Rasamala Athva Gujarat Prantno Itihas

The provided text is the first volume of "Rasamala Athva Gujarat Prantno Itihas" (Rasamala or the History of the Province of Gujarat) by Alexander Kinloch Forbes, translated into Gujarati by Diwan Bahadur Ranchhodbhai Udayaram. This summary will focus on the content related to Jainism and its historical context within Gujarat, as presented in the provided excerpt.

The text itself is a historical account of Gujarat, aiming to provide a detailed narrative of its past. While the entire book likely covers a broad spectrum of Gujarati history, the provided excerpt, particularly the "Grunkarthani Prastavana" (Author's Preface) and "Bhashyantarkartani Prastavana" (Translator's Preface), along with the "Anukramanika" (Table of Contents), offers insights into the scope and methodology of the work, with specific mentions of Jain elements.

Author and Translator:

• Author: Alexander Kinloch Forbes, an esteemed British officer in the Indian Civil Service, known for his deep interest in Indian history and antiquities.
• Translator: Diwan Bahadur Ranchhodbhai Udayaram, a prominent Gujarati scholar and translator, recognized for his significant contributions to Gujarati literature and history.
• Publisher: The Forbes Gujarati Sabha, an institution dedicated to promoting Gujarati language and culture, named in honor of Alexander Forbes.
• Edition: The provided text is the third edition, published in 1922 (Samvat 1978).

Author's Preface (Grunkarthani Prastavana):

• Forbes expresses his intention to delve into the medieval history of India, which he believes has received less attention than ancient Indian history. He emphasizes the practical relevance of studying periods closer to the present, as they hold more connection to contemporary India.
• He highlights that understanding the past relies on the enduring traces left by previous generations, much like the spectral shape of a ship in the atmosphere hints at the actual vessel.
• Forbes mentions that the remnants of Muslim rule are strongly imprinted in the current landscape, and these signs allow for the inference that the land of Gujarat was once adorned with grand cities before the advent of Muslim rulers from the West.
• He refers to the glorious past of Kannauj and the city of Bhoj, suggesting that these historical narratives provide shadows of magnificent past civilizations.
• Forbes specifically mentions his focus on the history of Gujarat, starting with the city of Vanraj and the subsequent establishment of Hindu kingdoms after its decline.
• He acknowledges that his subject, though Indian, is geographically specific and might not appeal to everyone. He also admits his own limitations in description but draws upon his eight years of experience living in Gujarat, working with its diverse people from the Tapi to the Banas rivers.
• He credits Hindu scholars for their support, noting that while this support might diminish the author's individual skill, it does not detract from the book's value.
• Forbes mentions that merchants are generally indifferent to scholarly pursuits, but a Jain merchant, Virchandji Bhandari, who was proficient in Sanskrit and Prakrit, not only provided him with the "Prabandh Chintamani" but also offered crucial support for its translation.
• He expresses particular gratitude to Dalpatram Dahyabhai of Wadhwan, who resided on the border of Saurashtra.
• Forbes's historical research was sparked by an official document presented to him during his government service, which contained marks of swords and axes along with the signatures of two Bhats (traditional bards/chroniclers). This piqued his curiosity and led him to interact with the Bhat community and their rich repositories of historical songs and narratives.
• Recognizing the need for a local guide to understand the Bhats' knowledge and decipher their historical records (Rasa), he found crucial assistance in Kaviswar Dalpatram. Forbes engaged Dalpatram in 1848, and he became a constant and valuable associate.
• Forbes arranged for Dalpatram to travel extensively throughout Gujarat to collect Rases (historical ballads) and stories, and transcribe them. He notes that their efforts were often hindered by ignorance, jealousy, and greed, although delving into these obstacles could make for amusing reading, it would also be tedious. He hints at the challenges faced, such as suspicions that his research was government-sponsored to uncover hidden treasures or to confiscate land. He also mentions proposals to reward chroniclers with villages in exchange for copying their records.
• His government position provided access to the Thakores of Vaghela, Jhala, and Gohil dynasties. He quickly realized that direct instruction from these traditional custodians of lineage was more effective than trying to bribe or persuade the Bhats.
• As the Political Agent of Mahi Kantha, he was able to leverage the cooperation of the rulers of that region. He also gained similar access within Gaekwad territory, despite an initial refusal from an official.
• He expresses gratitude to the Governor of Baroda's Subedar of Patan for facilitating access to a French-assisted book and other valuable materials in the historically significant city of Anhilpur.
• Despite his extensive government duties, Forbes dedicated his available time to researching Vahivanchā (ancient manuscripts) and Jain Rasas. He also sought to gain knowledge of all Hindu customs, particularly those relevant to his research and texts. He commissioned transcriptions of inscriptions from temples, wells, step-wells, and chhatris, and investigated all ruins of Hindu sculptural art that he could access. He received significant help in this last endeavor from the skilled architect Premchand, who was involved in building the new Jain temple in Ahmedabad, as well as from the intelligent carpenters Tribhuvandas and Bhudhardayaram.
• During this period, the Gujarat Vernacular Society was established, and Dalpatram, well-prepared for such work, compiled essays on Gujarati superstitions and caste-related customs. Forbes utilized these extensively in the fourth section of his book.
• Upon receiving leave to visit England, the Honorable East India Company's Court of Directors granted him access to the India House archives, enabling him to gather information useful for his collection and complete his endeavor.
• He presents the fruit of his labor to the public, hoping it will be useful to local authorities and draw the attention of his countrymen in Britain to the Hindus of Gujarat.
• He explains that he named his collection "Rasamala" after the numerous Rases from which it was compiled.

Translator's Preface (Bhashyantarkartani Prastavana):

• Ranchhodbhai Udayaram highlights Gujarat's geographical beauty and its equally rich historical content. He laments the difficulty of fully grasping this history without adequate resources.
• He poses a rhetorical question about the irony of the vast distance separating Gujarat from foreign rule, separated by a vast ocean, yet the inability to access the history of this land as if it were a present event. He emphasizes that knowing the history of one's own country and comparing it with that of other states is both entertaining and enlightening, even if it evokes sadness and patriotism.
• Ranchhodbhai praises Mr. Forbes for his service to Gujarat through "Rasamala," which he considers a means to reveal Gujarat's glory. He notes that Forbes meticulously studied numerous books to compile his collection, likely also consulting Vahivanchā records and other manuscripts.
• He mentions that Mr. Forbes compiled the English book in two volumes, demonstrating his affection for the people of this land. He had intended to write a memoir of the author himself but was pleased that Manassukharam Suryaram Tripathi took on this task, given his close relationship with Forbes and his supportive role in the establishment of the Sabha.
• Ranchhodbhai expresses his delight that Tripathi's work will undoubtedly be spirited, as stated in the subsequent pages.
• He mentions Maganlal Vakhatchand of Ahmedabad, who created a brief history of Gujarat based on the Kumarapal Ras, but notes the need for a more extensive history. Forbes Gujarati Sabha decided to undertake the translation of "Rasamala," and he took advantage of this opportunity, utilizing the latest discoveries by scholars like Dr. Bhau Daji.
• He acknowledges that despite his diligence in translating and potentially correcting errors in the English text, the sheer size of the work means mistakes may have occurred, for which he seeks forgiveness from scholars, recognizing that "human beings are prone to error."
• Rasamala is divided into four sections: three historical and one on customs and superstitions.
• He mentions that while intending to include illustrations, these could not be sourced from England.

Second New Edition Suggestion (Biji Navi Avrutti Vishe Suchan):

• The first edition was published thirty years prior and is now unavailable. Its high price also made it inaccessible to those with limited financial means.
• The Gujarat Vernacular Society, aiming for wider dissemination of Forbes's history of Gujarat, obtained permission from Forbes Gujarati Sabha to publish a new edition at a significantly reduced price.
• Ranchhodbhai Udayaram willingly undertook the task of revising and updating the book, referencing various sources and noting them where necessary. He admits that some areas remain subject to doubt, particularly regarding certain narratives in the Prithviraj Raso.

Third Edition (Triji Avrutti Vishe):

• This note, written by Ranchhodbhai Udayaram, indicates that the third edition is being published after 23 years. The Forbes Gujarati Sabha has taken responsibility for this edition, metaphorically caring for a child that had been "placed in the lap of its Ahmedabad sister" (likely referring to the Gujarat Vernacular Society's involvement in the second edition). The illustrations, which were absent in the second edition for cost-saving, have been reinstated.
• Forbes's desire was to have Rasamala translated into Gujarati. He had written to Mr. Hope, the then Educational Inspector of the Northern Provinces, recommending Ranchhodbhai. When Forbes approached Ranchhodbhai in Ahmedabad through Gopalrao Hari Deshmukh, Ranchhodbhai couldn't leave Ahmedabad at that time.
• Forbes was unable to find anyone else to undertake the translation before his death. The Forbes Gujarati Sabha then took up the work, formed an editorial committee, and solicited translation samples. Ranchhodbhai's translation sample was successful, reflecting Forbes's strong desire to have the work done by him.
• Ranchhodbhai notes that he has continued to work on the second and third editions.
• The Ahmedabad Gujarat Vernacular Society had the intention of publishing a more affordable edition and entrusted him with adding new historical events. This is mentioned in the suggestion for the second edition.
• In the second edition, he conducted further research and made additions where necessary. However, adhering to practical constraints ("not to do more than what is needed"), he maintained the scope of the original English text, while making essential additions.
• He mentions the need to separate a portion of the work, naming it "Rasamala Poonika," implying further research or commentary.
• He notes that Forbes had the resources to include more detailed information about the Vaghela dynasty but, for reasons unknown, could not complete it. This additional information, approximately 100 pages, was added by him in the first part of the second edition and will be reorganized into the "Rasamala Poonika."

Table of Contents (Anukramanika):

The Table of Contents (Anukramanika) reveals the structure of the first volume:

• Part 1: Forbes's Biography (Forbes Jivan Charitra)

  • Starts with a memoir of Forbes.
  • Includes chapters on:
    • Natural boundaries of Gujarat, Shatrunjay, Vallabhipur.
    • Jayshikharichavada, King of Panchasar.
    • Vanraj and his successors – The Chavda dynasty of Anhilpur.
    • Mulraj Solanki.
    • Chmund, Vallabh, Durlabh – Destruction of Somnath.
    • First Bhimdev.
    • King Karna Selanki – Mayanaldevi's administration – Siddharaj.
    • Story of Jagdev Parmar.
    • Ra' Khengar.
    • Siddharaj.
    • Kumarpal.
    • Ajaypal – Young Mulraj, Second Bhimdev.
    • Decline of the kingdom of Anhilpur.
    • Vaghela – Tejpal and Vastupal – Mount Abu, Parmars of Chandravati.

• Part 2: Muslim Period

  • Chapters covering the beginning of Muslim rule, Vaghela, Sodha Parmar, Kathi, Jhala, Idar, Gohil.
  • Rajput Sultans of Gujarat – Muzaffar Shah I, Ahmad Shah I.
  • Ahmad Shah I, Muhammad Shah I, Kutub Shah.
  • Mahmud Begada (continued).
  • Muzaffar II, Sikandar, Mahmud II, Bahadur Shah, Mahmud Latif Khan – End of Ahmedabad dynasty.
  • Akbar Padshah.
  • Administration of Idar – Rao Narandas, Rao Viramdev, Rao Kalyanmal.
  • Temple of Amba Bhavani – Danta.
  • Idar.
  • Gohil.

• Index of Illustrations (Mukh-prushttha): Lists illustrations from the first part, including a portrait of Mr. Forbes, architectural details of Modhera and Sun Temple, a gateway in Zinzuvada, and a stepwell in Idar.

Jain References:

• Jain Rasas: The author's preface explicitly mentions collecting "Jain Rasas" (Jain historical ballads) as a key part of his research. This indicates that Jain religious literature, in ballad form, served as a significant source for the historical narrative of Gujarat.
• Prabandh Chintamani: Forbes acknowledges receiving the book "Prabandh Chintamani" from Virchandji Bhandari, a Jain merchant. This text, a compilation of stories about Jain monks, kings, and patrons, is a significant Jain historical and literary work. Forbes's reliance on it highlights the integration of Jain historical accounts into his broader narrative of Gujarat.
• Shatrunjay: The text provides a detailed description of Shatrunjay, a sacred mountain for Jains, mentioning its religious significance related to the Tirthankaras, the pilgrimage route through Palitana, the numerous temples, and the Jain community's contributions to its upkeep. The sheer scale and devotion associated with Shatrunjay are evident in Forbes's account.
• Jain Monks and Religious Practices: The narrative mentions the influence of Jain monks (Sadhu) and their interactions with rulers, such as the episode involving the patronage of Jain monks by the ruler of Panchasar and the influence of Jain Acharyas like Hemchandrasuri on King Kumarpal. The text touches upon Jain philosophical concepts like ahimsa (non-violence) as part of Kumarpal's reforms.
• Jain Monasteries and Temples: The description of Palitana, the temples of Shatrunjay, and the mention of Jain temples in various locations like Panchasar, Visalpur, and the ruins of old cities suggest a significant Jain presence and architectural heritage in Gujarat.
• Interactions with rulers: The text details how Jain Acharyas like Hemchandrasuri influenced rulers like Kumarpal towards Jain principles. It also notes the intricate relationships between Jain monastic orders and royal patronage, highlighting the respect and support they received.
• Jain Texts: The mention of "Rasamala" being compiled from numerous "Rases" and the reference to "Jain Rasas" specifically implies that Jain ballads were a direct source of historical information.

In summary, Alexander Kinloch Forbes's "Rasamala" (as represented by this volume) aims to be a comprehensive history of Gujarat, drawing from diverse sources, including official records, local traditions, and importantly, Jain religious and historical texts like Rasas and Prabandh Chintamani. The extensive description of Shatrunjay and the influence of Jain Acharyas on rulers like Kumarpal demonstrate the significant role of Jainism in the historical and cultural landscape of Gujarat, which Forbes recognized and incorporated into his work.