Mevad Kme Jain Dharm Ki Prachinta

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text in English:

This text, "Mewad mein Jain Dharm ki Prachinta" (The Ancientness of Jain Dharma in Mewad) by Ramvallabh Somani, explores the deep and ancient roots of Jainism in the Mewad region of Rajasthan, India. Despite Mewad's royal patronage of Bhagavat Dharma (Vaishnavism), the author establishes through various proofs that Jainism has a long and significant history in the area.

Key Points and Arguments:

• Early Presence: The text suggests that Jainism's presence in Mewad dates back to the lifetime of Lord Mahavir. The discovery of an inscription at Badli, dating back to the Vir Samvat (84), mentions Madhyamika Nagari. If this inscription is indeed from the Vir Samvat, it directly links Mewad to Jainism during Mahavir's era. There are also oral traditions about King Samprati of the Mauryan dynasty building Jain temples near Nagda and Kumbhalgarh. Devgupta Suri, a successor in the tradition of Lord Parshvanath, also had connections to the Mewad region.

• Widespread Propagation (5th-6th Century CE): Jainism saw significant propagation in Mewad around the 5th and 6th centuries CE. This period coincided with a cultural awakening in Rajasthan. During this time, places like Jalore, Bhinmal, Mandor, Pali, Chittorgarh, Nagaur, and Nagda emerged as important centers of education and trade.

• Prominent Jain Scholars and Their Connection to Mewad:

  • Siddhasen Diwakar: He resided in the Chittorgarh region of Mewad for a considerable period. His famous work, "Nyayavataar," a renowned treatise on logic written in Sanskrit verse, is still intact in its logical interpretations. He is considered the "father of Jain logic." Other significant works include "Kalyanmandir Stotra" and "Dwātrishikā."
  • Haribhadra Suri: Also associated with Chittorgarh, Haribhadra Suri was a highly learned scholar. While his exact dating is debated, scholars place him in the 8th century CE. His contributions to literature include "Samaraicchaha" and "Dhurta-akhyana," which are celebrated for their narrative style. He also made unique contributions to philosophy and yoga, with works like "Shaddarshan Samucchaya," "Shastra Varta Samucchaya," "Anekant Jaypataka," and "Yogashataka."

• Influence of Rulers and Artistic Development:

  • The text discusses King Shiladitya and his connection to the development of Western artistic styles in Maru (the desert region) during the time of the Buddhist historian Taranatha. While there's debate about which Shiladitya is being referred to, the author posits it was likely a ruler of Mewad. An inscription from 703 VS (703 CE) states that Jainak Mahattar built a temple for the Aranyavasini Devi in Jawar during Shiladitya's reign. This period saw significant artistic development in areas like Kalyanpur, Samla Ji, and Nagda, which were under the control of the Guhil rulers.

• Connections with Southern India: Chittorgarh and Mewad had strong ties with South India. Many Digambar scholars visited Chittorgarh from the Kannada region. The "Shrutavataar" by Indranandi mentions that the renowned Digambar scholar Ailacharya resided in the fort there. Vīrasenacharya, who later completed the Dhavala commentary on Shatkhandagama in Baroda, also received education from him. Digambar texts frequently mention Chittorgarh, and inscriptions from South India also refer to the Chitrakootānvaya ascetics.

• Chittorgarh as a Jain Center: A fragmented inscription from Chittorgarh, published in "Anekanth," mentions the installation of a pillar of fame by Purnasingh, son of the merchant Jija. This inscription also names Jain ascetics Vishal Kirti and Dharmachandra, who were honored by the South Indian King Narsimha, indicating connections to South Indian Jain traditions. An unpublished Kannada inscription found in a Jain temple in Chittorgarh, believed to be from the 15th century, solely praises Jineshwar. The works of poets like Pushpadanta, Chaturmukh, and Swayambhu were also highly respected and read in Mewad.

• Rishabhdevji Temple: The Rishabhdevji temple in Mewad is a highly significant and ancient site, revered by Digambars, Shvetambars, and Vaishnavas alike. While inscriptions here are not very ancient, those in the mandap mention renovations in 1431 VS and 1572 VS by the Kaasht Sangh. The text speculates that the temple may have been damaged during Alauddin Khilji's Gujarat campaign and later renovated during the time of Maharana Khetā. The temple's construction and renovations involved prominent figures and the Kaasht Sangh.

• Nagda: Nagda is an ancient city in Mewad, home to the 10th-century Digambar Jain temple of Alok Parshvanath, located on a high hill. This area was once a settlement for Digambars. The "Munisundar ki Guravali" mentions that this pilgrimage site was taken from the Digambars by a Shvetambar monk named Samudrasuri. The Parshvanath temple at Nagda is also mentioned in the Bijolia inscription of 1226 VS. There are also inscriptions from 1356 and 1357 VS belonging to Digambar ascetics. A Shvetambar temple from around 1331 VS, with an unpublished inscription from the reign of Maharana Mokala (1487 VS), is also mentioned. The famous Adbhut temple, housing a large stone idol of Adbhut Ji, was built near this temple during Maharana Kumbha's reign and was commissioned by the merchant Śārang.

• Inter-religious Debates: An inscription from the Eklingji temple (1028 VS) mentions a debate between Shaivas, Buddhists, and Jains. This event is also corroborated in the "Lat Bagad ki Garavali" of the Kaasht Sangh, which describes the monk Prabhachandra defeating staunch Shaivas in Chittorgarh during the reign of King Naravahana.

• Delvada (Devkulpataka): Delvada in Mewad, referred to as Devkulpataka in Jain texts, was a prosperous city. Its prosperity is detailed in medieval poems. The renowned Acharya Som Sundar Suri visited Delvada multiple times, with his first visit being in 1450 VS. Prominent figures like minister Ramdev and Prince Chunda welcomed him. The text highlights the significant role of the merchant family of Sahnpal and his mother Meladevi, who patronized the writing of several books. The family's earliest mention is in an inscription from the Karheda Jain temple in 1431 VS. This family was deeply involved in religious activities, commissioning statues and sponsoring the writing of religious texts.

• Karheda: Karheda is another ancient Jain pilgrimage site in Mewad. An inscription on a statue here, dated 1036 VS, mentions Shyamacharya, a disciple of Yashobhadra Suri of the Sāḍer Gachch. Yashobhadra Suri is referenced in a context from Pali city in 666 VS. Many inscriptions from the 13th and 14th centuries have been found at Karheda, indicating its significance in medieval literature. The merchant Ramdev Navalakha renovated the temple in 1431 VS and conducted a grand installation ceremony.

• Udaipur and Ahad: Some Jain temples in Udaipur might predate the city's establishment. Ahad was a prosperous city, and inscriptions in its Jain temples suggest their construction around the 10th century. The Jain temples in Ahad were renovated during the reigns of Maharana Sanga and Ratan Singh. Temples were also built in Udaipur during Maharana Jagatsingh's reign, the Digambar Jain temple in the main market during Maharana Arisinh's reign, and the famous Chaugan temple during Maharana Arisinh's rule.

• Social and Religious Influence: Jain Shvetambar merchants have actively participated in the administrative machinery of Mewad for a long time, contributing to the construction of numerous temples. The text also highlights the emergence of the "Byāïs Sampradāya" as a significant movement opposing certain temple practices, which gained considerable influence, particularly due to the patronage of the Bhāmāśāh family. This movement's impact led to a reduced number of temple followers in central Mewad. The text concludes by noting that Acharya Bhikshu established the Terapanth sect in Mewad from Rajnagar, originating from this movement, and both these sects hold significant influence in the region today.

In essence, the book "Mewad mein Jain Dharm ki Prachinta" meticulously details the historical trajectory of Jainism in Mewad, showcasing its ancient origins, the contributions of its scholars, its architectural achievements, and its deep integration into the socio-cultural fabric of the region.