Prachin Evam Madhyakalin Malva Me Jain Dharm Ek Adhyayan

This book, "Prachin evam Madhyakalin Malva me Jain Dharm: Ek Adhyayan" (A Study of Jainism in Ancient and Medieval Malwa) by Dr. Tej Singh Gaud, is a comprehensive research dissertation submitted for a Ph.D. from Vikram University, Ujjain. Published by Shri Rajendrasuri Jain Shodh Sansthan, Ujjain, it aims to systematically present the historical development, art, literature, and social impact of Jainism in the Malwa region from ancient times up to around 1200 AD.

The book is structured into ten chapters, offering a detailed exploration of Jainism's presence and influence in Malwa. Here's a summary of each chapter based on the provided text:

Foreword and Appreciations: The book includes forewords and appreciations from prominent scholars like Acharya Jayantsen Suri and Dr. Shyam Sundar Nigam, who highlight the meticulous research, original contributions, and the book's significance in documenting the scattered history of Jainism in Malwa.

Introduction (Yat Kinchit and Preface): The author, Dr. Tej Singh Gaud, mentions that this research, completed 37 years prior to its publication in 2010, was a long-awaited endeavor. He expresses gratitude to Acharya Vijay Jayantsen Surishwarji M.S. and Dr. Shyam Sundar Nigam for their guidance and support. He also acknowledges the possibility of errors and requests readers for feedback. The author defines the geographical scope of Malwa, acknowledging the fluidity of historical boundaries. The book's primary objective is to shed new light on the history of Malwa through the lens of Jainism, and to uncover its artistic and literary contributions.

Chapter 1: Sources: This chapter outlines the various sources used for the study. These are broadly categorized into:

• Literature: Literary works, historical texts, inscriptions (Prashastis), genealogical records (Pattavalis), pilgrimage accounts (Tirthmala), and illustrated manuscripts.
• Archaeology: Inscriptions, epigraphs on idols, sculptures, temples, and cave sites. The author emphasizes the importance of cross-referencing literary and archaeological evidence to establish authenticity.

Chapter 2: Historical Significance of Jainism: This chapter delves into the historical context of Jainism's emergence, particularly in relation to the religious and intellectual milieu of ancient India. It discusses the prevalent ritualism and caste system of the Vedic period, which led to a reformist movement, giving rise to Jainism and Buddhism. The chapter traces the presence and development of Jainism in Malwa during various historical periods, including the Pradyota dynasty, Maurya, Shunga-Kushana, Gupta, and Rajput eras, highlighting the patronage and challenges faced by the faith.

Chapter 3: Sects and Sub-sects within Jainism: This chapter provides a detailed account of the various divisions and sub-divisions within Jainism, starting with the fundamental differences between the Shvetambara and Digambara traditions. It explains the origins of these schisms, the development of monastic orders (Sangha, Gana, Gachchha), and the emergence of various sub-sects and philosophical schools, both within the Shvetambara and Digambara traditions. The author notes that while some sub-sects date back to ancient times, many became prominent later.

Chapter 4: Various Castes and Gotras in Jainism: This chapter focuses on the social aspects of Jainism in Malwa, detailing the origins, reasons for establishment, time periods, various gotras, and locations associated with prominent Jain castes. It lists modern Jain communities like Oswal, Shrimali, Porwal, Khandelwal, Agrawal, Pallival, Humad, Bagherwal, and others, highlighting their significant presence and contributions to the economic development of Malwa.

Chapter 5: Jain Art in Malwa: This chapter examines the artistic manifestations of Jainism in Malwa, covering:

• Architecture: The evolution of Jain architectural styles from early periods through the Gupta and Rajput eras, including temples and cave structures.
• Sculpture: The characteristics of Jain sculptures, different classifications of deities, and the development of Jain sculptural art during the Gupta and Rajput periods.
• Painting: The art of Jain miniature paintings, their techniques, and themes. The author clarifies that "Jain art" is intrinsically part of "Indian art," with distinct Jain iconographic features.

Chapter 6: Jain Pilgrimage Sites in Malwa: This chapter provides an extensive list and description of Jain pilgrimage sites in Malwa. It covers both Shvetambara and Digambara tirthas, categorizing them as Shvetambara Tirth, Digambara Tirth, Atishaya Kshetra (sites with miraculous occurrences), and influential tirthas. Prominent sites like Ujjain, Vidisha, Dashpur, Mandavgadh, Dhar, Bavangaja, Un, Dhamnar, Bahiparasnath, and many others are discussed with their historical and current significance.

Chapter 7: Jain Literature (Jain Vangmaya): This chapter explores the rich Jain literary tradition, discussing its importance from a linguistic perspective. It covers various genres, including Agamic and philosophical literature, narrative literature (Katha Sahitya), poetry and epics, devotional literature (Stotra Sahitya), and works on grammar and rhetoric (Alankar Vyakaran Sahitya). The author highlights the contributions of Jain scholars in preserving and developing Indian literature, particularly in Prakrit, Apabhramsa, and Sanskrit, and their role in the evolution of regional languages.

Chapter 8: Jain Manuscript Libraries (Jain Shastra Bhandar): This chapter discusses the establishment and importance of Jain manuscript libraries, often located within Jain temples. It explains the process of creating and preserving manuscripts, the organization of these libraries, and the types of texts found within them (religious, philosophical, scientific, literary). The author notes the challenges in accessing and cataloging these valuable collections, including the preservation efforts, the impact of natural causes, and the limited accessibility due to societal restrictions. It also mentions specific libraries in Malwa, such as those in Badnagar, Mandsaur, Indore, and Ujjain, and the extensive collection at the Scindia Oriental Research Institute in Ujjain.

Chapter 9: Prominent Jain Acharyas of Malwa: This chapter is dedicated to the biographies and significant contributions of prominent Jain Acharyas who were either born in Malwa or significantly contributed to the region. It discusses figures like Acharya Keshi Ganadhar, Acharya Bhadrabahu, Aryasuhastisuri, Aryarakshitasuri, Aryavajraswami, Acharya Kalak, Siddhasen Diwakar, Acharya Mantung, Jinseenaacharya, Harisena, Acharya Devasena, Amitagati, Acharya Mahasen, Acharya Manikyanandi, Nayanandi, Prabhachandra, and Acharya Ashadhar, detailing their philosophical insights, literary works, and influence on the development of Jainism.

Chapter 10: Contributions of Jainism to Malwa: This concluding chapter summarizes the overall impact of Jainism on Malwa. It reiterates the ancient origins of Jainism in the region, its flourishing during various dynasties, and the significant contributions made by Jain Acharyas, artists, and communities to the socio-cultural and economic fabric of Malwa. It highlights the role of Jainism in the development of art, architecture, literature, and the establishment of monastic centers and libraries, ultimately concluding that Jainism has played a vital role in shaping the historical and cultural landscape of Malwa.

The book serves as an invaluable resource for scholars and enthusiasts interested in the history of Jainism, ancient Indian history, art, and literature, with a specific focus on the historically significant region of Malwa.