Prabandh Kosha Ka Aetihasik Vivechan - Book Summary

This document is the Hindi text of a book titled "Prabandh kosha ka Aetihasik Vivechan" (Historical Analysis of Prabandh Kosha) by Dr. Pravesh Bharadwaj, published by Prakrit Bharti Academy, Jaipur. The book is a scholarly analysis of the historical significance and content of the "Prabandh Kosha," a Jain text.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the book based on the provided pages:

Book Overview:

Title: Prabandh kosha ka Aetihasik Vivechan (Historical Analysis of Prabandh Kosha)
Author: Dr. Pravesh Bharadwaj
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy, Jaipur
Focus: A historical and historiographical analysis of the Jain text "Prabandh Kosha" by Rajshekhar Suri.
Significance: The book aims to present a research-based critical evaluation of "Prabandh Kosha," highlighting its historical factual content and offering insights into Jain historiography. It aims to separate factual information from embellishments found in some historical Jain texts.

Key Themes and Content:

Introduction to Jain Historiography: The book begins by establishing the ancient tradition of historical writing within the Jain tradition. It acknowledges that while some Jain historical texts contain elements of the miraculous and supernatural, texts like "Prabandh Kosha," "Prabandh Chintamani," and others are rich sources of purely historical information. The need to differentiate between fact and exaggeration is emphasized.
The "Prabandh Kosha" as a Historical Source:
- The "Prabandh Kosha" is characterized as a work that is more factual and less exaggerated.
- It covers a historical period of approximately 1030 years.
- The author praises Rajshekhar Suri's effort in compiling it, noting his accurate grasp of history, evidenced by the meticulous arrangement of dates and chronology.
- The book highlights the "Prabandh Kosha" as a significant work for understanding Jain history and philosophy, serving as a foundational text.
Rajshekhar Suri - The Author:
- The book dedicates a significant portion to the biography and works of Rajshekhar Suri, noting the scarcity of information about him.
- It attempts to shed light on his life, lineage (belonging to the Harshpuriya Gachha, also known as Maladhari Gachha), education, travels, and literary contributions.
- Rajshekhar's scholarly breadth is evident in his works, which span literature, history, and philosophy.
The Nature of "Prabandh" in Jain Literature:
- The book defines the term "Prabandh" in the Jain context, distinguishing it from its general literary meaning and its use in Mahakavyas.
- In Jain tradition, a "Prabandh" refers to short, narrative chapters based on historical events related to prominent figures (acharyas, poets, kings, householders).
- It discusses the development of the "Prabandh" genre, identifying Jinbhadra's "Prabandhavali" (1234 CE) as an early example, though it doesn't define the genre explicitly.
- Rajshekhar Suri is credited with providing the first clear definition of a Jain Prabandh, describing them as life stories of great personalities who lived after Aryarakshit (died 30 CE).
Historical Facts and Their Evaluation:
- Chapters 4 and 5 meticulously analyze the historical figures and events described in the "Prabandh Kosha."
- For each "Prabandh" (chapter dealing with a specific person or event), the book provides a summary of the narrative, followed by a critical historical evaluation.
- This evaluation often involves:
  - Identification: Attempting to identify historical figures and locations with their modern counterparts.
  - Chronology: Placing figures and events within a historical timeline, often comparing dates with other sources.
  - Authenticity: Assessing the historical veracity of the accounts, noting where they are purely legendary, miraculous, or based on tradition.
  - Source Criticism: Referencing other Jain texts like "Prabhavak Charita," "Prabandh Chintamani," and "Puratan Prabandh Sangraha" to corroborate or contrast the information.
  - Correction of Previous Scholarship: The book notes instances where it corrects or revises the views of earlier scholars like A.K. Majumdar and Toni.
- Key figures and events discussed include: Bhadra Bahu-Varaha, Aryanandila, Jivadevasuri, Aryakhapatacharya, Padaliptacharya, Vridhvadisiddhasena, Mallavadisuri, Haribhadrasuri, Bappabhattisuri, Hemsuri, Harshkavi, Harihara, Amarchandrakavi, Madankirti, Satavahana, Lakshmana Sena, Madanvarma, Ratnashravaka, Abhad, Shripalvastupal.
- The book addresses controversies, such as the dating of figures like Haribhadrasuri and Siddhasena, and the historicity of certain episodes.
Rajshekhar's Philosophy of History (Historiography):
- Chapters 6 and 7 delve into Rajshekhar's approach to history, analyzing his philosophy of history.
- Sources and Evidence: Rajshekhar's reliance on various sources, including oral traditions ("Gurumukh Shruta"), scriptures ("Agam Granth"), earlier Jain texts ("Prabhavak Charita," "Prabandh Chintamani"), Brahmanical texts ("Ramayana," "Mahabharata," "Shiv Purana"), and even secular literature and Muslim accounts. He valued both Jain and non-Jain sources and attempted to present a balanced view.
- Causality (Karanatva): Rajshekhar's analysis of historical events often includes identifying multiple causes, examining their sequence, and exploring their impact. He notes social, political, economic, and even personal factors contributing to events.
- Tradition (Parampara): Rajshekhar places significant importance on tradition, considering oral traditions, guru teachings, and ancient customs as vital sources for historical understanding. He acknowledges potential contradictions in traditions but strives to present what was widely accepted or considered authoritative.
- Chronology (Kalkram): Rajshekhar demonstrates a strong awareness of chronology, using various dating systems like Vikram Samvat, Vir Nirvan Samvat, and even mentioning approximations when exact dates are unavailable. He meticulously attempts to establish sequences and interrelationships between events and figures, showing a commitment to historical accuracy in dating. He discusses different methods of time calculation, including numerical and descriptive methods.
Comparative Study:
- Chapter 8 undertakes a comparative analysis of "Prabandh Kosha" with other significant Jain historical works like "Prabhavak Charita," "Prabandh Chintamani," "Puratan Prabandh Sangraha," and "Vividh Tirtha Kalpa."
- It also compares "Prabandh Kosha" with non-Jain historical works such as Kalhana's "Rajtarangini," medieval Indian Muslim chronicles (like Minhaj-us-Siraj's "Tabaqat-i-Nasiri," Amir Khusrau's "Khazain-ul-Futuḥ," Ziau'ddin Barani's "Tarikh-i-Ferozshahi"), and medieval European chronicles (Matthew Paris's "Chronica Majora," Froissart's "Chronicles").
- This comparison highlights the strengths and weaknesses of "Prabandh Kosha" in terms of historical methodology, scope, detail, and narrative style. It also defends Jain historiography against criticisms by Western scholars.
Conclusion:
- The book concludes by reiterating the significant contribution of "Prabandh Kosha" and Rajshekhar Suri to Jain historiography.
- It emphasizes Rajshekhar's role in elevating the "Prabandh" genre to a more historically rigorous level, bringing history down to the level of the common people beyond just royal courts and wars.
- The book argues that Rajshekhar's work demonstrates a conscious effort to establish history as an independent discipline, grounded in sources, evidence, tradition, causality, and chronology.
- It concludes that "Prabandh Kosha" is a valuable historical text and Rajshekhar Suri was a true historian of his era, capable of articulating the aspirations of his time.

Overall:

The book "Prabandh Kosha ka Aetihasik Vivechan" is a detailed scholarly examination of a crucial Jain historical text. It not only analyzes the content of the "Prabandh Kosha" but also delves into the historiographical methods and philosophical underpinnings of its author, Rajshekhar Suri, placing it within the broader context of Indian and world historiography. The work emphasizes the factual basis of Jain historical records and the critical approach required to interpret them.