Mahilaye Jain Sanskruti Ki Seva Me

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Mahilaye Jain Sanskruti ki Seva me" by Sumtibai Shah:

The book "Mahilaye Jain Sanskruti ki Seva me" (Women in the Service of Jain Culture) by Sumtibai Shah emphasizes the equal and integral role of women in human society and particularly within Jainism. The author argues that the concept of society is incomplete without both men and women, who are like two fundamental pillars of the world chariot.

Jainism and Women: The text highlights that Jainism, from its inception, established refined values and places men and women on an equal footing. There is no high or low. Just as men (Shravakas) have the right to take vows, so do women (Shravikas). Lord Mahavir granted both husband and wife the right to observe Mahavratas (great vows) within his Sangha. Jain scriptures praise women with terms like "Dharma Sahayika" (religious helper), "Dharma Sahacharini" (religious companion), "Ratna Kukshi Dharini" (bearer of the jewel womb), and "Deva Gurujan Ashaka" (one who follows the advice of gods and elders), underscoring their crucial role in family and spiritual life. Historically, Indian women reached such heights that they were revered as goddesses, their worship pleasing even celestial beings. While some modern views consider women as half a man, it's acknowledged that a man's completeness is incomplete without them.

Historical Contributions of Jain Women: The author delves into the historical contributions of Jain women, citing examples of bravery, leadership, and piety.

• Early Education and Spirituality: Lord Rishabhanatha (Adinath) educated both his sons and daughters, including Brahmi and Sundari, in subjects like mathematics and literature. Brahmi, after receiving initiation into the Aryika order, became the leader (Ganini) of the Aryika Sangha and was knowledgeable in state affairs.
• Warrior Women: Several Jain women displayed valor in battle. Ardangini, the queen of King Samidh of Panjiri, fought against King Kharavel and even formed an independent female army. She later became Kharavel's queen and was known for her piety and generosity. Samibabbe, daughter of a Gang dynasty chieftain, and wife of King Virvar Lokavidyadhar, was skilled in warfare and passed away remembering Lord Jinendra. Rani Bhairav Devi of Vijayanagar established her own independent state after the empire's collapse and ruled for years under a matriarchal system. Akkammaka, after the death of her husband Nagarjun, took over the responsibility of ruling the Kadamba kingdom, described as a "war-strength-pearl" and a devotee of Jinendra.
• Queens and Patrons of Religion: Many women of the Gang dynasty managed states, built Jain temples, dug tanks, and made generous donations. Champala Rani is highlighted for her contributions to the spread of Jainism through temple construction. Jikkambe, a disciple of Shubha Chandra Deva, not only ruled efficiently but also established many Jain idols to propagate the faith.
• Status of Girls: Ancient texts like the "Adipurana" indicate that girls received various rites along with boys. Royal daughters had an even better status, with the ability to donate their share of property. Sulochana crafted a jewel-laden idol of a Jin before her marriage. Girls engaged in intellectual discussions with their fathers.
• Marriage and Post-Marital Life: Marriage was a significant event, viewed as a spiritual and religious union. Rajulamati, daughter of King Ugrasena of Mathura, chose to become an Aryika after her fiancé Neminath decided to take Diksha.
• Ideal Housewife: The ideal housewife is considered an ornament to her family, country, and society. Maina Sundari, daughter of King Pahupala of Ujjaini, married a leprosy-afflicted king but served him with devotion, endured hardships, took vows, and eventually cured him, leading to their prosperous reign before they took Diksha. She set an example of unwavering support, shared joys and sorrows, and being a source of life for her husband. Ajanta, wife of Pavan Kumar, endured separation and unjust accusations with patience and adherence to dharma. Sita's unwavering devotion to Rama even in captivity is presented as a supreme ideal.
• Motherhood: Motherhood is considered the most important quality of a woman, making her an ideal teacher. The text quotes Acharya Mantunga praising mothers who give birth to unique, god-like children. Mothers are responsible for nurturing and protecting their children, bearing the pain of childbirth with love. Great leaders like Napoleon, Hitler, Shivaji, and Gandhi are attributed their success to their mothers' influence.
• Devout Women: Jain women are known for their devotion. Chellana, daughter of King Chetak, converted her husband Shrenik to Jainism. Jakaldevi, wife of the Chalukya king, also adopted Jainism and promoted its spread. Many Jain women financed the construction and maintenance of Jain temples and festivals. Rani Kharavel of Kalinga built Jain caves. The wife of the king of Sire made donations for her husband's health. Anantambbe, daughter of General Mallam, was a charitable soul who had thousands of silver and gold Jin idols made. The Pisanahari ki Madhiya temple in Jabalpur was built from the earnings of a Jain woman grinding flour.
• Asceticism: Many Jain women took up the Aryika vows, engaged in severe penance, and controlled their minds and senses. Jambu Swami's wife and Chandrasani, daughter of King Chetak of Vaishali, took Diksha. Kambabe, a woman from Karnataka, performed penance for thirty years. Queen Shantala Devi of Vishnuvardhana established a colossal statue of Bhagwan Jinendra.

Contributions to Literature and Arts: Jain women also contributed significantly to literature and arts.

• Writers and Poets: Ranmati wrote "Yashodhar Kavyam." Arya Ratnamati composed "Samkit Ras." Kanti was a renowned writer in Karnataka. Antebambe assisted Mahakavi Ratna in writing "Ajitnathpurana." Gunasamriddhi wrote "Suricharita," Padmashri wrote "Charudatta Charita," and Hemshri wrote "Kanakaavati Akhyan." Women like Anulakshmi, Avantisundari, and Madhavi enriched Prakrit literature.
• Arts: Jain women excelled in dance, singing, painting, and sculpture.

The Beginning of Women's Enslavement: The author points out that invasions by foreign rulers in the medieval period led to many restrictions on women, fostering a fear of religious transgression. This resulted in women falling behind in education, religion, and philosophy, and their entry into professions was blocked.

The Modern Indian Woman: The Indian Constitution aimed to grant women equal status in social, economic, and political spheres. However, poverty, ignorance, and traditions still limit women's freedom. The author laments that despite constitutional rights, deep-rooted patriarchal systems and superstitions continue to hinder women's progress. She notes the low literacy rate among women and the continued discrimination against girls from birth, including the burden of dowry and differential treatment compared to boys. Women are often raised to be hardworking, service-oriented, and compassionate, with marriage seen as the final stage of their life, requiring their complete surrender to their husband's family and lineage.

Challenges and Aspirations: The author discusses the financial dependence of women, even those who are educated and employed. Despite working equally hard, women often don't receive the same respect as men. They are still expected to perform household chores after work. Some men view women merely as objects of pleasure, as depicted in media. The author stresses that women should strive to remove the inferiority complex in men's minds and cultivate feelings of equality and friendship. They need to shed self-devaluation and attitudes of subservience to achieve their development. Men also have a duty to remove obstacles in women's path to progress.

Modern Jain Women's Achievements: In the modern era, Jain women have made significant contributions across various fields:

• Education and Social Work: Women like Maganbai Kankubai and Lalitaben laid the foundation for Jain women's education, establishing hostels for widows and providing educational facilities. Kankubai's philanthropy led to the development of many Jain educational institutions and hospitals. Kusumaben Shah has been a key figure in the progress of various Jain organizations. Kasturbai, wife of Seth Balchand Hirachand, established the Kasturbai Trust, supporting many institutions. Dr. Madhuri Shah contributed significantly to women's education. Kshama Rajulmati and Chandabai Ara are known social workers, with Kshama Rajulmati dedicating her life to serving widowed women and Chandabai establishing the Jain Balavishram. Chandabai was also a skilled writer, journalist, poet, social reformer, and institution manager, founding the Jain Mahiladarsh magazine and leading the All India Women's Conference.
• Literature and Scholarship: Sadhvi Chandana Darshnacharya has authored and edited numerous books. Aryika Ratna Gyanmati Mataji and Vidushi Suparshmati Mataji are renowned writers. Many women are actively writing novels, plays, and historical works. Surekha Shah's novels are regularly published. Vidyultabai Shah is a teacher and writer. Kumudinibai Doshi edits the Jain Bodhak and is involved in social work. Aryika Vishuddhamatiji made works like "Triloksar" accessible. Dr. Surajmukhi and Dr. Vimala Chaudhary are contributing to women's education.
• Politics: Women like Alamem Akka have entered politics and become MLAs. Lekhavati Jain is the President of the Haryana Legislative Assembly. C. Lilavati Merchant and Indumati Seth are active in political spheres.
• Cultural and Religious Fields: Kanchanbai, wife of Seth Hukumchand, provided financial support to many Jain institutions. Ratnavarma Hegde in South India established a 41-foot statue of Bhagwan Mahavir.
• Industry: Jain women are also active in the industrial sector, managing factories and running small businesses.

Conclusion and Suggestions: The author concludes by emphasizing that women, while striving for equality in all fields, should not forget their duties. She advocates for a balance between rights and responsibilities. Modern women should be ideal homemakers and possess religious values to raise cultured children. While adopting Western scientific knowledge, they should not blindly imitate Western social and cultural practices, as Indian society has its own unique values, particularly the strong tradition of the family unit. The author stresses the importance of maintaining the family structure, which is the bedrock of Indian culture. She also highlights the importance of physical health and self-care for women to raise healthy children. She encourages women to follow Jain vows, study religious texts, and find spiritual knowledge as the true path to mental development. The author expresses hope that the ongoing women's awakening will lead to the regaining of lost glory and rights, urging men to support this movement for the betterment of society.