Sankshipta Jain Itihas Part 03 Khand 01

This document is the third volume, first part of "Brief History of Jainism" (संक्षिप्त जैन इतिहास), written by Kamtaprasad Jain. This particular volume focuses on the history of Jainism in South India.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided text:

Overall Purpose: The book aims to trace the history of Jainism in South India from its mythical beginnings to the historical periods, highlighting its presence, influence, and development. It emphasizes the ancient roots of Jainism and its significant role in the cultural and religious landscape of South India.

Structure and Content:

The book is divided into two main historical periods:

1. Mythological Period (पौराणिक काल):

   • Lord Rishabhdev and Emperor Bharat: This section discusses the first Tirthankara, Lord Rishabhdev, who is also considered the first 'Kulakar' (Manu), initiating civilized life. His birth, prophecies, marriage, and the establishment of social order (four varnas) are described. The book notes that his descendants, the Ikshvaku dynasty, spread across India. Emperor Bharat, Rishabhdev's son, is credited with unifying India under his rule, hence the name "Bharatvarsha." The section also details Rishabhdev's renunciation and attainment of Nirvana.
   • Bahubali: The second son of Rishabhdev, Bahubali, is portrayed as the first emperor of South India, ruling from Podanpur. His prowess, ideal kingship, and eventual renunciation after a conflict with his brother Bharat are described. The famous monolithic statue of Bahubali at Shravanabelagola is indirectly referenced through the mention of his monument in Podanpur.
   • Other Tirthankaras and Narayana Trivishta: The text briefly mentions Tirthankaras Ajitnath, Shreyansanath, and Munisuvratnath, connecting them to South Indian rulers and events. It describes Trivishta as the first 'Narayana' and his predecessor Vijay as the first 'Baladeva,' highlighting their South Indian connections. It also mentions the legend of Narayana Dwiprishta and his animosity towards Vindhyashakti, with his life story linked to South India.
   • Other Kings of Podanpur: Several kings associated with Podanpur (believed to be in South India) are mentioned, including Purnachandra, Vasusena, and Chandravarna, whose lives and connections to Jainism are briefly narrated.
   • Chakravarti Harishena: Harishena, a Chakravarti during the time of Tirthankara Munisuvratnath, is discussed. His reign, his renunciation, and his attainment of Sarvarthasiddhi are mentioned, with his kingdom having connections to South India.
   • Lord Rama, Lakshmana, and Ravana: This section delves into the South Indian connections of the epic characters. Rama and Lakshmana's exile period is described as largely spent in South India, where they interacted with local rulers and established settlements. Ravana, the king of Lanka, is depicted as a devout follower of Jainism, who also undertook conquests in South India, building Jain temples during his campaigns.
   • King Aleya and his Descendants: Aleya, a descendant of the Harivamsa dynasty, and his lineage are traced. Their migrations and the founding of cities like Tamralipta and Mahishmati are mentioned, with connections to South Indian geography.
   • Kamdev Nageshkumar: The story of Kamdev Nageshkumar, who was raised by Naga people in South India, is recounted. His association with the Naga community, who had a significant presence in South India and were influenced by Jainism, is highlighted.
   • Lord Parshvanath: The 23rd Tirthankara, Lord Parshvanath, is discussed in detail. His birth in Varanasi, his life as a prince, his encounter with a snake charmer (who became Dharanendra and Padmavati), his renunciation, and his teachings are described. The text emphasizes his extensive travels, including to South Indian regions like Maharashtra, Konkan, Karnataka, Dravida, and Pallava, where he spread Jainism. Several Jain pilgrimage sites in South India associated with him are mentioned.
   • King Karakandu: Karakandu, a righteous king and a 'Pratyeka Buddha' (according to some traditions), is presented. His birth, adoption by a Vidyadhara, and his reign are narrated. His significant contribution to the spread of Jainism is highlighted, including his discovery and installation of a statue of Lord Parshvanath in a cave in Therpur (modern-day Utainoor in Hyderabad district). His eventual renunciation and attainment of Nirvana are also noted.
   • Lord Mahavir: The 24th and last Tirthankara, Lord Mahavir, is discussed. While his primary ministry was in North India, the book suggests his influence extended to the regions near the Vindhyas and into South India through his disciples and the spread of his teachings. The text notes that his teachings reached South India indirectly.
   • Emperor Shrenik, Jumbukumar, and Vidyachor: The devout Jain Emperor Shrenik of Magadha and his son Abhayakumar are mentioned for their patronage of Jainism. Jumbukumar's story of renunciation after hearing teachings from Sudharmaacharya is narrated. The text also mentions Vidyachor, who was influenced by Jumbukumar's renunciation and became a Jain monk. Vidyachor's extensive travels, including through South India, are highlighted, indicating the presence of Jainism in regions like Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
   • Nanda and Mauryan Emperors: The influence of the Nanda dynasty on South India is discussed, with their empire extending to regions like Kuntala. The Mauryan emperors, particularly Chandragupta Maurya and his grandson Samprati, are presented as significant figures in the spread of Jainism in South India. Chandragupta Maurya's renunciation and migration to Shravanabelagola with his guru Bhadrabahu are a key aspect. Samprati is credited with establishing Jain monasteries and spreading Jainism in foreign lands and South India. Ashoka's connection to Jainism before his conversion to Buddhism is also noted, with his inscriptions found in South India.
   • Andhra Empire: The rise of the Andhra dynasty is discussed, with their empire covering a significant portion of South India. While many Andhra kings were patrons of Brahmanism, some, like Gautami Putra Satakarni and Hala, are suggested to have been influenced by or converted to Jainism. The text highlights the prosperity of the Andhra period, the flourishing of literature in Prakrit and Sanskrit, and the prevalence of Jainism alongside Buddhism and Brahmanism.
   • Dravidian Kingdoms (Chera, Chola, Pandya): The history and cultural prominence of the Chera, Chola, and Pandya kingdoms are detailed. These kingdoms are shown to have existed from ancient times and were significant centers of Jainism. The text mentions interactions between these kingdoms and Jain monks and scholars, including the influence of Jainism on their royal families and society. The patronage of Jainism by these dynasties is evident from the description of Jain temples, monasteries, and the mention of Jain scholars participating in literary assemblies.
   • South Indian Jain Sangha: This section delves into the structure and practices of the Jain Sangha in South India. It emphasizes the ancient lineage of the Sangha, tracing it back to Lord Rishabhdev. The text highlights the presence of monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen within the Sangha. It discusses the adoption of Jainism by the Naga community and the Dravidian people, noting the similarities in their practices and beliefs with Jainism. The spread of Jainism in South India is linked to the migrations of Jain monks and scholars, including the influential figures like Bhadrabahu and Kundakundacharya. The text also touches upon the later emergence of the distinction between Digambara and Shvetambara traditions, suggesting that Digambara Jainism was the predominant form in ancient South India.
   • Pillars of Jainism in South India: The text highlights key figures who contributed to the spread and preservation of Jainism in South India.
     • Shreedharacharya and Retrieval of Scriptures: Shreedharacharya's role in preserving and transmitting Jain scriptures, particularly the "Shatkhandagama," is mentioned.
     • Kundakundacharya: Kundakundacharya is presented as a highly revered Acharya, whose teachings and writings (like "Pravachanasara") were instrumental in the propagation of Jainism. His connection to Tamil literature, particularly the authorship of the "Kural," is discussed, supported by numerous Jain philosophical parallels within the text.
     • Umaswati: Umaswati, known for his authoritative work "Tattvarthadhigama Sutra" (considered the "Jain Bible"), is recognized as a pivotal figure whose teachings were accepted by both Digambara and Shvetambara traditions.
     • Samantabhadra Swami: Samantabhadra Swami is presented as a prominent Jain scholar, logician, and poet who significantly influenced Jain philosophy and literature. His supposed healing of a king through Jain practices, his conversion of royalty, and his extensive travels are narrated.

2. Historical Period (ऐतिहासिक काल):

   • Ancient Period (Approx. 9000 BCE to 1 CE): This part of the historical period discusses the early presence of Jainism, drawing upon archaeological evidence and the historical accounts of rulers like Chandragupta Maurya and Samprati. The migration of Jain monks to South India during times of famine is also highlighted.
   • Middle Period (1 CE to 1400 CE): This section would likely cover the flourishing period of Jainism in South India under dynasties like the Pallavas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Cholas, and Pandyas. (This section is not detailed in the provided text, but implied by the book's title structure).
   • Modern Period (Post 1400 CE): This section would cover the later periods of Jainism in South India. (This section is also not detailed in the provided text).

Key Themes and Arguments:

• Ancient Origins of Jainism: The book strongly argues for the ancient origins of Jainism in India, predating other major Indian religions. It posits that Jainism was the original religion of India, promoted by its early rulers and inhabitants.
• South Indian Jainism's Autonomy and Influence: It emphasizes that Jainism in South India had its own distinct history and development, influenced by local rulers and cultural contexts, while also maintaining connections with Jain traditions in North India.
• Jainism's Role in Civilization: The text portrays Jainism as a civilizing force, contributing to the development of social order, ethics, art, and literature in South India.
• Historical Authenticity of Jain Figures: The book asserts the historical existence of key Jain figures like Tirthankaras and influential Acharyas, supported by literary, epigraphic, and archaeological evidence.
• Patronage by South Indian Rulers: It highlights how various South Indian dynasties, including the Dravidian kingdoms and later empires, patronized Jainism, contributing to its spread and flourishing.

Overall Contribution: "Brief History of Jainism, Vol. 3, Part 1" by Kamtaprasad Jain is a scholarly work dedicated to establishing the deep historical roots and significant impact of Jainism in South India. It aims to provide a detailed, evidence-based account, drawing from Jain scriptures, classical literature, and archaeological findings.