Prachin Jain Itihas Sangraha Part 03 Kaling Desh Ka Itihas

This comprehensive summary details the history of Kalinga Desh (the region now known as Odisha) from a Jain perspective, as presented in "Prachin Jain Itihas Sangraha Part 03: Kaling Desh ka Itihas" by Gyansundar Maharaj.

I. Introduction to Kalinga and its Jain Significance:

• Ancient Origins: Kalinga is presented as a significant center for Jainism with a very ancient history. It is believed that the region was named after Kalinga, a son of the first Tirthankara, Lord Rishabhdev, who was allotted this territory.
• Historical Mentions: The name "Kalinga" is found in ancient Indian scriptures like the Vedas, Smritis, Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Puranas.
• Connection to Jain Scriptures: The text highlights that Kalinga is mentioned in the Jain scripture "Pannavna Sutra" among the twenty-five and a half Aryakshatras (holy lands).
• Capital and Holy Sites: The capital of Kalinga during Lord Mahavir Swami's time was Kanchannagar. The region is considered a sacred pilgrimage site due to the presence of two mountains, Kumargiri (Udayagiri) and Kumari (Khandagiri), which housed numerous Jain temples and caves for ascetics. These mountains were also known by names like Shatrunjay and Girnar, drawing pilgrims from afar.

II. Early History and Jain Influence:

• Brahmin Opposition: The text notes that Brahmins in their scriptures described Kalinga residents as "destroyers of Vedic dharma." This is interpreted as evidence that the inhabitants of Kalinga were predominantly Jains.
• Mauryan Era and Ashoka's Invasion: The book asserts that Buddhism entered Kalinga only after Emperor Ashoka's invasion in 262 BCE. Before this, there was no trace of Buddhism. Brahmins had even described Kalinga as a land of the Aryas and declared that any Brahmin entering it would be considered fallen. The author suggests a possibility that Brahmins might have converted to Jainism upon reaching Kalinga, leading to their prohibition of entry.
• Past Jain Dominance and Decline: Kalinga once experienced a complete Jain empire, but today, the presence of Jains is minimal. The author attributes this decline to the "crookedness of time" and, more significantly, to the oppression and atrocities faced by Jains from non-Jain rulers.

III. The Era of Mahameghavahana Maharaja Kharvel:

• Rediscovery of Kharvel: The book emphasizes the importance of the inscription found at Hasti Gufa on the Khandagiri-Udayagiri hills, belonging to Mahameghavahana Chakravarti Jain Emperor Maharaja Kharvel.
• Challenges in Deciphering: The inscription, dating back over 2000 years, was initially difficult to decipher due to its aged and worn condition, as well as its language, which resembled Pali and Jain scriptural style. European scholars like Padre Sterling, Dr. Thomas, Major Kittoe, and others made significant efforts to understand it, even undertaking extensive research, photography, and publication.
• Indian Scholars' Contributions: The text acknowledges the efforts of Indian scholars such as Mahashay Jaiswal, Mr. Rakhal Das Bandyopadhyay, Shri Bhagwandas Inderji, and ultimately, Shri Keshavlal Harshdray Dhruv, who successfully identified the inscription as belonging to Maharaja Kharvel.
• Kharvel's Jain Identity and Reign:
  • Genealogy and Birth: Kharvel belonged to the Chedi dynasty and was born in 267 BCE. His father was Buddharaj and his grandfather was Khemraj.
  • Education and Rule: He spent his childhood in pleasantries and received education for fifteen years. He served as Yuvaraj for nine years before ascending the throne at the age of twenty-four. He ruled Kalinga for thirteen years.
  • Conquests and Empire: Kharvel expanded his empire from south to north, earning the title of Emperor.
  • Religious Patronage: He was a devout Jain and actively promoted Jainism. He undertook significant public works, including building wells, ponds, rest houses, gardens, and bringing a canal from Magadha to alleviate water scarcity. He also renovated old forts, temples, and palaces.
  • Military Prowess: He displayed great military skill, engaging in successful campaigns against various rulers. Notably, he defeated the Magadha king Brihaspatimitra and repelled the invasion of the Greek king Demetrius.
  • Return of Jain Idols: Kharvel brought back Jain idols and wealth that had been looted from Kalinga by the Nanda kings of Magadha.
  • Rescued Jain Scriptures: Recognizing the dire state of Jain scriptures, which were being forgotten due to famine and the absence of proper preservation, Kharvel convened a grand assembly of monks and scholars. This assembly aimed to recompile and preserve the lost Jain Agamas. Approximately 200 Jinakalpi monks, 300 Sthirakalpi monks, and 700 Aryikas participated. The assembly led to the re-writing and dissemination of forgotten scriptures and the dispatch of monks for propagation to foreign lands.
  • Temple Construction and Renovation: Kharvel undertook extensive renovation of existing Jain temples and built new ones, including a magnificent temple for Lord Rishabhdev on Kumargiri mountain.
  • Lifespan and Demise: Kharvel ruled for 13 years and died at the age of 37. He passed away peacefully while on a pilgrimage to Kumargiri, embracing Nivrutti Marg (path of renunciation).

IV. Kharvel's Successors and the Continuation of Jainism:

• Vikramray: Kharvel's son, Vikramray, succeeded him and continued his father's legacy by completing his unfinished tasks and promoting Jainism.
• Bahudaray: Vikramray's son, Bahudaray, also ruled diligently and contributed to the propagation of Jainism.

V. Historical Evidence and Debates:

• Confirmation of Jain Teachings: The book asserts that Kharvel's inscription provides strong evidence supporting Jain principles and historical accounts. It directly refutes the notion that Jainism lacked royal patronage or was not a national religion, unlike Buddhism and Vedanta.
• Kharvel as a Promoter of Ahimsa: Kharvel is presented as the foremost propagator of Lord Mahavir's dharma of Ahimsa (non-violence).
• Significance of the Inscription: The inscription is considered a vital piece of evidence for Indian history, revealing political conditions, social order, and religious practices of the time.
• The Issue of Idol Worship: The text addresses the debate within the Sthanakvasi sect regarding idol worship. It argues that the Kharvel inscription, by mentioning the Nanda king carrying away the golden idol of Lord Rishabhdev from Kalinga and Kharvel bringing it back, proves that idol worship existed in Jainism from ancient times, even before the time of Shrenik (who built the temple for Lord Rishabhdev). It emphasizes that if idol worship were against Jain principles, it would have been criticized in the scriptures.

VI. Conclusion:

The book "Prachin Jain Itihas Sangraha Part 03: Kaling Desh ka Itihas" aims to highlight the glorious past of Jainism in Kalinga, particularly through the life and achievements of Maharaja Kharvel. It underscores the importance of historical research and archaeological findings in understanding the rich heritage of Jainism and encourages Jains to recognize and cherish their historical legacy. The text also implicitly calls for a deeper understanding and respect for the antiquity of idol worship within the Jain tradition.