Prachin Bharat Varsh Bhag 04 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prachin Bharat Varsh Bhag 04" by Dr. Tribhuvandas Laherchand Shah, based on the provided pages:

Overview of the Book Series:

"Prachin Bharat Varsh" (Ancient Indian Subcontinent) is a multi-volume historical work by Dr. Tribhuvandas Laherchand Shah, published by Jain Shwetambar Conference.
The series aims to cover 1000 years of ancient Indian history, from 900 BCE to 100 CE, spanning five volumes with approximately 500 pages each, totaling 2500 pages.
It is supported by references to inscriptions, coins, scholarly books, and government records, providing novel facts on every page.
The catalog link indicates a focus on Jain Shwetambar traditions and knowledge.

Content of Volume 4 (and context from other volumes):

This summary focuses on Volume 4, but draws context from the descriptions of earlier volumes:

Volume 1: Briefly describes the sixteen kingdoms of India during that period, with a detailed account of 18 kings from the Shishunaga and Nanda dynasties of the Magadha empire.
Volume 2: Covers the first four kings of the Maurya dynasty, presenting a distinct perspective compared to existing narratives. Key points include:
- Ashoka and Priyadarshin are presented as distinct individuals, with Ashoka's inscriptions attributed to Priyadarshin (a Jain follower) and not Buddhism.
- Chandragupta is differentiated from Sandrocottus (identified as Ashoka Vana).
- Highlights the book's unique contribution in providing coin imagery and detailed explanations, absent in other Gujarati works.
Volume 3: Details the decline of the Maurya dynasty, the entire Shunga dynasty, and the descriptions of five invading foreign peoples, including Ionians (Greeks), Kshaharatas, Pahlavas (Parthians), and Kushanas.
Volume 4 (The focus of the provided text): This volume is the fourth part of the series, detailing ancient Indian history from 900 BCE to 100 CE. It is written with a historical perspective, relying on ancient inscriptions, coins, and authoritative historical accounts, presenting new facts. The author, Dr. Tribhuvandas Laherchand Shah, reserves all rights.

Key Features and Content of Volume 4:

The provided pages offer a glimpse into the structure and some of the unique arguments presented in Volume 4, particularly in its introduction and chapter outlines:

Introduction (Prastavna):
- The author acknowledges the shift from the planned four volumes to five due to the vastness of the subject matter.
- He addresses potential criticisms and differing opinions from reviewers, aiming to provide clarifications where necessary.
- The author emphasizes the importance of addressing even minor criticisms to strengthen the work.
- Specific Criticisms Addressed:
  - Shri Durgashankar Shastri: Criticisms in "Prasthan" magazine and a literary conference speech regarding the author's interpretative methodology and perceived arrogance are addressed. The author defends his interpretations, particularly regarding the timeline of Avanti rulers, by drawing parallels to legal proceedings where different courts can reach different decisions on the same evidence.
  - Prof. Dolleray Mankad: Criticisms from a Gujarati Sahitya Sabha report are discussed. Mankad allegedly found the inclusion of non-historical elements and questioned the author's method of argument and summarization. The author references an article in "Prasthan" magazine defending the definition of history and suggests Mankad might have missed certain details in the author's earlier works.
  - Shri Zaveri (Mumbai Samachar): The author notes that Zaveri presented decisions without providing reasoning, seemingly echoing the views of Acharya Shri Indravijay Suri.
  - Pujya A. A. Shri Indravijay Suri: The author expresses concern about Indravijay Suri's work, particularly his published books like "Prachin Bharat Singhalkon" and "Mathura Simha Vaj," which seem to contradict the author's findings. The author questions Indravijay Suri's motivations, suggesting a personal vendetta rather than objective analysis, and points out that their initial interactions were cordial.
Structure of Volume 4:
- The volume contains seven (Khand Saat) to ten (Khand Dasham) sections, covering the following:
  - Khand Saat (Chapter 7): Description of the Gardabhil Dynasty (three sections, including the period of Saka rule in Avanti). It promises new historical facts not found in other Indian history books.
  - Khand Aath (Chapter 8): Chronological Calculation (Kalganana) – detailing various Indian eras, their founders, timelines, reasons for establishment, and analysis of scholars' opinions, including the usage of Kshaharata, Mahavir, Chand, and Saka eras.
  - Khand Nav (Chapter 9): Kushan Dynasty (four sections). Three sections cover the Kushan dynasty itself, and the fourth covers the Western Kshatrapas of Gujarat (Chashan). It discusses the origin of the Saka era, the difference between Chad and Saka, and the lineage, time, and other distinctions of Nahapana and Chad. It challenges established beliefs regarding Kanishka's two reigns and the introduction of a new figure, Havishka (Jushka), as regent.
  - Khand Dasham (Chapter 10): Chedi Dynasty (five sections). This covers the period from where Volume 1 left off regarding the Chedi dynasty, including King Kshemaraja and his son Vridhiraj. It critically analyzes the common identification of Pushyamitra Shringapati in the Hathigumpha inscription, presenting about twenty negative, positive, and affirmative pieces of evidence to prove that Kharavela was about two and a half centuries before Pushyamitra Shunga. It also clarifies the meaning of the number 103 in the inscription and sheds new light on Kharavela's religious affiliations, suggesting a focus on religious rather than political motives. The volume also discusses the meaning of three specific words used in the inscription and offers descriptions of the Vishwa Mandir and Trimurti at Jagannath Puri.
Illustrations and Maps:
- The book includes numerous illustrations (approximately 400 in the entire series), architectural diagrams, and maps.
- Illustrations are sourced from archaeological findings and are not imagined.
- Unique features include:
  - Comparing and contrasting the features of various peoples identified as "Sakas" by historians (Kushanas, Kshaharatas, Chashans, Huns).
  - Comparing the architecture of Jagannath Puri and Bhubaneswar temples with similar religious structures.
Methodology and Approach:
- The author emphasizes a historical perspective, relying on inscriptions, coins, and scholarly works.
- He presents novel facts and challenges established historical narratives, as seen in his re-interpretations of Ashoka, Priyadarshin, and the dating of Kanishka and the Saka era.
- The author addresses criticisms directly and defends his arguments, often using logical reasoning and historical comparisons.

Key Arguments and Controversial Points Highlighted in Volume 4's Introduction:

Ashoka and Priyadarshin: The author claims they are separate individuals, with Priyadarshin being a Jain follower, suggesting Ashoka's inscriptions might be misattributed.
Sandrocottus vs. Chandragupta: The author distinguishes Sandrocottus from Chandragupta, identifying Sandrocottus with Ashoka Vana.
Kushan Dynasty and Western Kshatrapas: The book delves into the lineage, timelines, and interactions of these groups, challenging conventional views.
Chronology and Eras: Chapter 8 is dedicated to analyzing various Indian eras (Mahavir, Kshaharata, Chedi, Vikram, Malva, Saka), their origins, and reconciling discrepancies, particularly around the Vikram Samvat.
Chhedi Dynasty and Kharavela: The author intends to rectify misinterpretations of the Hathigumpha inscription, particularly the timing of Kharavela and his relationship with Pushyamitra Shunga, suggesting Kharavela predates Pushyamitra by centuries. He also argues that Kharavela's motives were primarily religious, not political.
Dating Issues: The author highlights discrepancies in dating various events and figures, particularly concerning the Sakas and the Vikram Samvat, and aims to provide a more accurate chronology.

Publisher and Edition:

Publisher: Shashikant & Co.
First Edition: 1250 copies.
The price for individual parts and the complete set is mentioned, indicating a significant undertaking.

In essence, Volume 4 of "Prachin Bharat Varsh" promises a detailed and revisionist account of ancient Indian history, with a particular focus on correcting perceived errors in the understanding of the Maurya, Shunga, Chedi, Kushan, and Western Kshatrapas dynasties, their chronology, and their religious affiliations, offering a distinct Jain perspective. The author's willingness to engage with and counter scholarly criticism underscores the text's depth and its aim to present a thoroughly researched, albeit potentially controversial, historical narrative.