Maharani Chelna Ki Vijay - Book Summary

This Jain text, "Maharani Chelna Ki Vijay" (The Victory of Maharani Chelna), published by Acharya Dharmshrut Granthmala and authored by Rajni Jain, is a graphic novel telling the story of Maharani Chelna. The story, as presented in the initial pages and the editorial, focuses on her exceptional character and the application of Jain principles, particularly Ahimsa (non-violence).

Here's a summary of the key events and themes presented in the provided pages:

Introduction: The story begins by introducing Princess Chelna, the youngest daughter of King Chetak of the Vajji republic. Magadha Emperor Bimbisara becomes enamored with her beauty upon seeing her portrait and desires to marry her. His son, Prince Abhay Kumar, skillfully brings Chelna to Magadha and makes her his father's chief queen.
The Threat of War and Chelna's Intervention: King Chetak is enraged by this, leading to a potential war. Chelna, a follower of Ahimsa, cannot bear the thought of thousands of lives being lost due to her. She bravely goes to the battlefield herself, effectively preventing the Vajji army from attacking their own princess and averting the war. This is highlighted as her true victory through Ahimsa.
Prince Abhay Kumar's Concern for his Father: The narrative then shifts to the Magadha court. Prince Abhay Kumar notices his father, Emperor Bimbisara, is unusually subdued and sad. Despite Bimbisara's assurances, Abhay Kumar consults physicians who confirm the Emperor is preoccupied with a worry.
Discovering the Cause of Bimbisara's Distress: Abhay Kumar remembers that a painter, Bharat Kumar, had met the Emperor shortly before his mood changed. He summons the painter to inquire. Bharat Kumar reveals that Bimbisara is deeply infatuated with a portrait of Princess Chelna of the Vajji republic, which he had previously gifted to the Emperor. This is the sole picture Bimbisara cherishes, and his constant request for variations of it explains his melancholy.
Prince Abhay Kumar's Plan: Realizing his father's desire for Chelna, Abhay Kumar consults with his chief minister, Varshakar. They acknowledge the difficulty of the situation, as King Chetak adheres to Jainism and distrusts them, and is also preparing to attack Magadha. Abhay Kumar proposes a daring plan: to abduct Princess Chelna from Vaishali and bring her to Magadha.
The Abduction Strategy: Despite Varshakar's reservations about the danger, Abhay Kumar insists on executing the plan himself. He decides to disguise himself as a gem merchant named Ratnaprakash. A secret underground tunnel will be constructed from his residence in Vaishali to a location where he will reside, allowing for Chelna's discreet extraction. He also plans to obtain his father's permission and blessings, recognizing that Bimbisara would not wish for his son's life to be endangered.
Abhay Kumar's Arrival in Vaishali: Disguised as Ratnaprakash, accompanied by other merchants (who are also his men), Abhay Kumar arrives in Vaishali. He meets with the chief minister and then with King Chetak, presenting beautiful gems. King Chetak is pleased and grants them permission to stay and trade.
Chelna's Fascination with Abhay Kumar: Within days, Ratnaprakash (Abhay Kumar) builds a beautiful Jain temple (Chaityalaya) and begins performing worship with great devotion and melodious chanting. The sound of his devotional singing reaches the royal palace, impressing Princess Chelna and her elder sister, Jyeshtha. Both are intrigued by the singer's devotion and decide to visit the temple, disguising themselves to avoid recognition.
The Encounter at the Temple: At the temple, Abhay Kumar (as Ratnaprakash) meets the disguised princesses. He describes the glorious, prosperous land of Magadha and its ruler, King Shrenik Bimbisara, praising his virtues and devotion to Jainism. The princesses, particularly Chelna, are captivated by his description and wish to marry King Bimbisara.
Abhay Kumar's Offer and Chelna's Decision: When the princesses express their desire to meet Bimbisara, Abhay Kumar claims he has a way to take them to Rajagriha (Magadha) instantly. While Jyeshtha is hesitant due to her father's potential anger, Chelna, driven by her desire for Bimbisara, agrees. Jyeshtha, however, declines to go and makes an excuse to leave.
The Escape: The tunnel is complete. Abhay Kumar, with Chelna, escapes through the tunnel to a waiting chariot. Chelna expresses some remorse and fear, worrying about her parents' reaction and whether she did the right thing. Abhay Kumar reassures her that returning is impossible and they must proceed to Rajagriha.
Arrival in Magadha and Wedding: Upon their arrival in Rajagriha, King Bimbisara himself comes to welcome them, escorting Chelna to the palace with great pomp. She is received by Queen Indrani. Subsequently, Chelna marries King Bimbisara and becomes the chief queen.
The Impending Conflict: Meanwhile, in Vaishali, King Chetak is furious and orders his army to attack Magadha and destroy it. The Vaishali army gathers on the banks of the Ganges.
Chelna's Intervention Again: In the Magadha court, the news of the approaching Vaishali army reaches the Emperor. Bimbisara asks Prince Abhay Kumar to lead the army to confront them. Chelna, upon hearing this, realizes she is the cause of the impending war and that thousands will die. She declares that this is unacceptable and that she must intervene.
The Reconciliation: Chelna requests an audience with King Bimbisara and informs him that the war is due to her. She expresses her unwillingness for further bloodshed, even if the Vaishali army challenged them. She insists on going to the battlefield herself to prevent the war. King Bimbisara agrees to accompany her.
The Final Victory: Chelna and Bimbisara proceed to the Ganges' edge. When the Magadha army sees them, they cheer. The Vaishali army also cheers, shouting "Victory to Maharani Chelna! Victory to Maharaj Bimbisara!" This shared celebration leads both armies to retreat peacefully. The text concludes by stating this was Maharani Chelna's great victory, achieved through her commitment to peace and non-violence.

Overall Themes:

Ahimsa (Non-Violence): Chelna's character is defined by her adherence to Ahimsa, which she uses as a powerful tool to resolve conflicts.
Bravery and Courage: Chelna displays immense bravery in confronting armies and her own father.
Intelligence and Strategy: Prince Abhay Kumar demonstrates intelligence and strategic thinking in his actions.
Devotion: The story highlights the importance of devotion through Abhay Kumar's actions and Chelna's later appreciation for true devotion.
The Power of Character: Chelna's noble character and unwavering principles ultimately lead to peace and a celebrated victory.