Rajasthan Me Prachin Itihas Ki Shodh - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Rajasthan me Prachin Itihas ki Shodh" by Devilal Paliwal:

This text, "Research on the Ancient History of Rajasthan" by Dr. Devilal Paliwal, provides a detailed overview of the historical research undertaken on the region of Rajasthan, highlighting the significant contributions of various scholars, institutions, and particularly the Jain community.

The Genesis of Rajasthani Historical Research:

The systematic study of Rajasthan's history began with Colonel James Tod's "Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan," published in 1826. Tod's work is lauded for its attempt to present a chronological history of Rajput dynasties after the decline of the Vardhan Empire and for introducing Indian knowledge and civilization to the West.
Tod's work was motivated by a desire to counter the European perception of India's lack of serious historical thinking. He drew parallels between the bravery of Rajasthan's warriors and figures like Leonidas, creating a sense of awe and respect among the British for the Rajput people.
The period from the 5th to the 12th century is identified as crucial for Rajasthan's history, marked by the arrival of foreign tribes like Huns and Gujars, who eventually established kingdoms and contributed to the development of art and literature in the region.
The text clarifies that the name "Rajasthan" or "Rajputana" is relatively recent, gaining currency after the arrival of Muslims. Prior to this, much of the region was known as Gurjaratra (8th-10th centuries), encompassing parts of present-day Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Malwa.
During the Gurjaratra period, significant advancements were made in sculpture and painting, with numerous artifacts testifying to the artistic patronage of dynasties like the Gurjara-Pratiharas.

The Crucial Role of the Jain Community:

A recurring theme throughout the text is the immense contribution of the Jain community to the preservation, collection, and creation of ancient literature and art in Rajasthan.
Jain scholars are credited with establishing and maintaining libraries that safeguarded valuable manuscripts from the ravages of medieval invasions.
The Jain Granth Bhandar in Jaisalmer is highlighted as the largest and most significant among these collections. It contains a wealth of handwritten manuscripts shedding light on the history of Rajasthan and India.
The text details the discovery and study of these Jain manuscripts, including:
- The Sūtra-kṛtāṅga-cūrṇi (V.S. 1216) and Kālakācārya Kathānaka (V.S. 1266) from Jaisalmer, described as ancient artistic works.
- The Pravacana-sāroddhāra-vṛtti by Nemichandrasuri (V.S. 1265).
- The Sapta-padikramaṇa-sūtra-cūrṇi, painted on palm leaves and dating back to 1260 CE, found in Boston, originally from Medapat (Mewar).
The text notes that these valuable Jain manuscripts have traveled beyond Rajasthan, reaching international collections.

Pioneering Research and Key Figures:

Colonel James Tod is recognized as the first to systematically compile the history of Rajasthan. His work, though containing some inaccuracies due to reliance on oral traditions and legends, was instrumental in bringing Rajasthan's heritage to the world's attention. He is also credited with creating the first geographical map of Rajputana.
Yati Gyanchand, a Jain scholar, played a vital role in guiding and inspiring Colonel Tod in his research, acting as his guru and helping him understand ancient texts and inscriptions.
The text mentions the efforts of German and English scholars like Dr. Bühler and Hermann Jacobi, who explored Rajasthan's literary treasures, with Jacobi focusing on the scientific study and publication of ancient Apabhraṃśa literature.
Shri Shridhar Ramakrishna Bhandarkar is credited with the systematic cataloging of the Jaisalmer Bhandar, identifying its vast collections and noting the poor condition of many manuscripts.
Shri Chimanlal Dalal later compiled a comprehensive list of palm-leaf manuscripts in Jaisalmer.
Acharya Shri Jinavijayji Muni is lauded for his meticulous work in organizing and editing manuscripts from Jaisalmer, undertaking extensive efforts to preserve and publish them. His work has significantly contributed to understanding Jain literature and history.
Jain scholar Muni Shripunyavijayji also played a crucial role in organizing Jain libraries in Jaisalmer.
Dr. L.P. Tessitori, an Italian scholar, made a significant sacrifice by dedicating his life to the study of Rajasthani literature, compiling extensive lists of Dingal texts and unfortunately dying at a young age in Bikaner. He held deep respect for Indian culture and people.
Other foreign scholars who contributed include Dr. Keilhorn, Peter Peterson, Dr. Fleet, and Cecil Bendall.
On the Indian side, Mahakavi Shyamlal compiled the monumental "Vir Vinod," a comprehensive history of Mewar, which corrected and expanded upon Tod's work.
Kaviraja Suryamal authored "Vansh Bhaskar," a poetic historical work on the Bundi rulers.
Dr. Gauri Shankar Hirachand Ojha is considered a pivotal figure in modern Rajasthani historical research. He meticulously corrected inaccuracies in previous works, including Tod's, and presented a scientifically grounded history of Rajputana. His work, "History of Rajputana," is considered a definitive account.
The text also acknowledges the contributions of various other Indian scholars and institutions who have published works on specific dynasties, periods, and aspects of Rajasthan's history.

Institutions and Ongoing Research:

Museums and libraries established by former princely states, such as the Victoria Museum and Saraswati Bhandar (Udaipur), Shardul Research Institute (Bikaner), and Albert Museum (Jaipur), are vital for the preservation and study of historical artifacts.
The Archaeological Department of Rajasthan continues to conduct surveys and excavations, uncovering significant prehistoric and historical materials.
Journals like "Shodh Patrika," "Rajasthan Bharti," and "Maru Bharti" play a crucial role in disseminating the findings of historical research in Rajasthan.
The Rajasthan Prachya Vidya Pratishthan in Jodhpur, under the guidance of Muni Jinavijay, is currently a leading institution in the search, research, and publication of ancient handwritten manuscripts.

Conclusion:

The text emphasizes that the history of Rajasthan is extensive, and the historical material available is equally vast. The research and editing of this material is a monumental and arduous task. Numerous scholars, including both Indian and foreign, have dedicated themselves to this endeavor, with the Jain community playing a foundational role in the preservation and presentation of this rich heritage. The ongoing efforts of these scholars continue to shed new light on the history of Rajasthan and India as a whole.