Prachin Gujaratna Sanskritk Itihasni Sadhan Samagri - Book Summary

This document is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prachin Gujaratna Sanskritk Itihasni Sadhan Samagri" (Materials for the Cultural History of Ancient Gujarat) by Muni Jinavijayji. It is a republication of a lecture delivered in 1933, made accessible by the Shardaben Chimanbhai Educational Research Centre. The book aims to guide scholars and history enthusiasts in understanding the cultural heritage of Gujarat by identifying and analyzing various source materials.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and sections:

Core Purpose: The book's central objective is to identify and present the diverse "sadhan-samagri" (materials/sources) essential for understanding the cultural history of ancient Gujarat. Muni Jinavijayji emphasizes the need for systematic research and preservation of these materials.

Muni Jinavijayji's Perspective:

He expresses concern about the lack of organized efforts in Gujarat for historical research compared to other Indian states.
He highlights the vast collection of ancient Gujarati manuscripts in Pune's Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute and laments their lack of accessibility.
He stresses the importance of cultural heritage for national identity and progress, even more so than political independence.

Defining "Ancient Gujarat": Muni Jinavijayji proposes a specific periodization for Gujarat's cultural history:

Ancient Period: From the fall of the Gupta Empire (around the 6th century CE) until the mid-13th century CE. This roughly covers the period of the Gurjara-Pratiharas, Maitrakas of Vallabhi, Chalukyas of Anhilwad, and Vaghela dynasty.
Medieval Period: The Muslim rule in Gujarat.
Modern Period: The establishment of British rule.

Categories of Source Materials (Sadhan-Samagri):

The bulk of the text details various categories of historical sources:

Literary Materials (Sahitya):
- General Indian Literature: While not the primary focus, general Indian literature that provides insights into broader Indian culture is acknowledged.
- Specific Gujarati Literature: The book emphasizes literature composed in Gujarat or literature that mentions Gujarat.
  - Early Literature (up to 10th Century CE): Muni Jinavijayji notes the scarcity of purely historical or semi-historical works in early Indian literature. He points to foreign accounts like Al-Biruni's lament about the lack of historical consciousness among Hindus.
    - Harshacharita by Banabhatta: This is considered the first significant work that mentions the "Gurjars" and provides early clues about Gujarat's history and culture.
    - Kuvalayamala Katha by Udyotan Suri: A Jain work that offers brief but indicative mentions of Gurjar Desh and its language.
    - Kavyamimansa by Rajasekhara: Provides information about geographical boundaries, education, and languages of the time.
    - Saraswatikanthabharana by Bhojaraja: Mentions the linguistic preferences of the Gurjars.
    - Udayasundari Katha by Soddhala: Describes aspects of the Lat region and its social conditions.
  - Literature from the 12th-13th Centuries CE: This period is considered particularly rich in historical sources.
    - Karn Sundari by Bilhana: A dramatic work offering glimpses into the court of King Karna.
    - Vikramadevacharita by Bilhana: Although focused on Vikramaditya VI, it contains some relevant information about Gujarat.
    - Dvyashraya Mahakavya by Hemchandracharya: A monumental work detailing the history of the Chalukya dynasty, considered a primary source.
    - Mudrarakshasa by Yashaschandra: A historical drama depicting a religious debate in Siddharaja's court.
    - Kumaravihara Shataka by Ramachandra: Describes a temple built by Kumarpal.
    - Moharajapara-jaya by Yashapala: A symbolic drama reflecting the social, religious, and moral conditions of the time.
    - Kumarapalapratibodha by Somaprabhasuri: Provides historical facts interwoven with religious teachings.
    - Shatarthi Kavya by Somaprabhasuri: Mentions ten contemporary Gujarat figures.
    - Kirtikoumudi by Someshvara: A significant work detailing the life and achievements of ministers Vastupala and Tejapala, and the history of the Gurjar capital Anhilpur.
    - Sukritasankirtana by Arisimha: Similar to Kirtikoumudi, it offers historical details.
    - Vasantavilasa by Balachandrasuri: Another work glorifying Vastupala.
    - Dharmabhudaya Mahakavya by Udayaprabhasuri: Narrates the pilgrimages of Vastupala and includes historical notes.
    - Hamiramadamardana by Jayasimhasuri: A historical drama detailing Vastupala's political strategies and military victories.
    - Vastupala Prashastis: Numerous eulogies dedicated to Vastupala and Tejapala.
    - Revantagiri Ras by Vijayasen Suri: An early Gujarati work valuable for linguistic study and some historical content.
    - Nanaprabandhavali by Jinabhadr: A collection of stories including historical accounts of figures like Prithviraj Chauhan.
    - Ganadharashardashatak Brihadvritti by Sumatigani: Contains accounts of Jain scholars from ancient times to the 12th century.
    - Siddhasenadi Prabandha: Accounts of Jain scholars potentially from Vastupala's era.
    - Kavishiksha by Vinayachandra Suri: Includes a list of administrative divisions of Gujarat.
  - Literature from the 14th Century CE:
    - Jagaducharitra by Sarvanandasuri: Chronicles the charitable acts of Jagad Shah during a famine.
    - Prabhavakacharita by Prabhachandra Suri: Biographies of influential Jain scholars, many of whom had connections to Gujarat.
    - Prabandhachintamani by Merutungaacharya: Considered a foundational text for Gujarat's ancient history, providing extensive and reliable information.
    - Vividhatirthakalpa by Jinaprabhasuri: Describes Jain pilgrimage sites and offers historical details, including the destruction of temples by Alauddin Khilji and the protection of some sites by Jinaprabhasuri.
    - Pethan (Petaladra) Ras by Mandalika: A Gujarati poem describing a pilgrimage and offering linguistic insights.
    - Samararasa by Ambedev Suri: A Gujarati work detailing the reconstruction of the Shatrunjaya temple after an attack.
    - Shatrunjaya Mahatir-Uddhara Prabandha by Kakkasuri: A Sanskrit text detailing the same event and the history of Samarasaha Oswal's ancestors.
    - Sthaviravali (Vicharasreni) by Merutungaacharya: Provides a chronological list of Jain monks and rulers of Gujarat.
    - Stambhanakaparshvanathacharita by Merutunga: Offers historical information about the Parshvanath idol at Khambhat.
  - Literature from the 15th Century CE:
    - Prabandhakosha by Rajasekharasuri: A supplement to Prabandhachintamani, containing some Gujarati-related historical accounts.
    - Kumarapala Charitras: Several biographies of Kumarpala from this period.
    - Vastupala Charitra by Jinaharsha Suri: A comprehensive biography of Vastupala, considered highly valuable for historical research.
    - Prabandhasangraha: A fragmented collection of various prabandhas, containing new historical information.
    - Vimalaprabhandha by Lavanyasamaya: A Gujarati poem detailing the life of Vimal Shah, builder of the Dilwara temple.
    - Vimalacharitra by Indrahamsa Pandit: A Sanskrit work related to Vimal Shah.
    - Vastupala Rasas: Short Gujarati works on Vastupala, highlighting important family details.
    - Ratanamala by Krishna Kavi: A Hindi work on Gujarat's history, though incomplete and potentially speculative.
    - Gurjara-Bhupavali by Rangavijaya: A Sanskrit work listing the rulers of Gujarat.
- Miscellaneous Literature (Prakirna Sahitya):
  - Works like Upadeshatarangiṇī, Upadeshsaptati, Āchāropadeśa, Śraddhavidhi, Dharma-sāgaropādhyāya's Pravachana Parikshā, Tapāgachchha Paṭṭāvalī, and Dharmāraṇya contain sporadic historical notes.
  - Skandapurāṇa contains geographical information and sectarian accounts.
  - Grammatical works like Gaṇaratnamahodadhi, Sanskrit vyākaraṇa by Mayalagiri Suri, and Chhandonushasana by Hemchandracharya contain verses praising kings like Siddharaja.
  - Various miscellaneous collections of stories and anecdotes from Jain repositories also yield historical data.
- Epistolary Styles (Lekhapaddhati): Collections describing the methods of writing official documents, grants, and private correspondence are invaluable for understanding administrative and social practices.
Inscriptions and Copper Plates (Shilalekho ane Tamrapatro):
- These are considered primary sources, although ancient inscriptions from the Maitraka period are scarce. Copper plates from the Maitraka dynasty are crucial for understanding their rule.
- Inscriptions and copper plates from the Chalukya and Vaghela periods are more numerous (around 100).
Coins and Seals (Sikkao-Mudrao):
- Coins are important for dating and understanding rulers, but for ancient Gujarat, this source is less helpful. It's suggested that foreign currencies were prevalent, and Gujarat rulers may not have issued many of their own. Mentions of coins like "Bhimapriya," "Kumārapālapriya" are found in prabandhas, but the coins themselves are yet to be discovered.
Foreign Literature (Videshi Sahitya):
- Chinese Travelers: Accounts of Xuanzang and Yijing provide information about Buddhist sites, rulers, and societal practices in Gujarat (e.g., Bhillamal, Valabhi, Bharuch).
- Arab Writers:
  - Ibn Khordadba's "Kitab al-Masalik wa al-Mamalik": Mentions Gujarati cities like Khambhat, Gandhar, and Bharuch.
  - Sulaiman the Merchant's "Silsilat al-Tawarikh": Refers to the Gurjar kings as "Jajr" and describes their army and kingdom.
  - Abu Zayd Hassan Serafi: Supplements Sulaiman's account.
  - Abu al-Fadl al-Masudi: Provides details about Khambhat and the ruling administrator under the southern Vallabharaya.
  - Istakhri: Mentions the Persian Sea and the region from Sindh to Gujarat.
  - Ibn Haukal: Created an early map of the Gujarat region.
  - Al-Biruni's "Kitab al-Hind": A treasure trove of information, mentioning Anhilpur (the first mention in Muslim literature), Bhillamal, Valabhi, and the use of the Valabhi era.
  - Other Arab geographers like Ibn Rusta, Qudama bin Ja'far, Bilasuri, and Ibn al-Nadim also offer some relevant details.
Architecture and Sculpture (Sthapatya ane Bhaskarya):
- This category is highly valued, often providing more direct evidence than written texts.
- Muni Jinavijayji laments the neglect and destruction of ancient architectural remains in India, contrasting it with the preservation efforts in the West.
- He lists significant examples of Gujarat's architectural heritage: Sun Temple at Modhera, Jain temples at Abu and Arasura, ruined Rudramahalaya at Siddhpur, Minar Sarovar at Viramgam, Rani ki Vav at Patan, toranas at Kapadvanj and Vadnagar, and fort gates at Jhunjhnuwala and Dabhoi. These are considered invaluable artistic achievements.

Concluding Remarks (Upasamhar): Muni Jinavijayji reiterates the need for dedicated research, excavation, editing, and publication of these diverse historical materials. He draws a stark comparison with the diligent work being done in states like Maharashtra and Bengal, expressing disappointment with the lack of similar endeavors in Gujarat. He pays tribute to the pioneering work of Pandit Bhagwanlal Indraji as a notable exception.

Appendices: The book includes an index of important names and terms (Vishesh Namo ane Vishisht Ullekho ni Akaradi Anukramani) and a chronology of significant events (Salvari-Prasangos Sathe).

In essence, the book is a scholarly endeavor to compile and critically assess the foundational materials for reconstructing the rich and multifaceted cultural history of ancient Gujarat, emphasizing the importance of both literary and material evidence.