Kshatrapkalin Gujarat Itihas Ane Sanskruti - Book Summary

This summary outlines the key aspects of the book "Kshatrapakalin Gujarat: Itihas ane Sanskruti" (History and Culture of Gujarat During the Western Kshatrapas) by Rasesh Jamindar, published by L. D. Indology Ahmedabad.

Book Title: Kshatrapakalin Gujarat: Itihas ane Sanskruti (History and Culture of Gujarat During the Western Kshatrapas) Author: Rasesh Jamindar Publisher: L. D. Institute of Indology, Ahmedabad L. D. Series: 144 First Edition: 2006 ISBN: 81-85857-26-1 Copies: 500 Price: Rs. 500/-

Overall Summary:

This comprehensive work delves into the history and culture of Gujarat during the period of the Western Kshatrapas, a significant era in the region's long historical timeline. The book highlights the importance of the Kshatrapa period, which spanned four centuries, for understanding Gujarat's cultural development.

Key Themes and Content:

Historical Significance of the Kshatrapa Period: The author emphasizes that the Kshatrapa rule was the earliest long-lasting independent kingdom in Gujarat and played a crucial role in shaping its history and culture. It covered a period of four centuries.
New Methodology and Sources: The book utilizes a vast array of recently acquired and re-evaluated archaeological findings, significant inscriptions, architectural remains, and numismatic evidence, which were either not used or not extensively used by previous scholars like Bhagwanlal Indraji.
Comprehensive Study: The author's meticulous research, spanning over four decades, has resulted in a book that offers a fresh perspective and a comprehensive re-creation of Gujarat during the Kshatrapas' reign.
Key Topics Covered: The book explores various facets of this period, including:
- Chronology of the Kshatrapas: Determining the timeline of the Kshatrapa rulers.
- Indian Society during the Kshatrapas: Analyzing the social structure and life of the people.
- Political and Cultural History: Detailing the political landscape and the cultural achievements during their rule.
- Archaeological Findings: The book emphasizes the use of archaeological data such as excavations, important inscriptions, architectural styles, and coins as primary sources. Notably, it claims to be the first to utilize much of this material and re-interpret existing evidence.
- Specific Contributions: The book makes several notable contributions, including:
  - A detailed presentation of the Shaka people's arrival in India and their early political careers.
  - Discussion on the chronology of Kaniska, linking it to the timeline of the Western Kshatrapas.
  - Analysis of the political enmity and social relations between the Western Kshatrapas and the Satavahana rulers.
  - Inclusion of archaeological findings related to the Kshatrapas.
  - Detailed discussion of important Kshatrapa inscriptions, with original texts presented for the first time.
  - Exploration of the contribution of Gujarat's Kshatrapas in political and cultural contexts.
  - Discussion on the first construction of the Somnath temple during the Kshatrapa period.
  - Presentation of miscellaneous architectural remains.
  - Analysis of the results of the Hunar Kala (craftsmanship).
  - A chronological list of Kshatrapa coins, considered a foundational source for understanding their history and culture.
  - Presentation of inscriptions in Sanskrit and Brahmi script.
Rasesh Jamindar's Research: The author, Rasesh Jamindar, is a renowned historian. His research for this book is based on a long period of study and exploration. The current publication is a revised and expanded version of his earlier work on Gujarat during the Kshatrapas' rule, incorporating new historical facts and interpretations.
Target Audience: The book is intended for history enthusiasts and curious readers in Gujarat, as well as those interested in Indian history in general.

Structure of the Book:

The book is divided into five main sections with twenty-two chapters and twelve appendices, covering a wide range of topics. The appendices include inscriptions, a chronological list of Kshatrapa coins, information on coin hoards, and discussions on specific kings and events.

Emphasis on New Data and Interpretation:

A significant aspect highlighted in the publisher's note and the author's introduction is the extensive use of new materials and fresh interpretations of existing evidence, distinguishing this work from previous studies on the subject. The author's work is presented as a "new creation" of Gujarat during the Kshatrapa period, incorporating novel historical facts.

Overall Impression:

"Kshatrapakalin Gujarat: Itihas ane Sanskruti" by Rasesh Jamindar is a monumental and scholarly work that provides an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of Gujarat's history and culture during the Western Kshatrapas' reign. It is valuable for its rigorous research, utilization of primary sources, and contribution to the field of Indian history.Based on the provided Gujarati text (pages 1-14, and excerpts from later chapters and appendices), here is a comprehensive summary of the book "Kshatrapakalin Gujarat: Itihas ane Sanskruti" by Rasesh Jamindar:

Book Overview:

The book, "Kshatrapakalin Gujarat: Itihas ane Sanskruti" (History and Culture of Gujarat During the Western Kshatrapas), authored by Rasesh Jamindar and published by the L. D. Institute of Indology, Ahmedabad, is a seminal work offering a detailed and comprehensive study of Gujarat during the reign of the Western Kshatrapas. This period, spanning approximately four centuries (roughly 23 CE to 415 CE), is highlighted as a crucial era for understanding Gujarat's long and rich historical and cultural development.

Key Themes and Content:

Significance of the Kshatrapa Period: The author emphasizes that the Kshatrapa period represents the earliest long-lasting independent political entity in Gujarat's history. It is considered a foundational era for the region's cultural evolution, particularly when compared to later significant periods like the Maitraka and Solanki eras. The Kshatrapas' four-century rule distinguishes them as having the longest continuous reign among the major kingdoms that shaped pre-Islamic Gujarat and broader Indian history.
Utilisation of Primary Sources: A major strength of the book lies in its rigorous use of primary sources. Jamindar highlights the critical role of:
- Coins: The vast number of silver and copper coins issued by the Kshatrapa kings are considered the most crucial and authentic source. These coins provide names, patronymic names of kings, and crucially, the years of their reign, enabling the reconstruction of a detailed genealogy and a coherent chronology.
- Inscriptions: Several stone inscriptions and rock edicts, particularly the famous Junagadh Rock Edict of Rudradaman I, provide invaluable historical and cultural information. The book discusses important inscriptions, presenting original texts for many for the first time. The Nashik and Karle cave inscriptions related to Nahapana are also extensively analyzed.
- Archaeological Excavations: The book incorporates findings from archaeological excavations, such as the Buddhist stupa and vihara at Devni Mori, which shed light on the art, architecture, and religious practices of the time.
- Literary and Foreign Sources: While acknowledging the scarcity of contemporary literary evidence, the book also considers the contributions of Jain literature (like the Valabhi recension of Jain Agamas and Mallavadi's work) and foreign accounts like the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea and Ptolemy's Geography to provide a broader context.
Comprehensive Chronology and Genealogy: The book addresses the complex task of establishing a precise chronology for the Kshatrapa rulers, distinguishing between the Kshaharat and Kardamaka dynasties. It meticulously reconstructs their genealogies, often relying on the numismatic evidence that includes the king's name and, significantly, the year of issuance.
Political and Administrative History: Jamindar details the political history, discussing the territorial extent of the Kshatrapa kingdom, its administrative divisions, and its interactions with neighboring powers like the Satavahanas and Kushanas. The author argues against the notion that the Kshatrapas were mere feudatories of the Kushanas, presenting evidence for their independent status.
Cultural Aspects: The book covers various aspects of culture, including:
- Religion: Analyzing the prevalence of Brahmanism (Shaivism and Vaishnavism), Buddhism (evidenced by Devni Mori), and Jainism (with references to important Jain āchāryas and their contributions to literature and the Valaabhi recension of Jain Agamas).
- Art and Architecture: Discussing the significant contributions in rock-cut architecture (caves in Junagadh, Talaja, Dhank), stupa construction (Devni Mori), and sculpture, particularly the Buddha images from Devni Mori and the significant shilpa from Shamlaji, which show Gandhara and indigenous influences. The book also highlights the artistic value of the coins themselves.
- Language and Script: Examining the use of Prakrit and Sanskrit in inscriptions and the evolution of the Brahmi script during this period.
- Economy and Trade: Highlighting Gujarat's role as a major trading hub, with flourishing ports like Bharuch (Barigaza) engaged in extensive maritime trade with Rome and other regions, as evidenced by findings of foreign artifacts and mentions in texts like the Periplus.
- Daily Life: Inferring aspects of daily life, social customs, professions, and beliefs from the archaeological evidence and literary mentions.
New Data and Interpretation: A key aspect of the book is the author's emphasis on incorporating new findings and re-interpreting existing evidence. Jamindar's research highlights the use of recently discovered inscriptions and re-analysis of earlier findings to present a refreshed understanding of the period.
Structure: The book is organized logically into sections covering history, political administration, and various cultural aspects, supplemented by detailed appendices containing crucial primary source data like inscriptions and coin lists.

Key Arguments and Findings:

Chronology: The book attempts to establish a more precise chronology for the Kshatrapa rulers, often relying on the dating of their coins and inscriptions.
Shaka Identity: It delves into the identity of the Kshatrapas, largely concluding their affiliation with the Shaka people based on inscriptions and coin legends.
Devni Mori Findings: The author discusses the significance of the Devni Mori excavations, particularly the Buddhist stupa and the historical inscription, offering insights into the religious and political context.
Somnath Temple: The book touches upon the earliest evidence related to the Somnath temple's existence during the Kshatrap period.
Cultural Synthesis: It emphasizes the assimilation of foreign influences (e.g., Roman) into the indigenous Indian culture, particularly visible in art, architecture, and trade practices.

In essence, Rasesh Jamindar's "Kshatrapakalin Gujarat: Itihas ane Sanskruti" is a comprehensive and authoritative study that serves as a foundational text for understanding this vital period in Gujarat's history, providing a detailed account of its political, economic, social, and religious life, supported by extensive archaeological and epigraphic evidence.