Pruthviraj Vijay Ek Aetihasik Mahakavya

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Pruthviraj Vijay Ek Aetihasik Mahakavya" by Prabhakar Shastri, based on the provided PDF pages:

This text is an analytical review by Dr. Prabhakar Shastri of a historical epic poem titled "Pruthviraj Vijay." The review focuses on the Kachwaha dynasty of Amer-Jaipur and their lineage, as depicted in the manuscript.

Key Points:

• Lineage of Kachwahas: The review begins by tracing the lineage of the Kachwaha rulers of Amer-Jaipur, linking them to Kush, son of Lord Rama, and their ancient name "Kachchhaghata." It mentions an inscription from 1088 Samvat (677 CE) referring to King Vajradaman who conquered Gwalior. The lineage continues through Mangalaraj, Sumitra, Madhu Brahma, Kahana, Devaneek, Ishwarsingh (Ishdev), and Sodhdev.

• Sodhdev and the Foundation of Dhundhar: Maharaj Sodhdev is identified as the first ruler to establish authority over the Dhundhar region. Although his father, Ishdev, was the ruler of Gwalior (Gopadri), Sodhdev did not inherit that kingdom. He ruled from a place called Amethi near Karauli.

• Dulharay and the Conquest of Dausa: Sodhdev's son, Dulharay (also known as Dulha), married Sujankunwari, the daughter of Raja Ralansi of Mora. With her assistance, Dulharay conquered Dausa, defeating the Minos and Bajgujars who ruled there. The reviewer notes that Colonel James Tod's translation of "Dulha" as "Dhola" led to historical confusion.

• Jamvay Mata Temple: Dulharay built the Jamvay Mata temple in commemoration of his victory at Machi, located three kos from the site.

• Foundation of Amer: Dulharay's son, Kokilji, founded Amer, which remained the capital of the Kachwahas until Sawai Jai Singh II established Jaipur.

• The Manuscript "Pruthviraj Vijay": The review discusses a manuscript titled "Pruthviraj Vijay" housed in the Asiatic Society, Calcutta (Catalog No. 10434).

  • Physical Description: The manuscript is made of country-made paper, measures 6x9 inches, and consists of 12 folios. It is written in the modern Nagar script. The reviewer notes that the manuscript is incomplete, containing only verses 624 to 776, which describe the history of the Kachwaha rulers of Amer.
  • Content and Criticism: The available 12 folios contain 156 verses describing 20 rulers. The reviewer questions the appropriateness of the title "Pruthviraj Vijay" for this particular epic, as it focuses heavily on the earlier Kachwaha rulers like Sodhdev and Dulharay. The author's name is not mentioned in the available verses. While acknowledging it as a historical epic, the reviewer suggests it might be better termed simply a "poetic work." The manuscript contains some inaccuracies and is difficult to read in places.

• Detailed Account of Rulers: The review then provides a detailed, verse-by-verse account of the rulers, highlighting key events and their historical context:

  • Sodhdev: His marriage and the birth of his son Dulharay are described.
  • Dulharay: His youth, marriage to Sujankunwari, and the conquest of Dausa are elaborated upon. The text describes his victory at Machi and the subsequent construction of the Jamvay Mata temple. Battles are also depicted.
  • Kakil: After Dulharay's death, his son Kakil became the ruler. He conquered Bhandarej and established the Ambikeshwar Mahadev temple in Amer, reportedly based on a divine instruction. The finding and installation of the idol are described, with mentions of its location in the Galta mountains.
  • Hanudev: Kakil's son, Hanudev, ruled for 14 years without notable events mentioned in history.
  • Janhad (Janug): Hanudev's son, Janhad, also ruled for 17 years with no significant events recorded.
  • Pajvan: Pajvan, Janhad's successor, is noted as being a brave warrior and one of the five heroes of Emperor Prithviraj Chauhan, as described by Chand Bardai.
  • Malayasi: Pajvan's son, Malayasi, was also a brave ruler. He conquered Nagaur, Gujarat, Mewar, and Mandu. The reviewer cites historical works and the manuscript's verses to support these conquests. Malayasi had six wives and 32 sons.
  • Bijaldeva: Malayasi's son, Bijaldeva, is described as a patron of scholars, though no specific significant events from his reign are detailed. He had three sons, the eldest being Rajdev.
  • Rajdev: Rajdev renovated Amer and spent his time worshipping Ambikeshwar Mahadev. He had six sons, the eldest being Kilhan.
  • Kolhan: Kilhan ruled for a considerable period and had two wives and six sons. The eldest son, Kuntal, succeeded him.
  • Kuntaldev: Kuntaldev built the Kuntal Fort in Amer. He had five wives and thirteen sons. The eldest son, Junsi (Jonasi), became the ruler.
  • Jagasi (Jonasi): Jonasi's reign was peaceful. His eldest son, Udaykaran, succeeded him.
  • Udaykaran: Udaykaran's reign is briefly described. His son, Narsingh, was his successor.
  • Narsingh: Narsingh had three wives and seven brothers. His eldest son, Banveer, ruled Amer.
  • Banveer: Banveer's reign is noted without significant events. He had six wives and six sons, though the manuscript mentions five.
  • Uddharan: Uddharan had four wives and one son, Chandrasen.
  • Chandrasen: Chandrasen's reign is mentioned briefly. His eldest son, Prithviraj, became the ruler of Amer. Chandrasen was a devotee of Lord Krishna.
  • Prithviraj: The manuscript is named after Prithviraj, but the reviewer notes that the epic does not extensively detail his life or victories. Prithviraj was a disciple of Baba Chaturnath and later of Krishnadas Payohari. His wife, Balan Bai, was a devotee of Lord Krishna. The coronation of Prithviraj is mentioned with a specific date.
  • Purnamal: Prithviraj's eldest son, Purnamal, succeeded him. His reign was short, and his death is described as suspicious. His son, Sujasingh, was a minor, so Purnamal's brother, Bhimsingh, ascended the throne.
  • Bhimsingh: Bhimsingh succeeded his brother Purnamal. His reign is also considered uncertain, with some accounts suggesting he was responsible for his father's and brother's deaths. The final verse of the available manuscript describes Bhimsingh's succession.

• Incompleteness and Authorship: The reviewer regrets that the manuscript is incomplete and missing pages after verse 776, making it impossible to determine the full scope of the epic or the identities of all rulers described. The author's name is not present, and the title "Pruthviraj Vijay" is questioned as potentially inaccurate given the limited focus on Prithviraj himself compared to earlier rulers like Sodhdev and Dulharay. The reviewer suggests that the actual title might have been different.

• Historical Accuracy and Significance: Despite the incompleteness and potential title discrepancy, the reviewer concludes that the work is a valuable historical epic because it details the history of the Kachwaha rulers of Jaipur (Amer) and its narrative aligns with available historical records and genealogies, with only minor differences in certain accounts. The presence of reign periods further supports its historical nature. The language is described as simple and beautiful, with errors likely attributed to the scribe rather than the original author.

In essence, the review of "Pruthviraj Vijay Ek Aetihasik Mahakavya" by Dr. Prabhakar Shastri provides a detailed genealogical and chronological account of the early Kachwaha rulers of Amer-Jaipur, drawing heavily from a manuscript that, while incomplete and possibly mis-titled, offers valuable insights into their history and lineage.