Pallival Jain Jati Ka Itihas

This is a comprehensive summary of "Pallival Jain Jati ka Itihas" (History of the Pallival Jain Community) by Dr. Anil Kumar Jain:

Overall Purpose: The book aims to provide a detailed and historically accurate account of the Pallival Jain community, addressing a long-felt need within the community for a comprehensive history. The author, himself a member of the Pallival community, undertook this extensive research to fill this gap.

Key Themes and Findings:

• Origin and Etymology of "Pallival":

  • The book challenges the prevalent belief that the Pallival community originated from the city of Pali in Marwar.
  • Instead, it strongly argues for an origin from South India, specifically from a place called "Palli." The Tamil word "Palli" means a small village, and ancient settlements of Jain people in the south were often referred to by this term.
  • The book also discusses the related term "Pallichandanam," which referred to land or villages owned by Jain temples or institutions.
  • It debunks the connection between Pallivals and "Paliwal Brahmins," asserting that the Pallival name is not a corrupted form of Paliwal, as evidenced by ancient inscriptions and the fact that Pallival Brahmins' origins are traced to a different historical context.
  • The name "Pallival" is derived from the Tamil word "Palli" (small village), indicating their presence and association with numerous such settlements in South India.

• Migration and Dispersion:

  • The Pallival community, facing persecution and discrimination (attributed to political motivations by Buddhists and Shaivites), migrated from South India.
  • They settled in various parts of India, including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, as depicted in a map within the book.
  • Over time, the community dispersed into different branches, including those in Kannauj, Agra, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Vidarbha (Nagpur region).

• Historical Context and Persecution:

  • The book details historical periods of persecution against Jains, which forced the Pallival community to relocate.
  • Specific mention is made of events during the time of the Pallava dynasty and later political upheavals that impacted the community.

• Religious Affiliation:

  • The Pallival community has historically been primarily associated with Digambara Jainism.
  • The book presents evidence and arguments supporting the claim that the great Digambara Acharya Kundakunda was of Pallival origin, citing specific monastic lineage records (Pattavalis).
  • While the core community remained Digambara, the dispersion led to some branches in Gujarat adopting Shvetambara practices by the end of the 13th century. The Vidarbha branch also saw some families aligning with Shvetambara or even Stanakavasi sects.

• Notable Contributions and Figures:

  • The book highlights the significant contributions of the Pallival community to Jain literature, philosophy, and societal development.
  • Authors and Scholars: It features prominent figures like:
    • Kavi Dhanpal: A Pallival Jain, credited with the work "Tilak Manjari Saar."
    • Pandit Daulatram Ji: Renowned for his spiritual poetry, particularly "Chahdhalā," a highly influential work in Hindi Jain literature.
    • Pandit Manaranglal Ji: Another significant poet who composed works like "Nemichandrika" and various devotional hymns.
    • Pandit Rupchand Ji: A revered scholar and poet, credited with "Panch Mangal Path," which is recited daily in many Digambara Jain temples.
    • Pandit Nannumal Ji: A scholar and preacher who established the "Digambar Jain Vidyalaya" in Agra.
    • Pandit Chiranjilal Ji: A scholar and social reformer who played a crucial role in community organization and education.
    • Lala Lalman Jain: A pioneer in the publication of Jain scriptures, who established the "Punjab Economy Press."
    • Dr. Pyarelal Ji: A physician and dedicated scholar of Jain scriptures, who significantly contributed to the temple library in Agra.
    • Seth Chhiddamilal Ji: A prominent philanthropist who founded numerous institutions, including a college, schools, temples, and a charitable hospital, making substantial financial contributions to Jainism.
    • Pandit Makhanlal Ji 'Pracharak': A spiritual poet and preacher known for his devotional songs and plays.
    • Ma. Ram Singh Ji: The author's father, a scholar, writer, and social reformer who played a key role in the community's organization.
    • Pandit Shyamlal Ji Varolia: A social activist who initiated the effort to compile this history.
  • Rulers and Administrators: The book mentions the significant administrative roles held by Pallival Jains, such as the Diwans of the Alwar state, who were instrumental in the state's development and administration. Raja Chandrapal, a Pallival Jain king of Chandrawad, is also highlighted.
  • Freedom Fighters: Several individuals from the Pallival community actively participated in India's independence movement, facing imprisonment and contributing to the nation's freedom struggle.

• Social and Economic Aspects:

  • The book discusses the social and economic conditions of the Pallival community, noting their prosperity as traders and their involvement in agriculture and administrative roles.
  • It touches upon their customs, rituals, and the evolution of their social practices over time.
  • The importance of community organizations and the role of journalism in disseminating information and fostering unity within the community are also explored.

• Gave (Clan Names):

  • A significant portion of the book is dedicated to detailing the various "gotras" or clan names prevalent among the Pallival community, analyzing their geographical origins and evolution. This section highlights the community's diverse origins and historical settlements.

• Legacy and Modern Relevance:

  • The book concludes by emphasizing the enduring legacy of the Pallival community, their dedication to Jain principles, and their continued contributions to society. It aims to inspire future generations to uphold their heritage and continue their active participation in religious and social endeavors.

Methodology: Dr. Anil Kumar Jain's work is based on extensive research, including the study of ancient inscriptions, manuscripts, historical texts, and oral traditions. He acknowledges the contributions of earlier historical works while aiming to provide a more thorough and unbiased account.

In essence, "Pallival Jain Jati ka Itihas" is a seminal work that meticulously traces the origins, migration, persecution, contributions, and evolution of the Pallival Jain community, offering deep insights into their rich history and cultural heritage.