Mumbai Prant Ke Prachin Jain Smarak

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mumbai Prant ke Prachin Jain Smarak" (Ancient Jain Monuments of the Bombay Presidency) by Shitalprasad:

Book Title: Mumbai Prant ke Prachin Jain Smarak (Ancient Jain Monuments of the Bombay Presidency) Author: Brahmachari Shitalprasadji Publisher: Manikchand Panachand Johari Publication Year: 1925 (First Edition) Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/007291/

Overall Purpose and Motivation:

The primary motivation for writing this book was to compile and present scattered information about ancient Jain historical sites and monuments within the Bombay Presidency. Inspired by the efforts of Seth Vaijnath Sarawagi of Calcutta, the author aimed to consolidate architectural remnants, inscriptions, and historical accounts, often found in government archaeological surveys, into a single, accessible volume. The goal was to aid in the compilation of Jain history and to foster a greater appreciation for the rich Jain heritage in the region.

Methodology and Sources:

The author extensively consulted various authoritative sources, including:

• The Imperial Gazetteer of Bombay Presidency (Vols. I & II, 1909).
• The Revised List of Antiquarian Remains in Bombay Presidency by Cousins (1897), part of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) series.
• Reports on Elura and Jain caves in Western India by Burgess (1880), also from the ASI series.
• Gazetteers for specific districts like Belgaum, Dharwar, Bijapur, Kolhapur, Sholapur, Nasik, Thana, Khandesh, and Ahmedabad.
• Works on architecture, such as "Architecture of Ahmedabad" by Hope Fergusson (186).
• Information from the Digambar Jain Directory.

The author also incorporated personal observations from places he visited. Where the sect of Jainism (Digambar or Shwetambar) was clearly identified in the original sources, it was noted. Where it was not specified, the original term "Jain temple" or "Jain idol" was retained.

Key Themes and Observations:

1. Geographical Scope: The book covers the ancient Jain monuments across the Bombay Presidency, which was a vast administrative region. The author divides the region into three main geographical divisions: Gujarat, Maharashtra (referred to as Madhya and Dakshin), and Karnatak.

2. Historical Significance of the Bombay Presidency: The author highlights the deep and ancient connection of the Bombay Presidency with Jainism.

   • It was a land of Vihar (spiritual wandering) for millions of Jain monks.
   • All five Kalyanaks (auspicious events) of the 22nd Tirthankar, Lord Neminath, occurred in this region.
   • Mount Girnar (Urjayant), a significant Jain pilgrimage site, is located here and is adorned with numerous Jain temples.
   • Numerous other Jain Siddhakshetras (liberation sites) like Pavagadh, Taranga, Shatrunjay, Gajpantha, Mangitungi, and Kunthalgiri are also within its boundaries.

3. Jainism's Deep Roots: The connection between Jainism and the Bombay Presidency is traced back to pre-historic times. The author points to the movement of Acharya Bhadrabahu and his munisangha (assembly of monks) from the north to the south of India, stating that his disciples traveled extensively throughout the Bombay Presidency, rekindling the flame of Jainism.

4. Dynasties and Patronage: The book details how various dynasties patronized Jainism:

   • Kadambas, Rashtrakutas, Pallavas, Chalukyas, and Hoysalas were significant Jain-supporting dynasties.
   • Rashtrakuta Jain kings ruled Gujarat and the South with notable statesmanship.
   • Solanki dynasty rulers in Gujarat from Mulraj to Karnadev (961-1304 CE), including the famous Siddharaj and Kumarpal, were predominantly Jain.

5. Impact of Religious Shifts: The author notes a decline in Jainism when Jain kings began to deviate from their faith and became subjects of worldly desires. This laxity allowed non-Jain religious leaders to influence them, leading to the decline of Jainism and the conversion of a significant portion of the population.

   • An example given is the Kalachuri king Vajjal, who, influenced by his minister Basavanna, converted to Shaivism and established the Lingayat sect, leading to millions of Jains becoming Lingayats.
   • This shift resulted in many Jain temples being converted into Shiva temples.

6. Architectural and Artistic Contributions: The text emphasizes the remarkable artistry of Jain architecture found in the region.

   • Jain caves, such as those at Ellora, Ajanta, Karli, Kanheri, and Bhaja, are described as unparalleled marvels of craftsmanship.
   • The influence of Jain art is evident even in Muslim architecture, particularly in Ahmedabad.

7. Historical Sites and Monuments Described: The book provides detailed accounts of various Jain sites across different districts and states within the Bombay Presidency. This includes:

   • Gujarat Division: Ahmedabad (with descriptions of Jain temples like the Hutheesing Jain Temple and Chintamani Jain Temple, and the conversion of a Jain temple into a mosque), Dhandhuka (birthplace of Acharya Hemchandracharya), Gola-dwip, Kheda district (Kapadvanj, Matar, Mahudha, Mehmedabad, Nadiad, Umreth), Khambhat (ancient Jain temples and libraries), Panchmahal district (Pavagadh Siddhakshetra, Champaner, Dahod, Godhra), Bharuch district (Bhrigukachha, Sukatirth, Ankleshwar, Sajot, Gandhar, Shahabad, Kavi), Surat district (Surat city, Rander, Pal, Mandvi), Rajpipla state, Thane district (Amarnath, Borivali, Dahanoo, Kalyan, Kanheri caves, Sopara, Tarapur, Vasaili), Vadodara state (Navsari, Mahuva, Anhilwad Patan, Chanasama, Unjha, Vadnagar, Sarotri, Rahoo, Munjpur, Sankheshwar, Panchpur, Chandravati, Moghera), Mahi Kantha Agency (Idar, Khambhat, Bhiloda, Poshina, Taranga, Kumbhriya, Badali), Palanpur Agency, and Kutch state (Bhadreshwar, Anjar, Gedi, Kanthkot).
   • Central Division (Maharashtra): Ahmednagar district (Pedgaon, Miri, Sangamner, Mehkari, Ghotan), Khandesh district (Nandurbar, Turanmal, Yavalkhed, Bhamer, Nizampur, Patan and Pital Khori caves, Ajanta caves, Erandol), Nasik district (Anjneri, Akai, Chandod, Trigalwadi, Nasik city, Chambhar Lena/Gajpantha, Mangitungi), Pune district (Junnar, Bedsgaon, Bhaja, Bahamari, Loni, Shivner, Balchandra caves), Satara district (Karad, Bai, Dhurnalwadi, Phaltan), Sholapur district (Belapur, Dahigaon).
   • Southern Division (Karnatak): Belgaum district (Belgaum city, Halsi, Hungal, Huli, Konnur, Nandigarh, Naisargi, Bukkhund, Degulvalli, Kadroli, Hinnikeri, Kalhole, Manoli, Soundatti, Tabandi, Koktanur, Badgi, Kagwad, Raybag), Bijapur district (Aioli, Badami, Bagalkot, Hungund, Pattadakal, Talikota, Salagi, Alameli, Wagwadi, Vasukod, Bijapur fort, Dhanur, Hallur, Hebbal, Jainpur, Sindgi, Sirur, Vadhanagar), Dharwar district (Wankapur, Hagal, Naragal, Raktihalli, Ron, Shirgaon, Aminabhavi, Hebballe, Chabbi, Adargunchi, Hubli, Soratur, Bharatpur, Kallukeri, Yelavatti, Karagudrikop, Muttur, Bhairavgad, Lakshmeshwar), North Kanara district (Banavasi, Bhatkal, Zarapra, Sonada, Ulvi, Vidarkanni, Bilgi, Hadavalli, Honavar, Kalatigudda, Kumta, Murdeshwar, Kuletar).
   • Koliaba district: Chiwal, Goregaon, Kuda caves, Mahad, Pale, Kol caves, Raigadh, Ramdharan Parvat.
   • Ratnagiri district: Damal, Kharepatan.
   • Sindh Province: Bhambore, Gori, Nagar Parkar, Viravah.
   • Kolhapur State: Astali, Kolhapur city, Paval caves, Raybag, Khedrapur, Bid, Herle, Savgaon, Bamni, Karvir, Kundal, Kumbhoj, Stavaniidhi.
   • Hyderabad State: Atnoo, Ashte, Ukhalad, Katchner, Kunthalgiri, Kulpak, Tadkal, Ter, Dharashiv caves, Bankur, Malkhed, Savargaon, Holsalgi, Yelus, Bodhan, Pattanacheru.

8. Decline and Conversion of Temples: The book laments the decline of Jainism and the subsequent conversion of many Jain temples into Muslim mosques or Hindu temples. It also notes instances where Jain idols were found in non-Jain places of worship.

9. Importance of Research and Preservation: The author stresses the need for further research and investigation into existing Jain monuments. He encourages history enthusiasts and the Jain community to visit these sites, document their findings, and contribute to the preservation of this heritage.

10. Call to the Jain Community: The book concludes with a strong appeal to the Jain community residing in the Bombay Presidency to understand their province's religious antiquity and participate in the revival of Jainism, using this book as a guide.

In essence, "Mumbai Prant ke Prachin Jain Smarak" is a pioneering work that serves as an invaluable historical and architectural inventory of Jain heritage in the Bombay Presidency. It meticulously documents the extensive presence and influence of Jainism in the region, highlighting its historical depth, artistic achievements, and the challenges faced due to religious and political shifts.