Nagarsheth Shantidas Zaveri - Book Summary

This Jain text, titled "Nagarsheth Shantidas Zaveri" and authored by Malti K. Shah, published in 1987 by Gurjar Granthratna Karyalay, is a detailed historical biography of Shantidas Zaveri, a prominent Jain merchant, philanthropist, and court jeweler during the Mughal era in Ahmedabad.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the key aspects covered in the text:

Introduction and Historical Context: The book emphasizes Ahmedabad's unique industrial and commercial heritage, rooted in its people's self-reliance rather than royal patronage. It highlights the significant role of the "Mahajan" (merchant guilds) in protecting trade and preserving crafts over centuries, noting Gujarat's Mahajan system as unparalleled in India, with Ahmedabad's being particularly well-structured. The text places Shantidas Zaveri within this strong tradition, describing him as a pillar of this lineage.
Shantidas's Ancestry and Early Life: Shantidas belonged to the Rajput house of Sisodias, a lineage that later adopted Jainism. His father, Sahasrakiran, migrated from Rajasthan to Ahmedabad due to Muslim invasions and established himself as a jeweler through sheer hard work. Shantidas inherited this business and showed exceptional courage, bravery, and generosity, characteristic of his "Oswal Bhupal" (Oswal ruler) epithet.
Career as a Royal Jeweler: Shantidas's extraordinary skill in gemology earned him a prestigious position as a royal jeweler in Emperor Akbar's court. His close relationships extended to subsequent Mughal emperors Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb. A significant anecdote describes how he offered refuge to Akbar's wife, Jodha Bai, when she was upset with the Emperor, leading Jahangir to affectionately call him "Zaveri Mama" (Jeweler Uncle).
Civic and Political Influence (Nagarsheth): Leveraging his imperial connections, Shantidas obtained crucial royal firmans (decrees) to protect Jain religious sites like Palitana, Girnar, and Abu, as well as his personal property. He was appointed as the "Nagarsheth" (head of the city's merchant community) of Ahmedabad, a position that gave him considerable influence. He is depicted as a skillful negotiator, a wise leader who could resolve disputes, and a respected figure who represented the interests of the people to the rulers.
Philanthropy and Religious Contributions: Shantidas was a devout Jain and used his vast wealth for religious and charitable purposes. He built a magnificent temple for Shri Chintamani Parshvanath in Bibipura (present-day Saraspur), spending nine lakh rupees on its construction and consecration. He also contributed to the maintenance and development of various Jain pilgrimage sites and institutions.
The Chintamani Parshvanath Temple Incident: The book details the tragic episode where the Chintamani Parshvanath temple, a grand architectural marvel, was converted into a mosque by Aurangzeb in 1645. Aurangzeb's religious intolerance led to the defilement of the temple, including the slaughter of a cow within its premises and damage to the idols. Despite Shantidas's efforts and a subsequent firman from Shah Jahan in 1648 to restore the temple, the desecration rendered it unusable for Jain worship. However, Shantidas's foresight led to the secret removal of the temple's five main idols through a hidden passage to Zaveriwad, where they were later re-consecrated in a new temple.
Obtaining Royal Firmans: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to analyzing and presenting the royal firmans granted to Shantidas. These firmans cover various aspects, including the protection of Jain pilgrimage sites (Palitana, Shankheshwar, Girnar, Abu), property rights, jewelry trade, and financial matters. The text meticulously examines these decrees, highlighting their historical significance and the influence Shantidas wielded to secure them. The author, Malti Shah, has also translated and analyzed these firmans, enhancing the book's utility.
Shantidas's Legacy and Descendants: The book traces Shantidas's lineage through ten generations, emphasizing how his tradition of excellence was maintained. It highlights his sons and their contributions, including Laxmichand, Khushalkchand, Nathusha, Vakhatchand, Hemabhai, Premabhai, Manibhai, Chimanlal, and Kasturbhai, all of whom played significant roles in Ahmedabad's commercial, social, and religious life, carrying forward the Zaveri family's legacy.
Scholarly Approach: The author is praised for her research methodology, which involved verifying historical facts through primary sources and analyzing royal firmans. The book is noted for its blend of historical rigor and engaging narrative, making it accessible to both scholars and the general reader interested in Jain history and Ahmedabad's heritage. The text emphasizes a scientific approach to historical narration rather than relying solely on tradition.

In essence, "Nagarsheth Shantidas Zaveri" presents a comprehensive picture of a remarkable individual who was not only a successful businessman and court jeweler but also a devout Jain, a devoted community leader, and a significant historical figure who navigated the complex political landscape of the Mughal Empire to protect and promote his faith and his city. The book serves as a valuable contribution to Jain historical literature.