Puratattva Mimansa - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Puratattva Mimansa" by Jinvijay, based on the provided pages:

The text, "Puratattva Mimansa" (Investigation of Archaeology), by Muni Shri Jinvijay, discusses the significance and history of archaeological research in India. It emphasizes the inherent human curiosity (जिज्ञासा) that drives the desire to know and understand the past.

Core Arguments and Themes:

The Nature of Knowledge and the Role of Curiosity: The author begins by highlighting humanity's unique intelligence and its innate curiosity. This curiosity is seen as the driving force behind the pursuit of knowledge, a characteristic that distinguishes humans from other beings. The text suggests that the development of language (वाणी) is crucial for the expression and transmission of this knowledge.
The Search for the "Sarvajna" (All-Knowing): The author touches upon the ancient Indian belief in an "all-knowing" individual who possesses complete knowledge of the universe. While acknowledging the debate surrounding the existence of such a being, the text focuses on the observable reality that some individuals possess exceptionally developed knowledge and wisdom, far exceeding that of ordinary people.
Understanding the Past Through History and Archaeology: The text asserts that history (इतिहास) is the primary means by which we understand events and people from the past. However, it laments the lack of a comprehensive and detailed historical record in India. The author points out that while ancient Indians created many sources for history (like scriptures, inscriptions, coins, etc.), they did not develop history as an independent field of study or possess the methodology for its reconstruction. This task, the author argues, was largely taught to them by Western scholars.
The Genesis of Archaeological Research in India: The author credits the British with initiating systematic archaeological research in India. Following their political and economic establishment after the Battle of Plassey (1757), scholars and administrators, driven by a desire to understand the land they governed and its rich heritage, began exploring India's past.
- Sir William Jones is highlighted as a pioneer, establishing the Asiatic Society in 1774. This society marked the beginning of the systematic investigation of Indian history, literature, architecture, religion, society, and science.
- The author notes the significant contribution of early translators and scholars like Charles Wilkins, who translated the Bhagavad Gita and was the first Englishman to learn Sanskrit. He also developed early Devanagari and Bengali typefaces.
- Henry Colebrooke is praised for his extensive scholarship in Sanskrit literature and his work on various Indian philosophical schools, social customs, and sciences.
The Importance of Deciphering Ancient Scripts: A crucial aspect of archaeological research is the decipherment of ancient scripts. The text details the challenges and eventual successes in understanding scripts like:
- Brahmi Script: Considered the mother of many Indian scripts, its decipherment, particularly by scholars like Charles Wilkins and later James Prinsep, was a monumental achievement that unlocked access to ancient inscriptions and coins.
- Gupta Script: The gradual decipherment of the Gupta script, building upon Wilkins' initial work, was essential for understanding the Gupta period.
- Kharosthi Script: Found in northwest India and Central Asia, its decipherment, also significantly contributed to by James Prinsep, revealed a different facet of ancient Indian history and its interactions with Western cultures.
The Role of Institutions and Individuals: The text emphasizes the collaborative nature of archaeological research, involving both institutions (like the Asiatic Society) and individual scholars from both India and the West. It acknowledges the contributions of various individuals like Colonel James Tod, Dr. Buchanan, Captain Cautley, Dr. Mill, and later scholars like James Fergusson, Alexander Cunningham, and Dr. Bhau Daji.
The Preservation of Heritage: The author laments the destruction and neglect of ancient artifacts and texts due to ignorance, vandalism, and inter-sectarian conflicts. He cites examples of ancient inscriptions being used as building materials or discarded. The establishment of the Archaeological Survey of India and the subsequent efforts for the preservation and cataloging of monuments are discussed.
The Discovery of the Indus Valley Civilization: A significant turning point in Indian archaeology, discussed towards the end of the excerpt, is the discovery of the Indus Valley Civilization at Harappa and Mohenjo-daro in the 1920s. This discovery pushed back the timeline of Indian civilization by several thousand years, suggesting a pre-Aryan culture. The text notes that the decipherment of the script from this civilization remains an ongoing challenge.
Post-Independence Efforts: The author notes that after India's independence in 1947, the Archaeological Survey of India was reorganized and strengthened, reflecting a renewed national commitment to understanding and preserving its heritage. He also mentions the establishment of similar institutions in various Indian states, including Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Overall Message:

"Puratattva Mimansa" underscores the critical importance of archaeology in reconstructing a true and complete history of India. It highlights the evolution of archaeological research from its nascent stages, initiated by Western scholars, to its development as a crucial discipline for national identity and understanding. The text serves as a testament to the persistent human quest for knowledge and the dedication of scholars in unraveling the layers of India's ancient past.