Ranbhumish Vansh Prakash - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Ranbhumish Vansh Prakash" based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Ranbhumish Vansh Prakash (The Glorious Dynasty of the Ranas of Ranbhumi) Author: Muni Kalyankirtivijay (Editor/Compiler) Original Author: Mahopadhyaya Shri Meghvijayji (implied author of the original text) Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan

Overview and Content:

"Ranbhumish Vansh Prakash" is presented as a newly discovered and previously unknown work by Mahopadhyaya Shri Meghvijayji. The text's primary focus is to chronicle the lineage of the kings of "Ranbhumi," which is identified as Rajasthan, the land of the "Ranas." It traces the dynastic succession from Rana Bappa, who received a boon from Ekling Mahadev, up to Rana Rajsingh, who was a contemporary of the author.

Structure and Key Sections:

The book is structured as a dynastic history, presented in verse (shlokas). The summary highlights the following key sections:

Initial Dynastic List (Shlokas 1-11): This section enumerates the names of 32 Ranas, starting from Rana Bappa and concluding with Kirtisinghraj, who is credited with defeating the emperor Alauddin.
Alternative Lineage (Shlokas 12-18): This part presents an alternative list of 26 kings, also beginning with Bappa and going up to Karnsingh, based on variant readings of the text.
Acknowledgement of Other Kings: The text acknowledges that many other powerful kings existed during this period, whose names can be found in other books.
Detailed Account of Prominent Ranas (Shlokas 19-54): This is the most substantial section, detailing the names and achievements of 26 Maharana-s, starting from Rahap Raja, who is attributed with establishing the "Rana" title for the rulers. This section specifically mentions:
- Rana Kumbhakarna: Known for constructing Jaina temples (Jinaprasadas) in Kumbhalmeru and Ranakpur.
- Rana Udai Singh: The founder of Udaipur.
- Rana Pratap: The mighty warrior who defeated Emperor Akbar and his Mughal army.
- Rana Jagatsingh: Praised for reclaiming the sacred sites of Ranakpur and other places from infidels. He also, inspired by Acharya Shri Vijaydevsuriji of the Tapa Gaccha, waived the pilgrimage tax and prohibited fishing in the Udayasagar lake.
- Rana Rajsingh: The successor of Rana Jagatsingh, who is described as exceptionally valiant and even defeated the ruler of Delhi.
Verse Descriptions of Ranas: The text provides elaborate and flowing descriptions of these Maharana-s and their deeds.
Later Kings and their Achievements: The narrative continues by detailing the reigns and accomplishments of subsequent rulers, including:
- Narasimha, Devkarna, Narasimha (again), Rajpala, Nagpala, Punyapal, Prithvipati.
- Bhuwansingh, Bhimsingh, Jaisingh (who is noted for purifying the river Swadhuni with his virtuous deeds and charitable donations).
- Lakshman Singh.
- Bhuvanashardasingh.
- Hammirsingh, Kshemsingh, Lakshsingh.
- Mokal Singh: Celebrated for his immense generosity, including performing the ritual of "Swarna Tuladhara" (weighing himself against gold and distributing it) and his reputation for unparalleled charity, even being compared to the creator. His fame is said to have spread across the three worlds.
- Kumbhakarna: Described as a great hero in the Kali Yuga who defeated powerful adversaries. His reign is characterized by prosperity, the flourishing of Vedic traditions, and the economic upliftment of merchants.
- Rana Ramamalla: Known for his martial prowess, especially against the Mlecchas (invaders).
- Sangramsingh: Characterized by his valor and bloodshed in battle.
- Udai Singh: Founder of the beautiful city of Udai(pur) and known for his virtuous reign, which brought prosperity and the upliftment of all social classes.
- Pratap: The emperor whose radiant glory was a source of joy for his subjects and a cause of distress for the Yavanas (foreign rulers).
- Amarasingh: Compared to a descendent of Sahasranayana (Vishnu) for his efforts to quell the pride and misdeeds of the wicked.
- Karnsingh: Praised for his prowess and victory over his enemies.
- Jagat Singh: Described as a great king who brought immense prosperity and virtue. He is particularly noted for:
  - Reinstating the lapsed royal charters and land grants given by previous Ranas to Jaina sites.
  - Following the teachings of Acharya Shri Vijaydevsuriji, he waived taxes for pilgrims to Ranakpur and Veraval.
  - Prohibiting fishing in the Udayasagar lake.
  - His fame is said to be celebrated by gods and humans alike.
- Rajsingh: The final ruler mentioned, credited with defeating the ruler of Delhi with great courage. His reign is described as one of great power and victory, overcoming formidable enemies.

Context and Editorial Notes:

The manuscript was copied by Muni Mohanvijayji on Thursday, the seventh day of the waning moon in the second month of Ashadh, in the year 1950 (Vikram Samvat).
The original manuscript is located in the Hathipol Sarai Bhandar in Udaipur.
It consists of four leaves (three full and one half).
The script is described as beautiful and clear, with minor errors that do not detract from its overall accuracy.
A Xerox copy of this manuscript was obtained by the venerable Muni Shridhurandharvijayji.

Author's Disclaimer:

The editor, Kalyankirtivijay, acknowledges that due to variations in the transcription of names and the sheer number of kings, there might be discrepancies. He advises scholars not to be dismayed by such variations and to understand that recording lineage accurately can be challenging. The text emphasizes that the purpose is to provide a comprehensive account of the Ranas' lineage.

Overall Significance:

"Ranbhumish Vansh Prakash" serves as a historical and genealogical record of the Mewar dynasty (the Ranas of Rajasthan). It highlights the significant contributions of various rulers, particularly their patronage of Jainism, their military prowess, and their administrative acumen. The inclusion of specific details about temple construction, tax waivers, and the protection of religious sites underscores the strong connection between the rulers and the Jain community. The text is a valuable resource for understanding the history of Rajasthan and the role of its rulers in preserving and promoting Jain traditions.