Prachin Jain Smaraka Mumbai - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prachin Jain Smaraka Mumbai" by Shitalprasad, published by Mulchand Kisandas Kapadia, based on the provided pages. The summary covers the book's introduction, historical context, geographical scope, and significant Jain heritage sites mentioned.

Book Title: Prachin Jain Smaraka Mumbai (Ancient Jain Monuments of the Bombay Presidency) Author: Brahmachari Shitalprasad Publisher: Mulchand Kisandas Kapadia Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/010444/1

Overall Purpose and Scope: This book is a compilation and description of ancient Jain monuments and sites within the Bombay Presidency, aiming to preserve and disseminate knowledge about Jain history and heritage in the region. It was inspired by the desire to gather scattered information from government archaeological departments and gazetteers. The book focuses on the Bombay Presidency, which included regions like Sindh, Gujarat, Khandesh, and Karnataka.

Inspiration and Methodology: The author, Brahmachari Shitalprasad, was motivated by Seth Baijnath Sarawagi of Calcutta. The book was written by primarily consulting several key resources:

Imperial Gazetteer of Bombay Presidency (Vols. I & II, 1909)
Revised List of Antiquarian Remains in Bombay Presidency by Cousins (1897)
Report of Early Brahmana and Jain Sculptures in Western India by Burgess (1830)
Various district gazetteers (Belgaum, Dharwar, Thana, Bijapur, Kolhapur, Sholapur, Nasik, Baroda, Rewakantha, Ahmedabad, Khandesh)
"Architecture of Ahmedabad" by Hope Fergusson (1805)
Information from the Digambar Jain Directory.

The author states that where possible, he has personally visited sites to add firsthand descriptions. He clarifies that when the specific sect (Digambar or Shwetambar) was identified, it was noted; otherwise, the original designation from the source was retained.

Historical and Geographical Context of the Bombay Presidency: The Bombay Presidency was a vast and historically significant region.

Geography: It encompassed areas from Sindh in the north to Karnataka in the south, extending across Gujarat, Khandesh, and other territories.
Trade and Influence: The region had ancient trade routes, with ports like Bhrigukachha (Bharuch), Sopara, and Surat mentioned in texts from 2,500 years ago. It was a point of entry for foreign rulers and settlers, including Alexander the Great, Arabs, and the East India Company.
Religious Significance: The Bombay Presidency had deep connections with ancient Indian religions like Jainism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Sites like Ellora, Ajanta, Karla, and Nasik are highlighted as significant.
Jain Heritage: The text emphasizes that the Bombay Presidency, excluding Bihar, had more Jain Siddhakshetras (liberation sites) than any other province. It was considered the viharbhoomi (region of practice) for crores of Jain monks in ancient times. Key Jain Tirthankaras, like Neminath, had significant kalyanakas (auspicious events) in this region, with sites like Girnar being central.

Decline of Jainism: The book notes a decline in Jainism's prominence after the 10th century, attributed to Jain kings losing their adherence to the religion due to worldly desires. This led to the rise of other religious leaders who influenced them, resulting in the conversion of many Jains and the repurposing of Jain temples. Examples include the Kalchuri king Bijjala, who was influenced by the Shaiva minister Vasava, and the subsequent transformation of Jain temples into Shiva temples. The text also mentions destruction by Muslim rulers, who converted Jain temples into mosques.

Key Regions and Their Jain Heritage:

The Bombay Presidency is divided into three main sections: Gujarat, Central, and Southern.

Gujarat: Predominantly features Shwetambar Jain temples.
Central and Southern Regions: Primarily feature Digambar Jain temples.

Significant Jain Sites and Monuments (Selected Examples):

The book provides extensive details about numerous sites. Here are some key examples mentioned in the initial pages:

Gujarat Division:

Ahmedabad District:
- Ahmedabad City: Noted for its architectural style, where Muslim structures often incorporated Jain and Hindu architectural elements. The author quotes James Fergusson on the fusion of Jain/Chalukyan art with larger architectural concepts in Ahmedabad's Muslim buildings. Specific Jain temples like the Hathi Singh Jain Temple (built 1848) and the Chintamani Jain Temple (in Saraspur, destroyed by Aurangzeb) are mentioned. The book highlights the significant Jain population and numerous Jain temples in Ahmedabad.
- Dhandhuka: Birthplace of the famous Shwetambar Acharya Hemachandra.
- Kapadvani: An ancient town with a beautiful Jain temple.
- Kembhat (Khambhat): An ancient port city. The Jamna Masjid here is noted to have been built using pillars from Jain temples. Several Jain temples, including the Shri Chintamani Parshvanath Temple and Shri Adishwar Temple, are mentioned. The historical significance of ministers like Vastupal and Tejpal in promoting Jain architecture and literature here is highlighted.
Panchmahal District:
- Pavagadh Hill: A very famous Jain pilgrimage site, considered the Moksha-sthala (place of liberation) for Lord Ramachandra's sons (Lav and Kush) and crores of monks. The text provides textual evidence (Gathas and Dohas) supporting its Jain significance.
Bharuch District:
- Bharuch City: An ancient port city with a history of Jain presence. The Jamna Masjid is noted to incorporate Jain architectural elements, with its pillars sourced from Jain and Hindu temples. The presence of several Jain temples built in the 19th century is mentioned, along with older ones from the 15th century. The city is also noted as the birthplace of the Jain scholar Ajit, son of Virsingh Golashringara, who composed the Hanumancharitra. The ancient Jain merchant Jintatta and his virtuous daughter Nili Sati are also mentioned in connection with Bharuch.
- Shuklatirtha: Associated with Emperor Chandragupta Maurya and his minister Chanakya.
- Ankleshwar: Known for ancient Jain scriptures like the Shaddanga Shastra by Acharyas Pushpadant and Bhootbali. The author highlights the ancient and revered idol of Shri Shitalnath Bhagwan found here, which is described with great detail.
- Gandhar: An ancient town with Jain temples.
- Katri: A sacred Jain site on the Mahi River with two famous Jain temples known as "Sas Bahu ki Dehri."
Surat District:
- Surat City: Known for its textiles and trade. The text notes the conversion of some mosques into Jain temples (e.g., in Rander). Several Jain temples, both ancient and more recent, are present.
- Rander: An ancient settlement on the Tapi River, mentioned as a significant Jain center that was later attacked by Arab merchants, who converted Jain temples into mosques. The text details multiple mosques that are believed to be former Jain temples.
Thana District:
- Cheul (Chaul): An ancient port city with strong historical ties to Jainism. The text quotes an English traveler (Fitch) describing the strict Jain practices of merchants there, including animal welfare initiatives like hospitals for dogs, cats, and birds, and feeding ants.
- Kanhagiri (Kanheri Caves): Mentioned as a site with Jain caves and inscriptions, though primarily associated with Buddhism.
- Sopara: An ancient port city, mentioned as a significant Jain site with historical references in Jain texts. It was a major trading center with connections to Persia, Arabia, and Africa.

Key Themes and Contributions:

Preservation of Heritage: The book serves as a vital record of Jain architectural and historical sites, many of which were undergoing or had undergone changes or destruction.
Dissemination of Knowledge: It aims to inform Jain community members and history enthusiasts about their rich legacy.
Art and Architecture: The descriptions often highlight the craftsmanship, inscriptions, and artistic styles of the Jain monuments.
Inclusivity: While focusing on Jainism, it acknowledges the presence and influence of other religions (Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam) in the region and how their histories are intertwined.

The provided pages cover a significant portion of the book, detailing sites in Gujarat, Bharuch, Surat, Thana, Vadodara, Mahikantha, Palanpur, Kathiawad, Kutch, Khandesh, Nasik, Pune, Satara, Sholapur, Belgaum, Bijapur, Dharwar, North Kanara, Kolhapur, Miraj, Sangli, Goa, and Hyderabad states, as well as a chapter on Gujarat's history. The sheer volume of detailed information indicates the book's comprehensive nature.