Madras Aur Maisur Prant Ke Prachin Jain Smarak

Based on the provided text, here's a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Madras aur Maisur Prant ke Prachin Jain Smarak" by Mulchand Kishandas Kapadia:

This book, "Madras aur Maisur Prant ke Prachin Jain Smarak" (Ancient Jain Monuments of the Madras and Mysore Provinces), authored by Mulchand Kishandas Kapadia, serves as a meticulous exploration of the historical presence and influence of Jainism in South India. The author, through extensive research drawing upon literature, inscriptions, and historical accounts, aims to shed light on the often-overlooked Jain heritage in the regions of present-day Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.

Key themes and findings highlighted in the book include:

• Early Spread of Jainism: The book posits that Jainism had a significant presence in South India even before the time of Chandragupta Maurya. It cites the journey of Bhadrabahu and his disciples to the south as a pivotal event, supported by literary and epigraphic evidence. The author suggests that Bhadrabahu's journey was facilitated by an existing Jain community in the region, as evidenced by the mention of Vishakhacharya's travels in the Chola and Pandya territories and the inscription of Jainism in the history of Sri Lanka from an earlier period.

• Literary and Artistic Contributions:

  • Sangam Literature: The text emphasizes the significant role of Jain scholars and poets in the ancient Tamil Sangam literature. The influential work 'Tirukkural', attributed to Thiruvalluvar, is presented as a likely creation of a Jain acharya named Elacharya (also identified as Kundakundacharya). Literary evidence from commentaries and legends supports this assertion, highlighting the sophisticated ethical and social teachings of Jainism that resonated with the Tamil populace.
  • Temple Architecture and Sculpture: The book details numerous Jain temples, sculptures, and inscriptions found across the Madras and Mysore provinces. It describes the architectural styles, the iconography of Jain Tirthankaras and Yakshas, and the historical context of these religious sites. The author notes the impact of Jainism on the art and architecture of the region, with some practices and styles being adopted by other religious traditions.
  • Specific Monuments and Sites: The text provides extensive details about various locations, meticulously cataloging Jain monuments district by district. This includes Ganjam, Vizagapatam, Godavari, Krishna, Nellore, Cuddapah, Anantapur, North Arcot, South Arcot, Tanjore, Madura, Trichinopoly, Pudukkottai, Tinnevelly, Nilgiris, Malabar, South Canara, Travancore, Cochin, and Mysore. For each location, the book describes the historical context, the nature of the Jain remains found (temples, sculptures, inscriptions, caves), and sometimes provides photographic evidence or references to archaeological reports.

• Historical Timeline and Royal Patronage: The book traces the history of Jainism through various dynasties, including the Mauryas, Satavahanas, Kadambas, Pallavas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Gangas, Cholas, Pandyas, Hoysalas, and the Vijayanagar Empire. It highlights periods of significant royal patronage, particularly from the Gangas and the Hoysalas, and also notes periods of decline and persecution, especially due to the rise of Shaivism and Vaishnavism.

• Jain Acharyas and Their Influence: The text acknowledges the profound influence of prominent Jain acharyas like Kundakundacharya, Pujyapada, Simhanandi, Akalankadeva, Vidyanandi, and others. It mentions their philosophical contributions, their role in patronizing literature and art, and their spiritual guidance to rulers and communities. The book also touches upon the concept of Jain monastic orders and their organizational structures, such as the Dravida Sangha.

• Socio-Cultural Impact: The author highlights the pervasive influence of Jain principles on the social and cultural fabric of South India. The principle of Ahimsa, for instance, is credited with contributing to the eventual cessation of animal sacrifice in other religious traditions in the region. The book also points out the spread of Jain literature in regional languages and its contribution to the development of Dravidian languages.

• Decline of Jainism and Preservation Efforts: The book addresses the eventual decline of Jainism's widespread prominence, attributing it to various factors including the resurgence of Hinduism, political changes, and internal challenges. However, it also emphasizes the enduring legacy of Jainism through its ancient monuments and the ongoing efforts of Jain communities and scholars to preserve this heritage. The author expresses a desire for the Jain community to become more aware of their rich history and to actively participate in the study and preservation of these ancient sites.

In essence, "Madras aur Maisur Prant ke Prachin Jain Smarak" is a scholarly work that aims to bring to the forefront the significant historical and cultural contributions of Jainism to South India, presenting a detailed account of its spread, achievements, and the enduring physical evidence left behind.