Pallival Gaccha Ka Itihas

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Pallival Gaccha ka Itihas" by Shivprasad:

This historical essay, "Pallival Gaccha ka Itihas," by Dr. Shivprasad, delves into the history of the Pallival Gaccha, a significant lineage within the Shvetambar tradition of Jainism. The Gaccha (lineage or school) originated from Pali, a place in the present-day state of Rajasthan, India, and hence its name, Pallival (from Pali).

The author aims to illuminate the history of this Gaccha by drawing upon various sources, including two pattavalis (lists of spiritual successors), inscriptions (prashastis) on texts, and archaeological evidence (inscriptions on statues and stone slabs). The essay is structured to first present the pattavalis, followed by the literary evidence, and finally the epigraphic (inscriptional) findings.

Key Findings and Analysis:

• Origin and Significance: The Pallival Gaccha is identified as one of the lineages that emerged from the "Chandrakala" lineage over time. Its origin from Pali is a clear indicator of its geographical roots. The Gaccha boasts a number of notable scholars and composers, including Maheshwar Suri I, Abhaydev Suri, Maheshwar Suri II, Nan Suri, Ajitdev Suri, and Hiranand Suri.

• The Pattavalis:

  • First Pattavali: Composed after 1675 CE, it lists the Gurus from Mahavir down to Prabhuchandra Suri. Notable figures include Maheshwar Suri (with his demise noted as 1150 CE) and Sundarchandra Suri (demise in 1675 CE).
  • Second Pattavali: Composed in 1728 CE by Dineshwar Suri. It traces the lineage from the 8th successor of Mahavir, Sthulibhadra, up to the 361st successor, Udyotan Suri. This pattavali includes a significant list of gurus, with their demise dates, such as Nand Suri (1098 CE), Udyotan Suri (1123 CE), Maheshwar Suri (1145 CE), Abhaydev Suri (1169 CE), and others, extending to Udyotan Suri (1737 CE).

• Maheshwar Suri: A Pivotal Figure: Both pattavalis mention Maheshwar Suri and indicate his demise around the same period (1150 CE in the first and 1145 CE in the second). This consistent mention and timing suggest that Maheshwar Suri was a very influential and perhaps the founding Acharya of the Pallival Gaccha.

• Literary Evidence:

  • The earliest literary evidence is the prashasti of a copy of Kalakacharya Katha by Maheshwar Suri, dated 1365 CE. This inscription explicitly mentions the Pallival Gaccha and Maheshwar Suri as its composer.
  • Another significant work is the Simandhar Jinastavan by Nan Suri, dated 1544 CE/1488 CE.
  • The Vicharsar Prakaran, composed in 1573 CE/1519 CE in Prakrit, by Maheshwar Suri II, also connects him to the Pallival Gaccha.
  • The colophons of copies of Upasaka Dashanga and Acharanga from 1591 CE/1535 CE also mention Maheshwar Suri as a key figure of the Gaccha.
  • Ajitdev Suri, a prominent composer in the early 17th century CE, is credited with works like Kalpasiddhant Deepika and Pindavishuddhi Deepika. His disciple, Hiranand Suri, wrote Acharaanga Deepika and Chouboli Chaupai.

• Epigraphic Evidence (Inscriptions):

  • A substantial number of epigraphic records have been found, dating from 1257 CE to 1681 CE. These inscriptions, primarily on statues of Jain Tirthankaras, provide crucial data about the succession of Acharyas and their activities across various locations in Rajasthan and Gujarat (e.g., Bikaner, Deshnok, Khambhat, Nagaur, Kishangarh, Sanganer, Ratlam, Mumbai, etc.).
  • The inscriptions confirm the presence and activities of various Acharyas mentioned in the pattavalis and literary works, such as Maheshwar Suri I, Abhaydev Suri, Aam Suri, Shanti Suri, Yasho Dev Suri, Nan Suri, Udyotan Suri, and Maheshwar Suri II.
  • The inscriptions help establish a chronological order of the Acharyas. For instance, Maheshwar Suri I is placed between 1345-1361 CE, and Abhaydev Suri between 1383-1409 CE.
  • The essay highlights the correlation between the composition dates of literary works and the dates of the authors mentioned in the inscriptions, confirming the identity of figures like Maheshwar Suri and Nan Suri across different forms of evidence.
  • Ajitdev Suri is identified as a disciple of Maheshwar Suri II.

• Chronological Framework and Authenticity:

  • The author analyzes the pattavalis for their authenticity, noting that while the first pattavali's account of Maheshwar Suri's discipleship lineage seems plausible, many dates in the second pattavali appear to be speculative.
  • However, the essay concludes that the second pattavali is crucial for its significant contribution to establishing the lineage of Acharyas, even if some dates require corroboration.
  • The consistent mention of Maheshwar Suri as a pivotal figure in both pattavalis and the earlier Kalakacharya Katha strongly suggests his role as the founder or early influential Acharya of the Gaccha, with its existence predating 1365 CE.
  • The essay speculates on the possibility of the Pallival Gaccha originating from other Gacchas like the Upakesha Gaccha or Korant Gaccha, given the repetition of names like Nan Suri in those lineages.
  • The essay notes that the first pattavali links the Gaccha to the Kotik Gan and Chandrakul. The repeated succession of gurus in this pattavali leads to the conclusion that it might have been a Chaityavasi Gaccha (a lineage associated with temples).
  • The exact origins, founders, and initial establishment period of the Pallival Gaccha remain unanswered questions due to a lack of direct evidence for these aspects.

In summary, "Pallival Gaccha ka Itihas" is a meticulous scholarly work that traces the history of the Pallival Gaccha through a critical examination of its two major pattavalis, various literary compositions, and a comprehensive analysis of numerous epigraphic records. It establishes Maheshwar Suri as a key figure, outlines the succession of Acharyas, and highlights the geographical and chronological expanse of this important Jain lineage.