Rajasthan Swatantrya Sangharsh Aur Jain Samaj

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Rajasthan Swatantrya Sangharsh aur Jain Samaj" by Tejsinh Tarun:

This text, the first page of a larger work, challenges the common perception of Jains as solely a commercial community driven by self-interest and exploitation. The author, Professor Tejsinh Tarun, argues that historical facts reveal the Jain community's foundation in renunciation and austerity, and highlights their consistent and significant contributions to India's freedom struggle, not just in Rajasthan but across the nation.

Key Arguments and Examples:

• Beyond Commercialism: The author asserts that historical evidence refutes the notion of Jains being exclusively a commercial caste. Instead, the community is built on sacrifice and penance, demonstrating a unique blend of courage and wisdom.
• Active Participation in Revolutions: From the time of Lord Mahavir to the era of Maharana Pratap, the Jain community has actively supported and participated in revolutionary movements.
  • Lord Mahavir: Initiated social change and guided the country in a new direction.
  • Bhamashah: A key Jain figure who, during Pratap's difficult times, dedicated his entire wealth to supporting the Maharana's cause. His financial contribution was crucial for Pratap's survival and struggle.
• Leadership in Freedom Movements: Numerous Jain individuals have provided leadership and fought bravely in the freedom movement. The text lists names like Mehta Agarachand, Kothari Balvantsinh, Jalsi Mehta, Indermal Singhi, and Dayalshah as examples of those who displayed valor.
• Participation in the Modern Freedom Struggle: The text emphasizes that when the wave of independence swept across India, Jain brethren, irrespective of their social standing, actively participated in this "great sacrifice" to the best of their abilities. They faced imprisonment, endured torture, left their homes, and risked their all for Mother India's freedom.
• Prominent Revolutionary Figures:
  • Arjunlal Sethi of Jaipur: Described as a national figure whose home was a sanctuary for revolutionaries. He had direct contact with Chandrashekhar Azad and Rasbihari Bose and nurtured revolutionaries like Manakchand, Motichand, Jaychand, and Jorawarsingh in Rajasthan. Sethi was implicated in the Delhi "bomb case." He dedicated his life and resources to inspiring and supporting freedom fighters.
  • Motilal Tejawat of Udaipur: Responsible for mobilizing 1200 people in Udaipur district for the cause of freedom. He led a movement that, according to the text, was a repetition of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Punjab, showcasing immense bravery against machine guns.
  • Nathulal Jain of Kota: Hoisted the national flag at the Kota police station for fifteen days, challenging feudal authority.
  • Dadhamchand (Kushalgadh): Climbed to the third floor of a government office to hoist the flag amidst heavy police presence.
  • Ugamraj Surana: Created bombs to challenge British power.
• Contribution to Non-Violent Movements: With Mahatma Gandhi's leadership, the freedom struggle shifted towards non-violent Satyagraha. The Jain community also wholeheartedly embraced this approach.
  • Sirohi: Siddharaj Dhadha, Dulchand Singhi, Dharmaraj Surana, Rupraj Singhi, Dhanraj Tated, Hazarimal Jain were instrumental.
  • Banswara: Bhubbalal Kavadiya, Uchhablal Mehta, Vardhaman Gadia, Bherulal Talesra, Kanhaiyalal Jain, Shantilal Seth, and Vinodchandra Kothari worked to organize Bhils and Meenas in tribal areas against feudal oppression.
  • Jaipur: Phoolchand Jain, Karachand Patni.
  • Udaipur: Mohanlal Tejawat, Roshanlal Bodia, Bhurelal Baya, Ranglal Marwari, Balvantsinh Mehta.
  • Jodhpur: Anandraj Surana.
  • Jaisalmer: Jeevanlal Kothari.
  • Bikaner: Nemichand Anchaliya.
  • Ajmer: Nenuram Khandelwal led non-violent Satyagrahas in district headquarters and acted as key organizers in other areas.
• Grassroots Mobilization: The inspiration provided by leaders like Sethi and Tejawat led to the lighting of the "flame of freedom" in smaller towns and villages across Rajasthan. Many individuals from ordinary families as well as affluent ones participated, facing hardship and endangering their families with pride.
• Support from Administrative Officials: The text also highlights the indirect but crucial support provided by high-ranking Jain officials in various princely states.
  • Manoharsinh Mehta (Revenue Minister of Mewar State): His support was vital in the Bijolia and Begoo peasant movements, preventing further bloodshed.
  • Dr. Mohan Singh Mehta (Diwan of Banswara): His presence ensured the safety of tribal brothers during unrest.
  • Heeralal Patwari (Kamdar of Bijolia): Provided assistance.
  • Nathmal Golecha and Pyarelal Kasliwal (Jaipur).
  • Budhsingh Bafna (Kota).
• Unity Across Social Strata: A significant aspect was the participation of Jains from all classes – high, middle, and low. Individuals from humble backgrounds like Chajjulal Porwal of Nathdwara and Heeralal Kotya of Dhabi, alongside wealthy families like Ramal Lodha and Sardar mal Golecha of Jaipur, all contributed significantly.
• Concluding Sentiment: Professor Tarun concludes by stating that the Jain community's contribution to the freedom struggle is unforgettable and commendable. He expresses pride in the community's past actions and confidence in their future commitment to the nation's well-being during times of crisis.

In essence, this excerpt from "Rajasthan Swatantrya Sangharsh aur Jain Samaj" presents a powerful argument for the active and multifaceted role of the Jain community in India's fight for independence, challenging stereotypes and showcasing their dedication to nationalistic ideals through both revolutionary and non-violent means, leadership, and even administrative support.