Oswals And Other Jains Of Rajasthan - Book Summary

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The book "Oswals and Other Jains of Rajasthan" by Colonel (Retd.) D.S. Baya details the ancient and enduring presence of Jainism in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The text highlights Rajasthan's geographical diversity, characterized by the Thar Desert and more hospitable regions, and emphasizes how its hardy inhabitants have excelled in various fields, including religion.

Ancient Roots of Jainism in Rajasthan:

Jainism was practiced in Rajasthan as early as 443 B.C., during the lifetime of Lord Mahavira, as evidenced by an inscription found in Ajmer.
The presence of Jainism in Rajasthan is believed to predate even the Mahavira era, with the fifth head of the order of Lord Parsvanatha, Sri Sayamprabh Suri, visiting the state in 475 B.C.
Emperor Samprati, a descendant of Ashoka, who embraced Jainism, commissioned numerous Jain temples in and around Rajasthan.
Inscriptions at the Kankali-tila stupa in Mathura confirm the prevalence and prosperity of both the Digambara and Svetambara denominations of Jainism in Rajasthan from ancient times.

Prominent Jain Communities in Rajasthan:

Many significant Jain castes, such as Srimals, Oswals, Khandelwals, Bagherwals, Palliwals, Porwals, Nagdas, and Narsimhapuras, originated in Rajasthan and subsequently spread across India and globally.
Oswals, Srimals, and Porwals are predominantly Svetambara followers, while others tend to follow the Digambara tradition.

The Oswals:

The Oswal community traces its origins back approximately 2,500 years. They are a diverse group, primarily comprising former Rajput Kshatriyas and individuals from various religious backgrounds (Vaisnavaites, Saivites, Saktas) who embraced Jainism under the influence of prominent Jain monks.
Oswals have a history marked by dedication, faith, and valor. They have held positions as rulers, emperors, ministers, generals, treasurers, and farmers, consistently excelling in their endeavors.
The Oswals originated from an ancient and prosperous desert town named 'Srimal,' meaning 'adobe of Sri' (the goddess of wealth).
Their origin is linked to Sri Svayamprabh Suri, the fifth head of the order of Lord Parsvanatha. He preached Jainism in 'Srimal,' leading the king and thousands of his kinsmen to embrace the faith and become known as 'Srimals,' a related caste to the Oswals.
Sri Svayamprabh Suri ordained Sri Ratha Prabh Suri, who later, in 455 B.C., converted the Sakta King Utpaldeva and his followers to Jainism in Upkesapur (modern-day Osiya). The Kshatriyas converted by Sri Ratnaprabh Suri became known as 'Upkesiyas,' which later evolved into 'Oswals.' Their monastic order was known as the 'Upkesa-gaccha.'

The Svetambara Sect and its Divisions:

The Svetambara sect has a history of idol worship. Over time, some monks, due to laxity in their conduct, began permanently residing in temples, becoming known as 'Caityavasi Yatis.' This practice, which became entrenched by 355 A.D., led to resentment among those who adhered to the prescribed monastic conduct (samacari).
This dissatisfaction resulted in a movement to break away from the Caityavasi influence, leading to a division in the fifth century A.D. into Caityavasis and Suvihitamargis (followers of the well-laid path).
Key Svetambara sub-sects that emerged include:
- Vrhad Gaccha: Formed in 937 A.D. from the Nirgrantha gaccah.
- Khartara Gaccha: Established in 1017 A.D. by Acharya Jineswara Suri, who earned the epithet 'Khartara' after defeating a Caityavasi monk in a scriptural debate.
- Ancala Gaccha: Renamed in 1224 A.D. from the Suvihita gaccha, with two versions of its origin related to the use of the 'ancala' (end of a body wrap) for covering the mouth or as an act of obeisance.
- Tapa Gaccha: Born in 1228 A.D. when Acharya Jagaccandra Suri of the Vrhad gaccha was bestowed the title 'Tapa' by the Maharana of Mewar for his lifelong penance.
- Sthanakavasis: A movement initiated in the sixteenth century by Lonkasha, an Oswal householder, who revolted against the laxity of Caityavasi yatis and opposed idol worship. They reside in 'sthanakas' (places other than temples) and their monks and nuns wear white clothes and use a 'Mukhavastrika' to cover their mouths.
- Tera Panthis: A sub-sect that emerged in the nineteenth century when Bhikhanji, a Sthanakvasi monk, separated from his master due to differences in interpretations of charity and compassion. They are named 'Tera Pantha' for their belief in thirteen principles.

The Digambara Sect and its Divisions:

Similar to Svetambara Caityavasi Yatis, Digambara monks who settled permanently in temples became known as Bhattarakas. Their laxity also led to divisions within the monastic order.
Major Digambara sub-sects include:
- Mula Samgha: The oldest Digambara order, founded by Acharya KundaKunda or Maghanadi.
- Kastha Samgha: Established by Kumarsena in 696 A.D., but considered a 'Jaina-abhasa' (Jain-like) by some due to its relaxed conduct.
- Mathura Samgha: Founded by Ramasena in Mathura, whose monks are called 'Nipiccha' as they do not use the peacock feather whisk.
- Tera Panthis and Bisa Panthis: The Tera Panthis emerged as a reaction to the laxity of Caityavasi Bhattarakas, worshipping scriptures by Sri Taranasvami and popularized by Pt. Banarasidasa. In response, Bhattarakas began calling themselves 'Bisa panthis' (followers of twenty principles).

Conclusion:

The Jainas of Rajasthan have transitioned from more violent traditions to the non-violent principles of Jainism.
Despite the various sects and sub-sects within both the Digambara and Svetambara denominations, they remain united in their adherence to the cardinal principles of Ahimsa (Nonviolence), Satya (Truth), Ashteya (Non-stealing), Brahmacarya (Celibacy), and Aparigraha (Non-possession).
This unity in diversity has ensured the survival of Jainism in Rajasthan, largely in its original form, upholding the belief that the faith is eternal and will never perish. The text concludes with the auspicious invocation, "Jainam Jayati Sasanam" (Glory be to the Jaina faith).