- Highlights the mixture of Greek and Indian elements in Jaina art, the concept of female figures, and the unique representation of Jinas.
- Discusses the institution of relic worship (Stupas) and idolatry among Jainas.
- Explores the symbolism and iconography, particularly the prevalence of Pārsva and the representation of twenty-four Tirthankaras.

Conclusion: The book concludes by asserting that Jainism was a powerful religion in North India from 800 B.C. to A.D. 526, influencing various dynasties. It acknowledges the limitations of historical evidence but emphasizes the importance of Jaina records. The work is presented as a humble attempt to synthesize existing scholarship on the "unrecorded period" of Jaina history, providing a readable narrative for students and general readers. Shah underscores the need for further collection and translation of Jaina inscriptions and manuscripts to fully understand Jainism's extent and influence in the North.

In essence, "Jainism in North India" provides a detailed historical and cultural overview of Jainism's development in North India, tracing its origins, key figures, doctrines, schisms, royal patronage, literary output, and artistic expressions during a crucial period of Indian history.