Oswal Ki Utpatti Vishayak Shankao Ka Samadhan

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Oswal Ki Utpatti Vishayak Shankao Ka Samadhan" by Gyansundar Maharaj:

Title: Oswal Ki Utpatti Vishayak Shankao Ka Samadhan (Resolution of Doubts Regarding the Origin of the Oswals)

Author: Muni Shri Gyansundarji Maharaj

Publisher: Shri Ratnaprabhakar Gyanpushpmala

Overview:

This book is a detailed historical and scholarly work that aims to address and resolve various doubts and misconceptions surrounding the origin and history of the Oswal community. The author, Gyansundar Maharaj, meticulously examines historical texts, inscriptions, and traditions to establish the ancient roots and lineage of the Oswal sect, particularly their connection to Jainism. The book emphasizes the importance of understanding one's history for the community's progress and identity.

Key Themes and Arguments:

1. The Complexity of Historical Research: The author begins by acknowledging the difficulties in reconstructing ancient Indian history, especially for communities like the Oswals. He attributes these challenges to factors like the destruction of historical records during periods of Muslim rule, the natural decay of ancient materials, and a lack of consistent effort in preservation.

2. Mahavira's Inclusive Teachings: The book highlights Lord Mahavira's universal message of Jainism, which welcomed followers from all four varnas (castes). It mentions historical figures like King Chetak, Shrenik, Indrabhuti, Agnyabhuti, Anand, Kamdev, Harkeshi, and Maitarya, all of whom were disciples of Lord Mahavira, demonstrating the inclusive nature of early Jainism.

3. Early Spread of Jainism and the Founding of the Oswal Lineage: The text states that Jainism reached the Marudhar region about 30-40 years after Mahavira's Nirvana. Acharya Swayamprabh Suri is credited with converting and initiating lakhs of people in Shri Mal Nagar and Padmavati Nagar. Later, in the 70th year of the Veer Nirvana era, Acharya Ratnaprabh Suri converted lakhs of non-Jains in Upakeshpur. This event is considered pivotal for the origin of the Oswal lineage.

4. Identifying the Founder and the Original Name: The book asserts that Acharya Ratnaprabh Suri is the founder of the Upakesh (Oswal) lineage. He arrived in the Marudhar region and Upakeshpur city 70 years after Mahavira's Nirvana (around 400 BCE). He converted a large group of people, referred to as the "Mahajan Sangh." Over time, as these people migrated from Upakeshpur, they came to be known as "Upakeshi" and later "Oswal."

5. Debunking Misconceptions and Addressing Doubts (Shankao Ka Samadhan): A significant portion of the book is dedicated to refuting various doubts and misconceptions. The author systematically addresses each doubt with historical evidence and logical reasoning. Some of the key doubts and their resolutions include:

   • Doubt 1: The Origin of the Oswal Name: The author clarifies that "Oswal" is an apabhramsha (corrupted form) of "Upakesh," which was the name derived from the city of Upakeshpur. The transition from Upakesh to Osheean (Oswal) is estimated to have occurred around the 12th century CE.
   • Doubt 2: The Identity of Utpaldev: The book strongly refutes the claim that Utpaldev, the founder of Upakeshpur, was a Parmar Rajput. It provides evidence from ancient texts and pattavalis (lineage records) showing that Utpaldev was from the Shri Mal Nagar dynasty and had no connection to the Parmar clan. It also distinguishes him from the Utpaldev of Mount Abu.
   • Doubt 3: The Age of Inscriptions: The author argues that the ancientness of a community cannot be solely determined by the age of available inscriptions, especially the "Oswal" name. If inscriptions featuring the name "Oswal" are not found before the 13th century, it's because the name itself evolved later. The historical evidence should focus on the earlier name, "Upakesh Vansh."
   • Doubt 4: The Role of Acharya Ratnaprabh Suri: The book dismisses the idea that the last Acharya Ratnaprabh Suri (from the 6th century CE) was the founder. It firmly establishes that the founder was the first Acharya Ratnaprabh Suri, who lived around 70 years after Mahavira's Nirvana.
   • Doubt 5: The Significance of the 1013 CE Inscription: An inscription from 1013 CE found in an Oshian temple is not related to the origin of the Oswals but rather confirms the antiquity of Oshian itself, showing it was prosperous even before the time of the Parmars mentioned in some accounts.
   • Doubt 6: Absence in Kalpasutra and Sthaviravali: The author explains that the Kalpasutra and Sthaviravali primarily record the lineage of specific monastic orders and do not necessarily encompass all historical events or lineages, especially those from different traditions like the Parshvanath tradition.
   • Doubt 7: The 18 Gotras and Rajput Origins: The book disputes the theory that the 18 Oswal gotras originated from 18 Rajput castes. It argues that the provided kavitt (poem) is not ancient, and the Rajput castes themselves emerged over different centuries, not all pre-dating the Oswal origin. It further states that Acharya Ratnaprabh Suri's goal was to unite diverse people, not to establish gotras based on specific Rajput lineages.
   • Doubt 8: The "Western Origin" Theory: This theory is dismissed as baseless and driven by prejudice, as the name "Upakesh Vansh" clearly links the community to Upakeshpur.

6. Evidence for the Early Origin (Vikram Era - 400 BCE / 70 years after Mahavira): The book presents extensive evidence to support the claim that the Mahajan Sangh (later Upakesh Vansh and Oswal) was founded by Acharya Ratnaprabh Suri about 70 years after Mahavira's Nirvana (circa 400 BCE). This evidence includes:

   • References in texts like "Nabhinandan Jinoddhar" and "Upakesh Gachh Charitra."
   • Mentions of Acharya Ratnaprabh Suri's installation of Mahavira temples in Upakeshpur and Korantakpur.
   • The legend of Minister Oohad and the severance of ties with Brahmins, as mentioned by Acharya Haribhadra Suri.
   • The antiquity of the Mahavira temple in Korantakpur, with evidence suggesting its existence before the 1st-2nd century CE, and its consecration by Acharya Ratnaprabh Suri.
   • A record from the "Nabhinandan Jinoddhar" stating that Acharya Ratnaprabh Suri consecrated the Mahavira idol in Upakeshpur 70 years after Mahavira's Nirvana and converted thousands of Kshatriyas and Vaishyas.
   • Inscriptions and textual references that date the Upakesh Vansh and its activities back to the 5th and 6th centuries CE, particularly mentioning figures like Bhaishah Shah.
   • The migration of Oswals from Marudhar to Gujarat in the 6th century CE due to the persecution of Huns, with evidence of Upakesh Vansh in Gujarat from inscriptions.
   • The identification of Oswal (Bala gotra) Ranka-Bankas as responsible for the destruction of Vallabhi.
   • A 602 CE inscription mentioning the Adityanag gotra, indicating the progress of the Upakesh community.
   • The involvement of Upakesh Gachha Acharya Devgupta Suri in the compilation of "Mahanishith Sutra" with other prominent Acharyas, predating the 6th century CE.
   • Mentions in various pattavalis and historical works of Acharya Ratnaprabh Suri establishing the Upakesh lineage around 70 years after Mahavira's Nirvana.

7. Call to Action for the Community: The author urges the Oswal community, particularly its scholars and youth, to actively engage in further historical research and preservation of their heritage. He laments the apparent lack of concerted effort from the community in researching its own origins, contrasting it with the efforts of other communities. He emphasizes that understanding their true history is crucial for their continued progress and service to society and religion.

Conclusion:

"Oswal Ki Utpatti Vishayak Shankao Ka Samadhan" is a seminal work that meticulously argues for the ancient origins of the Oswal community, tracing their lineage back to the Mahajan Sangh founded by Acharya Ratnaprabh Suri around 70 years after Lord Mahavira's Nirvana. The book serves as a definitive answer to historical doubts, providing a foundation for the Oswal community to understand and celebrate their rich Jain heritage. It is a testament to the author's deep scholarship and his commitment to preserving and promoting Jain history.