Maharajadhiraj Durlabhraj Ke Samay Ka Rashtriya Sangrahalay - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Maharajadhiraj Durlabhraj ke Samay ka Rashtriya Sangrahalay" by Dashrath Sharma:

This article, edited by Dashrath Sharma and published in a felicitation volume for Z. Jinvijay Muni, discusses a significant copper-plate grant dating back to the reign of Chalukya Maharaja Durlabhraj. The grant, found to have come from Chhaper (Rajasthan) and likely originating from Rajasthan or Gujarat, is inscribed on two copper plates.

Key Details of the Grant:

Dating: The inscription is dated to Samvat 1067 (11th century CE), specifically during a lunar eclipse, which is mentioned in the text.
Ruler: The grant was issued during the reign of Chalukya Maharaja Durlabhraj, marking the earliest known inscription from his time. Durlabhraj ruled from Samvat 1065 to 1077 CE, succeeding his brother Vallabh Raj.
Donor: The grant was made by Kshemaraj, the "Tantrapal" (a high-ranking administrative official) of Maharaja Durlabhraj. Kshemaraj is described as "padapadmopajivi" (one who subsists at the lotus feet of the Maharaja), indicating his direct service to the king.
Recipient: The recipient of the grant was a Brahmin named Nannuk, son of Govind, belonging to the Madhyandina Yajurveda, Vajasneya Shakha, and Laṭyāyana (?) gotra, residing in Bhillamal.
Granted Village: The village granted was Ksatriyapad, located within the Bhillamal-mandal.
Grant Details: The grant included the village of Ksatriyapad with all its rights and revenues, such as "bhag" (share of produce), "bhog" (revenue from perishable goods), "uparikar" (various minor taxes), and "dashaparadha-danda" (fines for ten specific crimes). It also included rights to forest produce like wood, grass, and shrubs, and grazing grounds. However, the grant explicitly excluded previously endowed properties for gods ("devadaya") and Brahmins ("brahmadaya").
Purpose of the Grant: The grant was made for the spiritual merit and advancement of Nannuk's parents and himself, and was intended to be perpetual.
Script and Language: The inscription is in the contemporary Devanagari script. The language is Prakritized Sanskrit, with some characteristic features of the period, such as the use of "va" for "ba," and some minor orthographic errors.
Significance:
- Historical Importance: This inscription is crucial as it places the Bhillamal region within the Chalukya kingdom in Samvat 1067. Prior to this, evidence suggests that Bhillamal was under the Paramaras, as indicated by an inscription from Devaraj of Aboo dated Samvat 1056. The author suggests that Durlabhraj likely annexed Bhillamal, entrusting its administration to his Tantrapal Kshemaraj.
- Administrative Terms: The article provides detailed explanations of administrative terms like "Tantrapal," "bhag," "bhog," "uparikar," and "dashaparadha-danda," drawing comparisons with other contemporary inscriptions to elucidate their meanings and functions. The "Tantrapal" is understood as a key administrator responsible for maintaining order and executing royal decrees, with the authority to grant villages in their jurisdiction. The ten offenses subject to fines are also listed.
- Dynastic History: The inscription helps fill gaps in the dynastic history of the Chalukyas, specifically concerning Durlabhraj's reign and territorial control. It also touches upon the subsequent shifting control over Bhillamal, with the Paramaras regaining influence and later the Chahamanas of Sonigara establishing their rule.
- Cultural Context: The article highlights Bhillamal as a prosperous city, known for its merchants and learned Brahmins, and as a center for intellectual activity, including the composition of the "Upamitibhavaprapanchakatha." It also notes that the recipient Brahmin, Nannuk, had previously received a village grant in Satyapuri in Samvat 1054.

In essence, the article meticulously edits and analyzes a copper-plate grant, offering valuable insights into the political, administrative, and economic landscape of the 11th century CE during the reign of Chalukya Maharaja Durlabhraj, with a particular focus on the strategically important region of Bhillamal.