Mahavir Aur Nari Mukti

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Mahavir aur Nari Mukti" by Sumtibai Shah, focusing on the emancipation of women in Jainism:

The text, "Mahavir aur Nari Mukti" (Mahavir and Women's Emancipation) by Sumtibai Shah, strongly asserts that both men and women hold equal importance in the development of human society. It argues that if one gender is given undue importance, society cannot achieve holistic progress. Throughout history, women have worked alongside men for the creation of society, human development, and social progress.

The book highlights that the tradition of recognizing women's spiritual and social equality began with the first Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha. He imparted literacy and spiritual knowledge to his daughters, Brahmi and Sundari, who later took the Aayika (nun) vow from him. Brahmi even became the leader (Ganini) of the Aayika sangha, which was a revolutionary act for women's spiritual liberation at that time. This tradition of granting women the right to spiritual initiation continues unbroken in Jainism.

The text emphasizes that Jainism grants a more significant place to women than many other religions. It has replaced old, restrictive values with refined ones, viewing men and women as equals. Lord Mahavir recognized the freedom of every soul, thus giving women the same right to take vows (like Shravikas) as men (Shravakas). Jain scriptures frequently praise women in household life as "Dharmasahaya" (religious helpers) and "Dharma-sahacharini" (religious companions), and also as being like elders or gurus. Women are considered respected and honorable in society.

The book provides historical examples of women who achieved spiritual and social prominence:

• Rajulamati, daughter of King Agrasen, took Aayika initiation after Lord Neminatha renounced worldly life.
• Chandrasani, daughter of King Chetak of Vaishali, took initiation from Lord Mahavir, embracing lifelong celibacy.
• Chandanbala, without being tied to marital bonds, became a prominent Aayika under Lord Mahavir.

While other religious thinkers of the time considered women subservient to men, Lord Mahavir declared women's freedom and equal rights. Even today, thousands of Aayikas in India are pursuing self-liberation and awakening spirituality among women.

Women's Role in Social Work and Jainism: The text states that Jain scriptures and historical records indicate that women in Mahavir's time and before were permitted to dedicate themselves to social service and self-welfare by remaining unmarried throughout their lives. The "Adipurana" mentions that girls, like boys, underwent various sacraments. Royal families granted special privileges to women. Daughters could inherit and donate their father's property. For instance, Sulochana, in her youth, had a jeweled idol of Jina made and organized a grand consecration ceremony.

Several Jain women were adept at state affairs and actively participated in protecting the state through warfare. Examples include:

• Ardhagini, daughter of a renowned king in the country of Panjiri, assisted King Kharavel in his campaign against a rival king. She even raised an independent army of women. After King Kharavel's victory, she married him.
• Champala Rani, daughter of a Gang Dynasty chieftain, is well-known for building temples and propagating Jainism.
• Nikkambave, a disciple of Shubha Chandra Deva, established many Jain idols for religious propagation.
• Queen Kharavel's consort built Jain caves on Kumari Parvat.
• The wife of the king of Sore built a temple and a tank to cure her husband's illness, which is still famous as 'Muktaknere'.
• Antimabbave, daughter of general Mallama, was devoted to Jainism and commissioned the creation of many silver and gold Jain idols, receiving the title 'Dhanachintamani' for her extensive charity.
• Queen Shantala Devi of King Vishnuvardhana established a colossal statue of Lord Jina at Shravanabelgola in 1123 CE and later took Sallekhana (a vow of fasting unto death).

Women in Literature and Arts: Many Jain women achieved recognition as writers and poets.

• Poetess Ranmati wrote 'Yashodhar Kavya' in 1566.
• Aayika Ratnamati's 'Samkitras' is a Hindi-Gujarati mixed poetry composition.
• The renowned poetess Ratna completed her epic 'Ajitnath Purana' with the support of Dantachintamani Dantambave in 993 CE.
• In Shvetambara literature, women like Padmashri (author of Charudatta Charitra) and Hemasri (author of Kanakavati Akhyan) are famous.
• Anulakshmi, Avantee, Sundari, Madhavi are renowned poets who wrote in Prakrit, with their compositions reflecting themes of love, music, joy, sorrow, hope, despair, and devotion to Jina.

Jain women also made significant progress in dance, music, painting, and sculpture. Historically, Jain women contributed to all aspects of life, earning societal respect. They saw their duty in raising well-cultured children, actively supporting administration, social work, and religious endeavors.

Challenges and Modern Revival: The text acknowledges that while Jain women were pioneers in ancient times, invasions during the Middle Ages led to the imposition of restrictions on women in the name of their safety. This also impacted Jain women, though Mahavir's declaration of women's liberation meant that even in restrictive circumstances, many Jain women continued their work. The obstacles to their freedom and self-development, however, persisted.

Today, the wave of women's awakening is evident globally, and Jain women are also actively participating. The text mentions the significant contributions of:

• Mrs. Rama Jain (Indian Knowledge Institute) in literature and religious fields.
• Mrs. Kankubai for her extensive educational and hospital contributions.
• Mrs. Kasturibai (Kasturibai Trust) for supporting various institutions.
• Shri Rajulamati Bai (Solapur) for establishing 'Shravika Sansthanagar', which promotes educational, religious, and social work.
• Chandabai for establishing Jain Balashram, Arrah, and leading the Jain Mahila Darsh.
• The establishment of the All India Women's Council and the significant literary contributions of Sadvi Chandana Darshanacharya and novelists like Surekha Shah.
• Women like Kalantreakka, Leelavati Merchant, Indumati Seth, and Om Prakash Jain who are active in politics.
• Women are also making strides in the industrial sector.

In conclusion, the book states that the liberation of women declared by Lord Mahavir over two and a half thousand years ago is re-emerging in society today. It emphasizes the need to listen to this voice. Despite progress, challenges like illiteracy, superstition, and dowry hinder women's development. It is our duty to remove these obstacles. Women must strive to regain their lost glory and rights. Educated and progressive women should lead the movement for women's awakening. While demanding rights, women must also guard against new negative trends influenced by Western fashion and a lax lifestyle. The text quotes Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, stating that women's liberation is not a matter of fashion for India but a crucial necessity for the nation to progress physically, intellectually, and spiritually.