Marwad Ka Itihas Part 01 - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Marwad Ka Itihas Part 01" by Vishweshwarnath Reu, published by the Archaeological Department of Jodhpur. The text details the history of Marwar from its origins up to the reign of Maharaja Bhim Singh.

Book Title: Marwad Ka Itihas Part 01 (History of Marwar, Part One) Author: Pandit Vishweshwarnath Reu Publisher: Archaeological Department, Jodhpur Key Content Summary:

The book provides a detailed historical account of the Marwar region and its rulers, primarily focusing on the Rathore dynasty. It meticulously covers the period from the region's mythological origins to the reign of Maharaja Bhim Singh.

Key Themes and Sections:

Introduction (Prastavana):
- Discusses the geographical location and vastness of Marwar, noting it is larger than most other princely states in Rajputana.
1. Traces the history of Marwar's rule prior to the arrival of Rao Siha Ji, mentioning the Pratihar rulers and their establishment of power in Kannauj.
- Highlights the significant shift with the arrival of Rao Siha Ji, the great-grandson of Rathore ruler Jai Chand of Kannauj, who established the Rathore rule in Marwar.
- Emphasizes the valor, generosity, and independent spirit of the Rathore rulers, citing examples like Rao Mal Dev, Rao Chandrasen, and Maharaja Jaswant Singh (I).
- Includes a poetic verse praising the valor of the Rathores ("Ranvanka Rathore").
- Mentions the establishment of the "Itihas Karyalaya" (History Department) by the Jodhpur Darbar in 1944 VS (1888 AD) to document the history of the state and its rulers.
- Details the challenges faced by the history department, including slow progress and the misdirection of historical materials.
- Highlights the strong desire of Maharaja Sir Pratap Singh to get the history written and published, and his personal involvement.
- Recounts the author's (Pandit Vishweshwarnath Reu) appointment to compile the history after previous attempts by the History Department had yielded little substantive work.
- Mentions the publication of "History of Rashtrakutas (Rathodas)" and its Hindi version prior to this volume, covering the Rathore history before Rao Siha Ji's arrival in Marwar.
- Notes the opposition faced by the author due to vested interests but asserts his commitment to historical accuracy.
- Explains variations in dates and spellings due to the publication of parts of the history in various journals prior to the book's compilation.
- References the correction of calendar systems (Shravanadi to Chaitradi) in an appendix.
Marwar's Location and Extent:
- Provides details on the geographical boundaries and dimensions of Marwar.
- Lists the neighboring regions and states.
- Discusses theories about the origin of the name "Marwar" from "Maru" and "Maad" desha.
- Refers to historical texts like Abul Fazl's description of Marwar's length and breadth, and the forts within its territory.
Mythological Period (Pauranik Kal):
- Cites the Valmiki Ramayana's account of the origin of Marudesha (Marwar) from Lord Rama's Agneyastra (fire weapon) after the sea refused passage.
- Explains how this event led to the drying up of water and the creation of the desert region.
- Mentions the presence of indigenous tribes like Ahirs and Aryans settling the area later.
- Suggests the former existence of the sea based on archaeological findings.
- Discusses the possibility of a former course of the Sutlej River in the western part of Marwar.
- Connects the Mahabharata era with the settlement of parts of Marwar, mentioning the southern part of Marwar bordering Gujarat being inhabited possibly from the time of the Mahabharata.
- Identifies the northern part of Marwar and Bikaner as "Jangla Desha" with its capital at Ahichhatrapur (possibly Nagaur).
Historical Period (Aitihasik Kal):
- Covers the period from the Mauryan Empire (Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka) up to the arrival of the Rathores.
- Discusses the influence of various dynasties and rulers on Marwar, including:
  - Kushanas (Kanishka)
  - Western Satraps (Nahapana, Rudradaman I)
  - Gupta rulers (Chandragupta II)
  - Hunas
  - Gurjaras (leading to the name Gurjaratra)
  - Pratiharas (Nagabhat II, Vatsaraja)
  - Chahamanas (Chauhans) of Shakambhari and Naddul
  - Parmaras (Pawars) of Abu and Jalore
  - Solankis of Gujarat
  - Guhilas
  - Yaudheyas, Dahiyas, Gauds
- Details the Muslim invasions and their impact on Marwar, mentioning the campaigns of Junaid, Al-Tamash, Alauddin Khilji, and others.
- Specifically notes the Pratihar rule from Mandore, with key rulers like Harishchandra, Nagabhat, and Kakkuk.
- Describes the shift of Pratihar power to Kannauj under Nagabhat II.
- Explains the eventual decline of Pratihara power and the rise of Chauhan influence in Mandore.
- Traces the various ruling powers that held sway over different parts of Marwar, including Chauhans, Parmars, Guhilas, and Solankis, and their interactions with Muslim rulers.
Rathore Rulers of Jodhpur and Their Lineage (Jodhpur-Nareahon ki Vanshavali):
- This section likely provides a genealogical chart of the Rathore rulers of Marwar. (The text mentions pages 5-7 for this.)
Exploits of the Rathore Rulers of Jodhpur and Their Descendants:
- Highlights the military prowess and achievements of various Rathore rulers.
- Cites evidence from inscriptions and historical chronicles, including:
  - Rao Jodha Ji's victory over Pathans and Parsians and his patronage of scholars.
  - Rao Mal Dev's military strength, quoted in Sher Shah Suri's famous remark.
  - Rao Chandrasen's unwavering spirit of independence, comparable to Maharana Pratap.
  - Maharaja Jaswant Singh (I)'s defiance of Emperor Aurangzeb.
  - Maharaja Ajit Singh Ji's role in the politics of the Mughal court.
  - The valor of Rathore hero Durgadas.
  - The legendary generosity of Maharaja Ramsingh Ji's army towards enemy soldiers.
  - Colonel Tod's praise for Maharaja Bakhat Singh as an ideal ruler.
  - Colonel Tod's statement about the Mughals owing half their conquests to the Rathores.
  - The bravery of Rathore cavalry in the European wars of the 20th century (likely referring to WWI, mentioned in the context of Maharaja Sumer Singh).
  - The title "Ranbanka Rathore" (Invincible Rathore).
- Provides specific examples of individual bravery, such as Rathore Devidas defeating the Mughal army at Merta and Rathore Jaimal defending Chittorgarh.
- Mentions the commendable valor shown by the Jodhpur Lancers during World War I (European Mahayudh), specifically the event at Haifa and the Jordan Valley.
Love of Learning and Generosity of the Rathore Rulers of Jodhpur:
- Details the patronage of scholars, poets, and literary works by the Rathore rulers.
- Mentions rulers who were themselves scholars and authors.
- Cites examples:
  - Raja Gaj Singh Ji patronizing poets and bestowing large grants ("Lakh Pasavai").
  - Maharaja Jaswant Singh (I)'s significant contributions to literature, including works on rhetoric ("Bhasha Bhushan"), Vedanta ("Anand Vilas," "Siddhant Bodh," etc.), and drama ("Chand Prabodh").
  - Maharaja Ajit Singh Ji's own literary works like "Gunsaar" and "Bhav Virahi."
  - Maharaja Abhay Singh Ji's patronage of poets like Kavi Dandu Dan and Kavi Kaviya, and his commissioning of works like "Abhayoḍay" and "Suraj Prakash."
  - The establishment of the "Pustak Prakash" (Manuscript Library) by Maharaja Man Singh Ji, which housed a vast collection of Sanskrit and local language manuscripts.
  - The literary contributions of Maharaja Man Singh Ji himself, who authored works on various subjects including Sanskrit poetry, philosophy, and devotional literature.
  - The patronage extended by Maharaja Takhat Singh Ji and his queens.
  - The recognition of poets like Mahamohopadhyaya Kaviraja Muraridan by Maharaja Jaswant Singh (II).
Religion of the Rathore Rulers of Jodhpur:
- Identifies Chamunda as the tutelary deity ("Kuldevi") of the Rathore rulers, often depicted with a falcon symbol on their banners.
- Notes their respect and patronage of Vaishnavism and Shaivism.
- Highlights Maharaja Vijay Singh Ji's strict adherence to Vaishnavism, banning meat and liquor in Jodhpur.
- Mentions the influence of the Nath sect (a branch of Shaivism) during Maharaja Man Singh Ji's reign.
- Emphasizes the significant influence and propagation of Jainism in Marwar, supported by the Rathore rulers.
Love of Art and Architecture of the Rathore Rulers of Jodhpur:
- Details the construction of forts, palaces, and public works by the Rathore rulers, showcasing their appreciation for art and architecture.
- Mentions the Mehrangarh Fort (founded by Rao Jodha Ji) as a prime example.
- Highlights the evolution of architectural styles in the cenotaphs ("Devals") of rulers from Rao Mal Dev to Maharaja Ajit Singh (I), reflecting the increasing prosperity and artistic inclination.
- Notes specific architectural achievements like the "Ek Thambiya Mahal" (single-pillared palace) and rock-cut sculptures of heroes from Maharaja Ajit Singh Ji's and Maharaja Abhay Singh Ji's reigns.
- Commends the skilled craftsmanship of artisans employed by the rulers, evidenced by their large cannons and firearms.
- Praises the collection of paintings from Maharaja Man Singh Ji's era, housed in the State Museum, including intricate depictions of religious texts.
- Includes a poetic couplet summarizing the cultural contributions of various rulers, comparing Jodhpur to Vrindavan, Kashi, Delhi, and Nepal under different rulers.
Biographies of Key Rathore Rulers:
- The book systematically details the reigns and significant events of individual rulers, starting with:
  - Rao Siha Ji (founder of the Rathore dynasty in Marwar)
  - Rao Asthan Ji
  - Rao Dhuhad Ji
  - Rao Raypal Ji
  - Rao Kanpal Ji
  - Rao Jalansi Ji
  - Rao Chhada Ji
  - Rao Tida Ji
  - Rao Kanhar Dev Ji
  - Rao Salakha Ji
  - Rao Tribhuvan Si Ji
  - Raval Mallinath Ji
  - Raval Jagmal Ji
  - Rao Viram Ji
  - Rao Chunda Ji
  - Rao Kanha Ji
  - Rao Satta Ji
  - Rao Ranmall Ji (with a detailed discussion on the circumstances of his death)
  - Rao Jodha Ji (founder of Jodhpur city and fort)
  - Rao Saatal Ji
  - Rao Suja Ji
  - Rao Ganga Ji
  - Rao Mal Dev Ji (described with extensive quotes from Persian histories about his power and wealth)
  - Rao Chandrasen Ji (highlighted as a symbol of independence, compared to Maharana Pratap)
  - Rao Askaran Ji and Ugarsen Ji
  - Rao Raisingh Ji
  - Raja Uday Singh Ji (referred to as "Mota Raja" due to his physique)
  - Sawai Raja Shur Singh Ji
  - Raja Gaj Singh Ji
  - Maharaja Jaswant Singh (I) (detailed accounts of his service under Mughal emperors and his literary contributions)
  - Maharaja Ajit Singh Ji (his early life, struggles, and eventual triumph against Mughal policies)
  - Maharaja Bakhat Singh Ji (praised for his leadership and justice)
  - Maharaja Vijay Singh Ji (details of his wars, administration, and patronage of arts)
  - Maharaja Bhim Singh Ji (covering his reign and its challenges)

The "Shuddhhipatra" (errata) sections indicate corrections for discrepancies in dates and names, highlighting the meticulous nature of the historical research. The book, through its detailed narrative and citations, aims to provide an authoritative and comprehensive history of Marwar and its illustrious Rathore rulers.