Monk And Monarch

"A Monk and a Monarch" is an English adaptation of a Gujarati work by Muniraj Vidyavijayji, adapted by Dolatrai R. Mankad. Published in Veer Samvat 2470 (1593 CE), it chronicles the life and achievements of Hirvijaysuri, a prominent Jain monk, and his interactions with the Mughal Emperor Akbar.

The book highlights the significant contributions of Jain monks to Indian society and literature, emphasizing their role in furthering national good by seeking royal patronage. Hirvijaysuri is presented as a pivotal figure who not only served the Jain community but also worked for the welfare of Gujarat as a whole. His efforts to abolish the Jijia tax, secure the release of war prisoners, prevent the confiscation of wealth from heirless individuals, and advocate for animal protection are detailed as benefiting the entire nation.

The author draws inspiration from historical and religious viewpoints, meticulously collecting and verifying information from both Jain and non-Jain sources. The book includes translations of several imperial farmans (royal decrees) issued during Akbar's reign, shedding light on the ongoing contact between Jain saints and Mughal emperors. It also features images of Hirvijaysuri, Akbar, and Abul Fazl.

The book is structured into twelve chapters:

• Chapter First: General Conditions: This chapter sets the historical context, describing the prosperity of India, the various intellectual and cultural achievements, and the subsequent decline due to invasions and internal strife. It details the turmoil caused by the Pathans and Taimur Lane, the imposition of taxes like Jijia, and the moral degradation within the Jain community itself due to the emergence of new sects and a decline in monastic discipline.
• Chapter Second: The Monk: This chapter introduces Hirvijaysuri, born Hirji in Palanpur in 1527 CE. It traces his early life, his spiritual inclinations, his initiation into Jainism, and his rise to the position of Suri. It also recounts several instances of persecution and molestation faced by Hirvijaysuri from local governors, highlighting his resilience and the protection he received from his followers.
• Chapter Third: The Monarch: This chapter provides a biographical sketch of Emperor Akbar, from his birth to his ascension to the throne and his early reign. It details his early life, education (or lack thereof), his political challenges, and his efforts to consolidate his vast empire amidst internal and external threats. It also touches upon his personal qualities, both virtues and vices, including his eventual interest in spirituality and inter-religious dialogue.
• Chapter Fourth: The Invitation: This chapter describes how Akbar, through his curiosity about the Jain faith and the extraordinary feat of a Jain woman named Champa who undertook a six-month fast, became interested in meeting Hirvijaysuri. It details the invitation extended to Hirvijaysuri and his subsequent journey from Gujarat to Fatehpur Sikri, accompanied by many followers.
• Chapter Fifth: The Sermon: This chapter recounts Hirvijaysuri's first meeting with Emperor Akbar. It highlights Hirvijaysuri's adherence to Jain principles, such as traveling on foot and his philosophical explanations of God, Guru, and Dharma. It also details Akbar's impression of the monk's scholarship and character, and his acceptance of Jain scriptures. It further describes Hirvijaysuri's efforts to promote non-killing and other ethical principles at the Mughal court, leading to significant royal decrees.
• Chapter Sixth: More Achievements: This chapter focuses on the contributions of Hirvijaysuri's disciples, such as Shantichandriji and Bhanuchandriji, who also gained influence at Akbar's court. It highlights their intellectual prowess, their roles in advising the Emperor on matters of religious tolerance and animal protection, and their contributions to the propagation of Jainism. The chapter also touches upon the role of other Jain monks like Vijaysensuri in continuing this work.
• Chapter Seventh: Relations with Governors: This chapter illustrates Hirvijaysuri's interactions with various provincial governors. It narrates specific incidents where the Suri, through his sermons and spiritual influence, persuaded governors to release prisoners, prohibit animal killing, and show respect for Jain principles.
• Chapter Eighth: Initiations: This chapter details Hirvijaysuri's efforts in initiating new monks into Jainism. It emphasizes the rigorous standards he maintained and the significant numbers of individuals, including prominent figures from different sects, who joined the monastic order under his guidance.
• Chapter Ninth: Pupils: This chapter elaborates on the prominent disciples of Hirvijaysuri, such as Vijayasuri, Shantichandraji, and Bhanuchandraji. It highlights their individual achievements, their scholarly contributions, their debates with other religious scholars, and their continued influence at the Mughal court. It also underscores Hirvijaysuri's role in maintaining order and harmony within the Jain community.
• Chapter Tenth: Achievements and End: This chapter summarizes Hirvijaysuri's significant accomplishments, particularly his spiritual austerity, his mastery over his senses, and his profound influence on Akbar's policies, especially regarding non-violence. It recounts his final days, his steadfast adherence to Jain principles even in illness, and his peaceful demise. It also mentions the miraculous events that followed his cremation, further testifying to his spiritual stature.
• Chapter Eleventh: Travels: This chapter outlines Hirvijaysuri's extensive travels across various regions of India, his pilgrimages to sacred Jain sites like Shatrunjaya, and his continued interactions with both religious communities and ruling authorities.
• Chapter Twelfth: The Monarch's Life: This chapter provides a concluding overview of Akbar's reign, examining his motivations, his religious policies (including the establishment of Din-i-ilahi), his administrative reforms, his military conquests, and his personal relationships. It reflects on his popularity and the reasons behind the eventual decline of his new faith, attributing it to the lack of strong successors and the sincere devotion of its followers. It concludes by acknowledging Akbar's significant contributions to governance, tolerance, and the well-being of his subjects, albeit with a critical note from the translator regarding a historical inaccuracy.

The book also includes appendices with translations of the imperial farmans, letters from a Portuguese priest, and details about Akbar's coins, providing valuable historical context and primary source material. The errata section at the end addresses minor corrections to the text.