Mevad Aur Jain Dharm - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Mevad aur Jain Dharm" by Balwansinh Mehta, focusing on the influence of Jainism in Mewar:

The book "Mevad aur Jain Dharm" by Balwansinh Mehta highlights the profound and ancient contribution of Jainism to the cultural, political, economic, and artistic heritage of Mewar. The author asserts that Jainism is as old as Mewar's history, forming an inseparable "golden union" (मणिकाञ्चन संयोग) with the region.

Ancient Roots and Early Centers:

Mewar is presented as one of the oldest parts of India, with evidence of pre-historic settlements like Ayad and Majjhimmika (near Chittorgarh) dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization and the Mahabharata era, respectively. The names of these ancient cities are noted to have roots in Jainism's original language, Ardhamagadhi.
Sharda Peeth Vasantgarh is identified as an ancient cultural and scholarly center for Jains.
The ancient Jain contribution extends to the establishment and operation of Jawar, recognized as the world's first cooperative and industrial center.
Places like Dasharnpur, associated with Lord Mahavir's visit, Arya Rakshit's birthplace, and Acharya Mahagiri's penance, are within Mewar. Lord Mahavir's living statues are also believed to be found in Nanadiyala and Nadiyan.
The text mentions Rishabhdev Kesarjiji as a unique pilgrimage site in India and Ranakpur as an unparalleled example of grand, artistic, and skillfully planned temple architecture.

Jainism's Political and Social Impact:

Chittorgarh, considered a pilgrimage site for Kshatriya Dharma, was founded by the Maurya Jain king Chitrang. It served as a sacred place for Buddhists and Jains and was a hub for many Jain acharyas.
Mewar was a land of great Jain thinkers, synthesizers, and scholars like Haribhadra Suri and the internationally renowned ascetic Sadhvi Yakini Mahattara.
Siddhasen Divakar, a prominent figure in Jainism, achieved enlightenment after his spiritual practice in Chittorgarh.
The text highlights that Jin Vallabh Suri initiated a reform movement from Mewar to purify Jain practices, which spread throughout the country. Haribhadra Suri and Jinvallabh Suri are credited with converting lakhs of people to non-violence.
Samprati, the grandson of Emperor Ashoka, played a significant role in spreading Jainism in Mewar, Malwa, and Western India, enforcing a strict prohibition of animal sacrifice. The Maurya dynasty, descendants of Samprati, ruled Chittorgarh until the 7th century.
Even Shaivite kings of Mewar were deeply influenced by Jainism. For instance, Rawal Tejsingh adopted the Jain title "Param Bhattarak," and his son Samar Singh, influenced by Amit Singh Suri, issued a decree prohibiting animal sacrifice throughout Mewar from Chittorgarh.
King Jaitrasingh of Chittorgarh, a powerful ruler, conferred the title "Tapa" upon Jagat Chandra Suri for his severe penance, leading to the establishment of the Tapagachchha.
The text cites a lineage where Rajputs, including those from Sisodia, Sadhyaya, Chauhan, and Chavda communities, considered the Sadragachchha as their family guru. Many princes from these dynasties took Jain vows and became propagators of the faith, with Samudravijay in the 6th century being a notable example.

The Golden Age and Architectural Marvels:

The period from the 6th to the 13th century is considered the "golden age" of Jainism in Mewar.
Jain architectural art reached its zenith during the reign of Kumbha. The Ranakpur temple is described as a "Trilokya Deepak" (Lamp of the Three Worlds).
Many grand Hindu temples in Chittorgarh, Nagda, and Eklingji feature Jain sculptures.
The 10th-century Jain Kirti Stambh (Pillar of Fame) is described as a unique artistic creation.
Mewar has an overwhelming number of Jain temples, surpassing the combined count of temples of all other religions, and their grandeur and artistry are unmatched.
Maharana Kumbha, in addition to his Jain Kulguru, also had another Jain sage as his guru.
Maharana Sanga's pilgrimage to greet his Jain guru Ratnasuri with full royal entourage is a historically famous event.
Maharana Fateh Singh's offering of diamonds and wealth worth lakhs to Rishabhdev is an established historical fact.
The elevated pinnacle of Bijolia is also mentioned as a singular achievement.

Mewar as a Center of Jainism:

Mewar's inherent valor was infused with the Jain principle of non-violence, aligning with the Jain philosophy of "Karma is Dharma, Dharma is Karma" (कम्मेसूरा सो धम्मेसूरा). This led to a flourishing of Jainism in Mewar, perhaps unequaled elsewhere.
All Jain sects actively contributed to the propagation of non-violence. Tapagachchha and Terapanth had their origins in Mewar.
The Sthanakvasi sect has always held influence in Mewar, forming a distinct branch that has produced luminous saints like Shri Rodji Swami, Shri Manji Swami, and Shri Motilalji Maharaj.
Acharya Jawahar Lalji and Pandit Ghasi Lalji produced significant literature and upheld the dharma of non-violence. Muni Chauthmal Maharaj is credited with persuading thousands to renounce meat and alcohol.
The Digambara sect was prominent from the 8th to the 13th century, with acharyas like Elacharya visiting Chittorgarh for non-violence and literary pursuits, after which their influence shifted to Bagad, transforming it into a completely non-violent region.

Unusual Harmony and Sanctuary:

In contrast to the animosity between Shaivism, Jainism, and Buddhism in other regions, Mewar exhibited remarkable harmony between Shaivism and Jainism. When kings were Shaivites, their ministers and administrative heads were Jains.
Jainism's influence in Mewar was so strong that even fugitives, thieves, robbers, and escaped prisoners found sanctuary in Jain Upashrayas (monastic dwellings) and were granted immunity from arrest. Animals being led to slaughter were granted safe passage if they passed by a Jain Upashraya.

Pilgrimage and Jain Luminaries:

Mewar's land is believed to have been sanctified by the footsteps of three Tirthankaras: Neminath, Parshvanath, and Lord Mahavir.
Gautam Swami, the chief disciple of Mahavir, along with his followers, is mentioned to have visited Mewar.
Siddhasen Divakar, a successor of Skandilacharya (president of the second Jain council), made Mewar his spiritual base for propagating non-violence.
A Jain inscription from "before the second century" mentioning "for the sake of compassion towards beings" (भूतानाम् दयार्थ) confirms Mewar as an ancient land of non-violence.
Jain acharyas from Mewar attending the second Jain council were honored as the "Majjhaniya branch," and an inscription from Majjhanika, dating only 84 years after Mahavir's Nirvana, further supports Mewar's status as an ancient Jain center.

Mewar's Generosity and Jain Contributions:

Blessed by Tirthankaras, Mewar birthed many Jain luminaries whose contributions inspired all of India, spreading Jainism's core principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) through their devotion, philosophy, literature, art, trade, valor, and diligence.
Siddhasen, leaving his position as a "Navaratna" (nine gems) in Vikramaditya's court, dedicated his life to Jainism in Mewar, earning the title "Divakar" (Sun).
Ayad became a center of trade for Jain merchants, leading to the construction of many temples and the popularization of Jainism.
Pradyumna Suri secured royal patronage for the Shvetambar sect from King Allata of Ayad. Allata enforced prohibitions on animal sacrifice on specific days and night meals. His wife, Haria Devi, built a large temple for Parshvanath in Ayad.
During Veer Singh's reign in Ayad, significant Jain events took place, including a council of 500 Jain acharyas. Veer Singh's era saw the conversion of numerous individuals to Jainism and their Indianization.
Jaitrasingh, Minister to Mahawal Jaitrasingh, performed severe penance, leading Jaitrasingh to grant him the title "Tapa" and establishing the Tapagachchha.
Hemchandracharya and Vidyanand achieved spiritual realization and wrote their grammatical works in Vasantpur.
Chittorgarh, along with Majjhimika and Ayad, was a prime center for both Shvetambar and Digambar traditions.

Jain Literature and Scholars:

Haribhadra Suri's significant literary contributions include "Sarva Darshan Samucchaya," "Shastra Varta Samucchaya," "Samaraichchhakaha," "Dharmabindu," "Yogabindu," and works on Anekantavada.
Jinvallabh Suri authored "Shatashiti Sardhashatak," "Swapna Saptati," and "Prashnottar Kashashtishatak."
Jinvardhan Suri's works include "Pratyeka Buddha Charitra" and "Vagmatalankara Vritti."
Laydig, a scholar-devotee, got many of Haribhadra Suri's works transcribed. Ashadhar was a renowned scholar. Lollak got the "Unnat Shikhar Purana" inscribed in Bijolia. Dharanashah commissioned the transcription of several significant Jain texts.
Ashah of Chittorgarh wrote "Karma Stav Vipaka." Dungarsingh wrote the "Oghaniryukti" booklet. Uddhar Sunu Hemachandra wrote "Dashavaikalik Pakshiksutra" and "Oghaniryukti." Vayajal wrote "Pakshik Vritti" in Ayad.

Jain Warriors and Statesmen:

Bharmal Jain Kavadiya of Alwar served as the keeper of Ranthambore fort and guardian to the princes of Mewar, dying in the third "saqa" (Jauhar) of Chittorgarh.
His son, Bhamashah, was a close associate, feudatory, general, and prime minister to Rana Pratap, dedicating his life and resources to Mewar's independence. He led armies in the battles of Haldighati and Diwer and financed Pratap's campaigns.
Bhamashah's brother, Tarachand, was a commander in the Haldighati battle, founded the Jain village Bhinder, and commissioned the "Padmani Charitra" by Hemaratnasuri.
Dayaldas is mentioned as another Jain hero who avenged Mewar's enemies.
Mehta Jalsingh assisted Maharana Hammir in recapturing Chittorgarh from Alauddin. Mehta Chihal helped Maharana Udai Singh reclaim the Chittorgarh fort from Balveer.
Kothari Bhim Singh displayed immense bravery in a battle against Mughal general Ranbaz Khan.
Mehta Lakshmichand fought alongside his father in many battles and died in the battle of Khachrol Ghat.
Mehta Agarachand, the keeper of Mandalgadh fort, served as advisor and prime minister, demonstrating valor against the Marathas and managing Mewar's finances during a difficult period. His son, Mehta Devichand, liberated Mewar from Maratha influence and later also served as Diwan.
Tolashah, a close friend of Maharana Sanga, declined the offer of Prime Minister but earned great renown. His son, Karmashah, was Sanga's Prime Minister and oversaw the restoration of Shatrunjaya.
Other Jain Prime Ministers like Ramdev (during Maharana Lakha's reign), Bela Bhandari and Gunraj (during Maharana Kumbha's reign), Ashah (during Maharana Vikramaditya's reign), Jaimal Bacchawat and Ratan Chand Khetawat (Haldighati battle), Jitashah (son of Bhamashah), Akshyaraj (son of Jivashah), Dayalshah, Somdas Gandhi, Malad Maldas, Satidas, and Shivdas are highlighted for their significant service to Mewar.
The text states that from Maharana Bhim Singh's time until the last ruler, Maharana Bhupalsingh, all Prime Ministers were Jains, underscoring their crucial role in the state's governance, development of Jain temples, and promotion of non-violence. The book notes that periods with non-Jain prime ministers often saw instability.

Jain Historians and Scientists:

Jains played a vital role in shaping history. Munhot Nensi, Yati Gyanchand (Colonel Tod's guru), Dungarsingh, and Prithvinsingh Mehta are recognized as historians.
Muni Jinavijay, an internationally acclaimed archaeologist, made invaluable contributions to historical research. He was appointed the first Vice-Chancellor of Gujarat Vidyapeeth and was honored with the Padma Shri.
Daulatsingh Kothari, an internationally renowned scientist, served as the first chairman of India's military academy and the University Grants Commission, receiving the Padma Vibhushan.
Dr. Mohan Singh Mehta was honored with the Padma Vibhushan for his services in the Indian Administrative Service and education abroad.
Devilal Samar significantly contributed to the promotion of Indian folk arts, winning international awards for puppetry and heading the Indian Folk Art Mandal.

Conclusion:

The book concludes by emphasizing the deep integration of Jainism within Mewar's history and society, influencing every facet of life from religion and economy to bravery and administration. Mewar is presented as a state that has largely embraced non-violence, with rulers issuing edicts in favor of non-violence, and the state government itself issuing such orders post-independence. The book posits that Mewar, with its inherent valor, found its practical expression of non-violence through Jainism. Mewar is also described as the birthplace of many Jain sects, schools, and traditions, with all four Jain traditions flourishing equally in the region. The concluding quote advises looking beyond superficialities to the path and truth.