Mewadno Guhilo Athva Guhilotpatti Mimansa - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mewadno Guhilo athva Guhilotpatti Mimansa" by Manshankar Pitambardas Mehta, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Mewadno Guhilo athva Guhilotpatti Mimansa (The Guhilas of Mewar or An Enquiry into the Origin of the Guhilas) Author/Publisher: Manshankar Pitambardas Mehta Publication Year: V.S. 1989 (1933 CE)

Overview:

This book, "Mewadno Guhilo athva Guhilotpatti Mimansa," is an academic study by Manshankar Pitambardas Mehta that critically examines the origins and lineage of the Guhila dynasty of Mewar (modern-day Udaipur and surrounding areas in Rajasthan, India). The author delves into historical inscriptions, chronicles, and mythological accounts to address a significant scholarly debate, primarily initiated by Professor D.R. Bhandarkar, regarding the Guhila rulers' caste and origin.

Key Themes and Arguments:

Scholarly Debate on Guhila Origins: The book highlights a major controversy among historians, both Indian and foreign, regarding the Guhila dynasty's ancestry. Professor D.R. Bhandarkar had proposed that the Guhila progenitor was a Brahmin from Anandpur, specifically a Nagar Brahmin from Vadnagar. This theory was widely accepted by European scholars but contested by many Indian scholars, particularly those from Rajputana.
Critique of Bhandarkar's Theory: Mehta's primary objective is to analyze and critique Bhandarkar's thesis, as well as the arguments presented by prominent historians like Gauri Shankar Hirachand Ojha and C.V. Vaidya. Mehta meticulously examines the evidence presented by these scholars, often demonstrating how their interpretations might be flawed or based on selective use of data.
Analysis of Inscriptions and Texts: The core of the book involves a detailed analysis of various historical sources:
- Inscriptions: The author scrutinizes inscriptions from different periods, including those from the time of Shakti Kumar (977 CE), Samara Simha (1274 CE, 1285 CE), Kumbha (15th century CE), and Rai Mal (1497 CE). He carefully translates and interprets the Sanskrit and Prakrit verses to ascertain the statements regarding the Guhila rulers' lineage, caste, and place of origin.
- Literary Works: Mehta also refers to literary works like Rana Kumbha's commentary on the Gita Govinda ("Rasikpriya") and the "Eklingshahmya" to gather information.
- Legends and Folklore: The book acknowledges the existence of various legends and folklore surrounding the Guhila origins, including stories involving Shiladitya of Vallabhi and the deeds of Bappa Rawal. Mehta attempts to separate historical fact from embellishment within these narratives.
The Question of "Anandpur": A significant point of contention is the identification of "Anandpur." While Bhandarkar and others identified it with Vadnagar, Mehta explores the possibility of it being Nagahrud (Nagda), a significant site for the Guhilas. He analyzes linguistic and geographical evidence to support his interpretations.
Bappa Rawal's Identity and Role: A central figure in the debate is Bappa Rawal, often considered the founder or a significant early ruler of the Guhila dynasty. Mehta extensively discusses the descriptions of Bappa Rawal in inscriptions, examining whether he was considered a Brahmin, Kshatriya, or something else. He analyzes verses that suggest Bappa Rawal "exchanged" his Brahminical brilliance (Brahma Teja) for Kshatriya valor (Kshatra Teja) from his Guru, Harit Rashi.
The "Brahma-Kshatra" Concept: Mehta explores the concept of "Brahma-Kshatra," a term used to describe individuals or lineages possessing qualities of both Brahmins and Kshatriyas. He examines instances in inscriptions and historical accounts where this term is applied to rulers or their ancestors, including the Guhila ruler Bhartripot and rulers from other dynasties like Parmars and Senas. He argues that this often indicates a lineage originating from Brahmins who adopted or were assimilated into the Kshatriya way of life and governance, sometimes through marriage or political necessity.
The Significance of Gotra and Lineage: The text emphasizes the importance of genealogical records and gotras (lineages) in determining ancestry. Mehta notes that the "Baijvapa" gotra, associated with the Guhilas, is also linked to Nagar Brahmins of Vadnagar, further strengthening the argument for a Brahmin origin.
The "Agni-Kula" Theory: Mehta also touches upon the "Agni-Kula" (solar lineage) theory, often propagated in bardic traditions for various Rajput dynasties. He discusses the validity and origin of these legends, suggesting they sometimes served to obscure or embellish the actual origins, possibly to create a more prestigious lineage that aligned with the solar or lunar dynasties.
The Role of Gurus and Religious Traditions: The influence of religious gurus, particularly those from the Pasupata (Nath) sect like Harit Rashi, is highlighted. These religious figures played a significant role in legitimizing the rulers and shaping their lineage narratives, sometimes suggesting divine intervention or spiritual transformation that altered their perceived caste or origin.
The "Brahma-Kshatra" Origin of Guhilas: Based on his analysis of various sources, particularly the inscriptions from the time of Samara Simha and Rana Kumbha, Mehta concludes that the progenitor of the Guhila dynasty, Guhadatta and Bappa Rawal, were indeed Brahmins from Anandpur (identified with Vadnagar). He argues that while they were Brahmins, their adoption of Kshatriya roles, governance, and intermarriage with Kshatriya families led to their descendants being recognized as Kshatriyas. He suggests that the entire Guhila lineage can be viewed in the "Brahma-Kshatra" category, reflecting their mixed heritage and evolved social status.
Debunking Foreign Origin Theories: While not the primary focus, Mehta implicitly challenges theories that suggest foreign origins for Rajput clans, grounding his arguments in internal textual and epigraphic evidence.
Criticism of Later Legends: Mehta is critical of later legends and bardic accounts that he believes distorted or invented histories to elevate the Guhila lineage, particularly by linking them to the Suryavansha or by creating complex, mythological origin stories. He points out inconsistencies and anachronisms in these later narratives.

Conclusion of Mehta's Argument:

Mehta's extensive research leads him to conclude that the Guhila rulers of Mewar, particularly their progenitors like Guhadatta and Bappa Rawal, were of Brahmin origin from Anandpur (Vadnagar). Over time, due to their adoption of martial roles, political power, and alliances with Kshatriya families, they were recognized as Kshatriyas, thus fitting into the "Brahma-Kshatra" classification. He believes that the direct evidence from contemporary inscriptions strongly supports a Brahmin origin for the early Guhilas.

Overall Significance:

"Mewadno Guhilo athva Guhilotpatti Mimansa" is a crucial work for understanding the historiography of early medieval India, particularly the complex processes of caste formation and lineage construction among ruling dynasties. Mehta's rigorous scholarly approach, detailed textual analysis, and critical engagement with primary sources make this book a significant contribution to Indian history.