Mevad Ke Jain Veer - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mevad ke Jain Veer" by Shambhusinh, focusing on the contributions of Jain heroes to the history of Mewar:

The book, "Mevad ke Jain Veer" (Jain Heroes of Mewar), authored by Shambhusinh "Madhu," highlights that heroism, like knowledge, devotion, art, literature, and science, is not the heritage of any specific country, society, caste, bloodline, color, or individual. It is an inherent human virtue that manifests across all places and communities throughout time. Mewar is described as a land of heroes, and Jainism as a religion of heroes, a unique and potent combination.

The text argues that Jainism, despite its emphasis on non-violence, is fundamentally a Kshatriya (warrior) dharma. It cites the first Tirthankara, Lord Rishabhdev, who established the professions of warfare ('Asi'), writing ('Masi'), and agriculture ('Krishi'), with 'Asi' symbolizing royalty and protection. Jain principles like "Karmasura so Dharmasura" (one who is brave in action is brave in dharma) underscore this martial spirit. The lineage of Jain Tirthankaras, from Rishabhdev to Mahavir and the future Tirthankara Padmanabha, originating from Kshatriya clans, is presented as proof of Jainism's heroic nature.

While Jain mythology speaks of heroes establishing, conquering, and defending kingdoms, the focus in Mewar is on Jain heroes fighting and contributing to battles not for the sake of assuming the throne, but for the protection of public freedom and life. Though their primary role wasn't always the first to take the field, their contributions were undeniably significant and praiseworthy. Several Jain heroes, through their valor, strength, intelligence, and wealth, are credited with defending Mewar's independence, honor, and glory on par with Kshatriya warriors.

The book then details the contributions of several prominent Jain heroes:

Jal Mehta: Identified as the first known Jain hero from Mewar after research, Jal Mehta was the Diwan (minister) to Maldev Chauhan, the ruler of Jalore. He managed the affairs of Jalore when Maldev was away. He played a crucial role in the re-establishment of Rajput rule in Chittorgarh. After the fall of Chittorgarh to Alauddin Khilji, it was entrusted to Maldev Chauhan by Khilji. Later, when the Tughlaqs took control, Maldev, feeling neglected by Delhi, married his daughter to Hammir, a young Sisodiya prince. Hammir's wife advised him to seek Jal Mehta's support rather than wealth from her father to reclaim Chittorgarh. Jal Mehta then came to Chittorgarh, managed the fort on Maldev's behalf, and, seizing an opportune moment, facilitated Hammir's night-time capture of the fort. Hammir subsequently re-established the Rana dynasty in Mewar, with Jal Mehta as his Diwan. Jal Mehta's descendants continued to hold significant positions in Mewar, and his descendant, Balwant Singh Mehta, was a key freedom fighter and later a minister and Member of Parliament.
Karmashah: A wealthy merchant from Alwar, Karmashah joined Rana Sanga, offering his entire fortune to support Mewar's economy, which was strained by constant warfare. He established businesses and traded extensively, even as far as China, ensuring Mewar never lacked funds for its large army. He provided significant financial assistance to Bahadur Shah of Gujarat when he sought refuge with Rana Sanga. Later, Karmashah extracted two crucial promises from Bahadur Shah: the reconstruction of 1100 Jain temples destroyed in Patan and an assurance that no further temples would be desecrated by future Muslim rulers of Gujarat. These promises were fulfilled, with Karmashah personally funding the restoration of the temples, which remain important Jain pilgrimage sites.
Bharmal Kavadiya: Another affluent merchant from Alwar, Bharmal Kavadiya, along with his wealth, dedicated himself to Mewar's service at Rana Sanga's invitation. He was appointed the Kiledar (fort commander) of the strategically vital Ranthambore fort, given a significant jagir, and honored by Sanga. Before his death, Sanga appointed Bharmal as the guardian of his two young sons, Vikramaditya and Udai Singh. After Sanga's death, when Queen Karnavati considered a treaty with Babur, Bharmal steadfastly refused to surrender Ranthambore, understanding Babur's intent to use it as a gateway into Mewar. His patriotic defiance thwarted Babur's plans. Despite losing his jagir when Ranthambore fell, Bharmal was reinstated by Maharana Udai Singh due to his loyalty and services. Later, when Sher Shah Suri besieged Chittorgarh, Bharmal famously surrendered the fort's key to Sher Shah, arguing that as Indians, they should not fight each other, but against foreign invaders. Impressed by his logic and patriotism, Sher Shah returned the key and left peacefully.
Bhamashah Kavadiya: The son of Bharmal Kavadiya, Bhamashah was a close companion of Rana Pratap from childhood. He served as Pratap's Diwan. Bhamashah's generosity is exemplified by an incident where he gifted bags of pearls to the assembled chiefs at a feast, giving the hill where it occurred the name "Motimaghri." In the Battle of Haldighati, Bhamashah led the right flank of Pratap's army with great success. He later looted Malwa twice during severe famines in Mewar, providing relief to the populace and replenishing the royal treasury. After Pratap's death, he continued to guide Maharana Amar Singh in state affairs and helped secure Mewar's finances. Maharana Amar Singh honored Bhamashah by cremating him outside the royal burial ground and building a memorial chhatri (cenotaph) for him, even ordering his own cremation to be near Bhamashah's.
Tarachand: Bhamashah's younger brother, Tarachand, was also a valiant statesman. He fought alongside Bhamashah at Haldighati. He was later appointed administrator of the Godwad region by Pratap to quell disturbances from the Rathores of Marwar. Tarachand fostered literature, music, and arts, and patronized poets like Hemchandra Ratsuri, who composed works like 'Gora Badal Padmani Chaupai' and 'Bhamah Bavani,' celebrating the deeds of the Kavadiya brothers. Bhamashah and Tarachand's efforts led to the establishment of new Jain villages in Mewar. The Mewar dynasty granted the hereditary right of the Diwan post to their lineage, and their descendants, like Jivashah and Rupashah, also served as Diwans. Maharana Sajjan Singh and Maharana Fateh Singh reinforced the special privileges accorded to Bhamashah's descendants in social and religious gatherings.
Rangoji Bolia: A skilled diplomat, Rangoji Bolia brokered a significant peace treaty between Prince Karan Singh and Prince Salim (later Emperor Jahangir) in Udaipur. This treaty fostered brotherhood between the two royal families, symbolized by the exchange of turbans and Salim's imprint of a henna-dyed hand. Rangoji was rewarded with villages, an elephant saddle, and the Diwan post. He represented Mewar as an ambassador in the Delhi court, delivering congratulations to Jahangir and securing valuable gifts for Mewar's development. He also demarcated village boundaries and fixed the limits of jagirdars, strengthening Mewar's administrative structure.
Singhavi Dayaldas: A loyal servant of Maharana Raj Singh, Dayaldas's sharp intellect and quick action saved the Maharana's life by uncovering a conspiracy involving the court priest and the younger queen. He was appointed Diwan and proved his worth. During Aurangzeb's invasion, when his sister was abducted by a Mughal unit, Dayaldas, in a fit of rage and grief, killed his female relatives to prevent them from falling into enemy hands. He then launched a devastating campaign into Malwa, destroying Mughal posts, looting wealth, and distributing it to the distressed Hindu population and the needy. After Maharana Raj Singh's death, he fiercely attacked Mughal forces in Chittorgarh, preventing their consolidation. In his later life, Dayaldas voluntarily retired and constructed the vast Rajsamand Lake and a magnificent Jain temple near Kankroli in memory of Maharana Raj Singh.
Mehta Agarchand: Serving during a transitional period of internal conflict and Maratha pressure, Agarchand held key positions like fort commander and administrator. He actively participated in battles against the Marathas, even after being wounded and captured. He later escaped and continued to serve Mewar, demonstrating resilience and strategic prowess. He was retained as Diwan by successive Maharanas for his competence, foresight, and military skills.
Mehta Maldas: Agarchand's successor, Somchand Gandhi, was a proponent of ridding Mewar of Maratha influence. He found a brave ally in Mehta Maldas, who led Mewar's forces against the Marathas, capturing key strongholds. In a major battle near Hadkyakhal village, Mehta Maldas fought bravely but attained martyrdom.

The book also lists other Jain individuals who served in important administrative and military roles, including Pradhans (chiefs/ministers) like Navalakha Ramdev, Navalakha Sahanpal, Tolashah, Bolia Nihalchand, Kavadia Akshayraj, Shah Devkaran, Motiram Bolia, Eklingdas Bolia, Satidas and Shivdas Gandhi, Mehta Bandhu (Devichand, Ramsingh, Sher Singh, Gokulchand, Pannalal, Balwant Singh), and Kiledars and Fauj Bakshis like Jalsi, Cheelsi, Maldas, Srinathji, Rudrabhan, and Sardarsingh.

In conclusion, the text emphasizes that Jain heroes and administrators played a parallel and crucial role alongside the ruling Rana dynasty in shaping Mewar's glorious history. They not only acted as public leaders but also as pioneers who contributed to Mewar's political stability, economic development, and religious tolerance, making it a significant center of religion and culture in Indian history. Their courage, sacrifice, and administrative acumen were vital to Mewar's enduring legacy.