Nivruttikul Ka Sankshipta Itihas

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Nivruttikul ka Sankshipta Itihas" (A Brief History of the Nivruttikul):

This article, authored by Shivprasad, provides a historical overview of the Nivruttikul, a lineage within the Shvetambara tradition of Jainism, specifically among the Chaityavasi gacchs (monastic lineages).

Origins and Early Mentions:

• The Nivruttikul is not mentioned in the "Sthaviravali" of the Paryushanakalpa, indicating it emerged later.
• The earliest epigraphic evidence of this lineage comes from two inscribed statues found at Akota, dated by Umakant Shah to between 525 and 550 CE. These inscriptions mention "Nivritti kule Jinabhadvavachanaacharya."

Prominent Figures: The Nivruttikul produced several influential and scholarly acharyas (preceptors), including:

• Jinabhadragani Kshama Shraman: The inscriptions suggest he was a prominent figure. His life span is estimated to be from 489 to 594 CE, with a lifespan of 104 years according to tradition.
• Shilacharya (also known as Tatvaditya, Vimalmati, and Shilanka Suri): This acharya, credited with commentaries on the Acharanga and Sutrakritanga, and the author of "Chatuppannamaahapurisa-chariya" (dated 869 CE), also identified himself as belonging to the Nivruttikul. There's a scholarly debate about whether the commentator on the Acharanga and Sutrakritanga and the author of "Chatuppannamaahapurisa-chariya" were the same person, with most scholars agreeing on their contemporaneity and shared lineage, though some suggest they were distinct individuals.
• Siddharshi: The author of "Upamitibhavaprapanchakatha" (dated 906 CE), "Sattikanyayavataar," and commentaries on "Upadeshamaala," was also a member of the Nivruttikul. His guru lineage is documented in the preface of "Upamitibhavaprapanchakatha."
• Dronacharya: Mentioned in inscriptions from the 10th century CE on three bronze statues from Akota, the earliest of which is dated to 950 CE. Another Dronacharya is noted as the maternal uncle of King Bhimdev I of the Chaulukya dynasty and the author of the commentary on "Oghaniryukti." He also revised the commentaries on the nine Angas by Abhayadevasuri.
• Suracharya: A disciple of Dronacharya and his nephew, Suracharya was a renowned scholar and was honored by King Bhoj of the Parmar dynasty (1066-1111 CE). His work "Daanadiprakarana" is available.
• Amradevaacharya Gachchha: This branch of the Nivruttikul is mentioned in inscriptions from the 11th century CE. It appears to have existed from the early 11th century CE and its independent existence likely ceased by the end of the 12th century CE.
• Shilachandra Suri: Mentioned as the statue consecrator in an inscription from 1232 CE.
• Amradeva Suri: Mentioned in an inscription dated 1245 CE.
• Ambadeva Suri: A disciple of Parshvadeva Suri, he composed "Samararasu" in 1315 CE. Information about Parshvadeva Suri's teachers and other disciples is unavailable.
• Parshvadata Suri: Mentioned in an inscription from 1323 CE.
• Suris of the Nivruttikul: Mentioned in an inscription from 1469 CE.
• Singadeva Suri: Mentioned in an inscription from 1473 CE.
• Sanghadatta Suri: Mentioned in the latest inscription associated with this lineage, dated 1512 CE.

Epigraphic and Literary Evidence:

• Both epigraphic (inscriptions) and literary sources confirm the existence of the Nivruttikul from the latter half of the 6th century CE to the 16th century CE.
• However, the limited number of these sources makes it challenging to gather extensive information about the lineage.

Key Observations and Questions:

• The article notes that the Amradevaacharya Gachchha, a branch of the Nivruttikul, likely came into existence around the early 11th century CE and its independent existence probably ended by the late 12th century CE.
• The article acknowledges that the earliest acharya of the Nivruttikul and its exact period of establishment are not known from the available evidence.
• It also states that systematic genealogical tables of the lineage's monks cannot be compiled from the current records.
• While medieval Pattacharyas mention the origin of the Nivruttikul along with other lineages like Nagendra, Chandra, and Vidyadhara, these Pattacharyas are considered unreliable for studying the ancient history of any lineage due to their later origin and potentially inaccurate details.
• The monks of this Kul are presumed to have followed the Chaityavasi tradition.
• The absence of any mention of the Nivruttikul in the ancient tradition of Mahavira raises the question of whether this Kul originated in the Lata region from the tradition of the Papatyas, which requires further investigation.

In essence, the article presents a factual compilation of the known historical presence of the Nivruttikul, highlighting its key figures and the epigraphic and literary evidence that supports its existence over a millennium, while also acknowledging the limitations of the available data for a complete understanding of its origins and development.