Prachin Bharat Varsh Bhag 03

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prachin Bharat Varsh Bhag 03" by Tribh'uvandas Laherchand Shah, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Prachin Bharat Varsh Bhag 03 (Ancient Indian History, Part 3) Author: Tribh'uvandas Laherchand Shah Publisher: Shashikant and Co. Overview of the Work:

This volume is the third part of a multi-volume work detailing ancient Indian history. The author aims to present a novel historical perspective by referencing ancient inscriptions, coins, and authentic historians. The specific period covered in this section is from 900 BCE to 100 CE, spanning one thousand years, previously divided into four parts but now presented in five. This third volume focuses on events and evidence from ancient inscriptions, coins, and accounts of credible historians.

Key Sections and Content Highlights:

The provided pages outline the structure and content of this volume, revealing a detailed approach to historical research and presentation.

1. Introductory Materials (Pages 1-18):

• Page 1: Begins with Jain verses praising the liberated souls and offering salutations to them, attributed to Shree Haribhadrasuri Pujyapad.
• Page 2: Lists the Table of Contents (Vishay Sankalana), including sections like "Mudra-lekha" (Inscriptions/Mottos), "Namabhidhan" (Nomenclature), "Mudran Nivedan" (Printing Statement), "Grath ni Adi" (Beginning of the Book), "Tukakshari Samajh" (Explanation of Abbreviations), "Grath ni Prashasti" (Praise of the Book), "Chitravali Parichay" (Introduction to the Illustrations), and "Grath na Khand, Parichhed tatha Vishayon ni Suchi" (List of Sections, Chapters, and Topics of the Book).
• Page 3: Announces the scope of "Prachin Bharat Varsh" as covering the thousand years from 900 BCE to 100 CE, originally planned in four parts but now expanding to five. It highlights the use of inscriptions, coins, and historical scholars' accounts, presenting new facts.
• Page 4: Details the printing and publication information, including the printer (Devchand Damji Kundalakar, Anand Printing Press), designers (Manilal P. Mistry, B.A. for front and back matter), printing house (Aditya Mudranalaya), edition size (1250 copies), and the pricing of individual volumes (Parts 1-5, ranging from Rs. 5 to Rs. 6). It also mentions subscription rates and the release schedule.
• Page 5: Indicates the content of the "Tritiy Vibhag" (Third Part) as completing the remaining sections of the book and covering "Khan-Pan" (Food and Drink) and other comprehensive topics.
• Pages 6-12: Provide a detailed "Tukakshari Samajh" (Explanation of Abbreviations), listing various historical texts, journals, and works consulted by the author, along with their corresponding abbreviations (e.g., E.H.I. for Vincent Smith's "Early History of India," A.D. for Anno Domini, B.C. for Before Christ). This extensive list showcases the author's thorough research methodology.
• Pages 9-18: The "Prashasti" (Praise/Preface) section delves into the author's approach, addressing potential reader doubts, defending his work against criticism (particularly regarding the emphasis on religion and perceived bias), and outlining the structure of the book across multiple volumes. It also discusses the challenges of presenting novel ideas and the author's commitment to his ongoing research projects, including detailed biographies of important figures and an encyclopedia. The author engages with critiques received from respected scholars, detailing their points and his responses published in various periodicals.

2. Content of the Third Volume (Pages 14 onwards):

• Page 14: Outlines the planned structure of the book, which was initially conceived as eight sections across four volumes. Due to the expanding scope, it was revised to five parts. This third volume includes up to the sixth section. The sixth section is dedicated to the history of foreign invasions, with eleven chapters covering various peoples like Yavanas, Kshaharata, Mathura, Takshila, Pahlava, Shaka, Abhir, and Gurjar.
• Page 15: Introduces illustrations, including maps, ancient sculptures, and seals of rulers. It notes that descriptions of coins that were omitted in Volume 2 are included here. The maps are noted for their novelty, especially those detailing Jambudvipa, Shakhadvipa, and Adhidvipa. The Mathura lion-stupa, also known as the "Dudhwastupa," is highlighted as an archaeological piece presented on the cover.
• Page 15 (cont.): The author explains the meticulous effort involved in preparing genealogical charts and family trees, with one presented on page 15 and another on page 403.
• Page 16: The author discusses the reliability of historical evidence, giving precedence to mathematical calculations over inscriptions and coins, and then to coins over inscriptions, while acknowledging the inherent uncertainties in interpreting scripts and imagery. Mathematical evidence is presented as the most robust for determining timelines.
• Page 18: The publishers express gratitude to all contributors and acknowledge the difficulties in distribution and sales, particularly the Gujarati public's perceived lack of interest in scholarly works. They mention their strategy of direct personal outreach to potential readers.

3. Specific Historical Chapters (Pages 31-46 and further details): The table of contents reveals the detailed historical coverage:

• Chaturth Khand (Fourth Part - continuation): Chapters 14 and 15 deal with the decline of the Maurya Empire and the life of Vrishabhsen, along with an appendix on Jayaloka, the king of Kashmir.
• Saptam Parichhed (Seventh Chapter): Focuses on the territorial expansion of the Maurya emperors, covering Chandragupta, Bindusara, Ashoka, and Priyadarshin. It includes appendices on Chanakya and Megasthenes.
• Pancham Khand (Fifth Part): Dedicated to the Shunga dynasty, with chapters on nomenclature, genealogies, the time periods of Pushyamitra, Agnimitra, and Vasumitra, and analyses of other kings' timelines. It further details Pushyamitra's life, his relationship with Patanjali, and comparisons of their characters.
• Shashth Khand (Sixth Part): Covers foreign invasions, detailing the history of Yavanas (including Demetrius and Menander), Kshaharata (including Bhumak and Nahapana), Mathura rulers (Rajuvul and Sodasa), Takshila rulers (Liaka and Patika), and discusses the historical context of these foreign interactions.

Key Themes and Author's Approach:

• Scholarly Rigor: The author, Tribh'uvandas Laherchand Shah, demonstrates a commitment to detailed research, referencing a wide array of historical texts, journals, and archaeological findings. The extensive explanation of abbreviations and the bibliography highlight this.
• Chronological Analysis: The book prioritizes chronological accuracy, often using mathematical calculations and cross-referencing various historical records to establish timelines.
• Addressing Criticisms: The preface acknowledges and addresses potential criticisms of the book, particularly regarding its religious focus and perceived bias, indicating a desire for scholarly engagement.
• Comparative History: The author aims to compare the cultures and timelines of different groups, such as the Greeks and Indians, and the different dynasties to provide a comprehensive understanding of ancient Indian history.
• Focus on Jainism: The introductory verses and the mention of Jain scholars and texts suggest an underlying perspective that may integrate Jain philosophical and historical viewpoints within the broader historical narrative.
• Detailed Exploration: The detailed breakdown of chapters within sections indicates a thorough examination of each period and group, including their political careers, religious affiliations, and cultural aspects.
• Correcting Misconceptions: The author expresses a desire to present novel facts and correct existing historical interpretations, as noted in the preface regarding the book's content.

Overall Impression:

"Prachin Bharat Varsh Bhag 03" appears to be a meticulously researched and comprehensive work of historical scholarship. The author's detailed approach, his engagement with critical opinions, and his extensive referencing of sources suggest a dedication to providing an accurate and nuanced account of ancient Indian history, particularly the period from 900 BCE to 100 CE. The inclusion of genealogical charts, illustrations, and detailed explanations of abbreviations further emphasizes the depth of the research. The book seems to offer a unique perspective, possibly informed by Jain traditions, while engaging with mainstream historical scholarship.