Prachin Jain Itihas Sangraha Part 05

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Prachin Jain Itihas Sangraha Part 05" (Ancient Jain History Collection, Part 05), authored by Gyansundar Maharaj, published by Ratnaprabhakar Gyan Pushpmala:

Overall Purpose and Context:

This volume, the fifth in the "Prachin Jain Itihas Sangraha" series, primarily focuses on reinterpreting historical evidence, specifically the inscriptions and edicts attributed to Emperor Ashoka, and arguing that these inscriptions were actually authored by the Jain emperor Samprati. The author, Gyansundar Maharaj, presents this as a significant correction to prevailing historical understanding, aiming to highlight the glory of Jainism and its historical figures. The work is a translation of a Gujarati article by Dr. Tribhuvandas Leherchand of Baroda, making this crucial historical argument accessible to Hindi-speaking audiences.

Key Arguments and Content:

1. Challenging the Attribution of Ashoka's Edicts: The central thesis of the book is that the widely recognized inscriptions and pillar edicts attributed to Emperor Ashoka, a supposed proponent of Buddhism, were in fact created by the Jain emperor Samprati (also known as Priyadarshin). The author argues that historical scholarship has wrongly attributed these significant works to Ashoka.

2. Re-evaluating Historical Timelines and Figures:

   • Jain Chronology: The text emphasizes the importance of establishing Jain timelines, particularly the Nirvana date of Lord Mahavir (stated as E.C. 526) as a crucial anchor point for chronological calculations, rather than relying on the traditional dating related to Alexander the Great's invasion (E.C. 327).
   • Samprati's Historical Significance: The author strongly advocates for recognizing Samprati as a pivotal historical figure, crediting him with the vast majority of inscriptions and philanthropic activities historically attributed to Ashoka. Samprati is presented as a devout Jain emperor who significantly promoted Jain Dharma.
   • Debunking the "Sandrocottus = Chandragupta" Theory: The text meticulously deconstructs the conventional identification of "Sandrocottus" (mentioned in Greek accounts) with Chandragupta Maurya. It argues that this identification is flawed and that "Sandrocottus" actually refers to Emperor Ashoka.
   • Differentiating Priyadarshin from Ashoka: A significant portion of the text is dedicated to proving that "Priyadarshin," the name appearing in many inscriptions, and "Ashoka" were two distinct individuals. The author presents various arguments based on linguistic analysis, chronological discrepancies, and differing historical accounts to support this.

3. Evidence and Reasoning Presented:

   • Linguistic and Inscriptional Analysis: The author scrutinizes the language, vocabulary, and specific terms used in the inscriptions. Words like "Anarambh" (non-commencement of work), "Mangalam Dharm Upsarg," "Devenpriya," "Swamita," "Pakhand," and "Shvet" are analyzed and argued to have strong Jain connotations, not Buddhist ones. The term "Swamivatsalyata" (affection for one's flock/followers) is specifically highlighted as a concept unique to Jainism.
   • Chronological Discrepancies: The text points out inconsistencies in timelines when attributing the inscriptions to Ashoka, especially concerning events like the Kalinga conquest and the spread of Buddhism. These discrepancies are presented as evidence that a different ruler authored the inscriptions.
   • Jain Scriptures and Traditions: The author draws heavily from Jain scriptures, biographical accounts of Jain saints and kings (like Arya Suhasthi and King Kumarpal), and traditions to support the claim that Samprati was a monumental figure in Jain history and the true author of these inscriptions.
   • Philosophical and Religious Tenets: The text emphasizes that the ethical principles and practices mentioned in the inscriptions, such as the emphasis on ahimsa (non-violence), the specific observance days (like Ashtami and Chaturdashi), and the concept of "Samayakva Prapti" (attainment of right faith), are more aligned with Jainism than Buddhism.
   • The Case of the Lion Emblem: The author suggests that the lion emblem found on the pillars is not related to Buddhism but is a significant symbol in Jainism, particularly associated with Lord Mahavir.

4. The Identity of Samprati and Priyadarshin:

   • The book argues that Emperor Samprati, a devout Jain, was the actual author of the edicts.
   • It posits that "Priyadarshin" was a given name of Samprati, bestowed upon him due to the joy and relief he brought to his grandfather Ashoka (or rather, the ruler of that period).
   • The detailed narrative of Kunal's blinding and Samprati's birth and ascension to the throne is presented to support the lineage and the reasons behind the name "Priyadarshin."

5. The Role of Ashoka (as distinct from Samprati/Priyadarshin):

   • The author acknowledges Ashoka as a historical figure but argues that the inscriptions were not his.
   • The text suggests that Ashoka's political actions and personal life, as presented in Buddhist texts, do not align with the principles espoused in the inscriptions.

Structure of the Argument:

The book is structured to systematically dismantle the traditional attribution and build a case for Samprati:

• Introduction: Sets the context, highlighting the importance of historical discoveries like inscriptions and the aim to correct historical narratives.
• Division into Sections: The author divides the argument into three main parts:
  1. Determining the Buddhist Era (and by extension, establishing Jain chronology).
  2. Establishing the Genealogy of the Maurya Dynasty, leading to the identification of Samprati.
  3. Detailed analysis of the inscriptions and pillar edicts, arguing their Jain origin.
• Detailed Evidence Presentation: Each point is supported by references to scriptures, historical accounts, linguistic analysis, and comparative chronology.
• Addressing Counter-Arguments: The author anticipates and addresses potential objections or doubts scholars might have.
• Conclusion: Reaffirms the central thesis that the glory and actions attributed to Ashoka, especially concerning the inscriptions, rightfully belong to Emperor Samprati, and that these inscriptions reflect Jain principles, not Buddhist ones.

Overall Impact and Goal:

The primary goal of this work is to rectify what the author perceives as a historical injustice against Jainism and its prominent rulers. By reattributing the famous Mauryan inscriptions to Samprati, Gyansundar Maharaj aims to:

• Elevate the status of Samprati in Indian history.
• Highlight the significant role of Jainism in ancient Indian society, culture, and governance.
• Correct the prevailing understanding of ancient Indian history, particularly the association of these widespread inscriptions with Buddhism.
• Inspire pride and a sense of historical ownership among the Jain community.

In essence, "Prachin Jain Itihas Sangraha Part 05" is a scholarly and passionate defense of Jain historical claims, presenting a detailed and evidence-based argument that the grand inscriptions and reforms attributed to Emperor Ashoka were the monumental achievements of the Jain emperor Samprati.