Sanskrut Sahitya Aur Muslim Shasak

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Sanskrut Sahitya aur Muslim Shasak" (Sanskrit Literature and Muslim Rulers) by Bhanvarlal Nahta, focusing on the interaction between Muslim rulers and Sanskrit literature:

Overall Context:

The text argues that while Islam spread through state power in India, and Arabic, Persian, and Urdu gained prominence during the English colonial period due to their status as state languages, the vernacular languages remained dominant in daily life. However, Sanskrit held a pervasive presence in literary circles. The author asserts that Muslim rulers and their courtiers contributed significantly to Sanskrit literature, fostering a tradition of intellectual discourse, scholarly debates, and patronage of literary works.

Key Arguments and Examples:

• Vibrant Literary Tradition: The author highlights that Sanskrit, akin to Prakrit (the spoken language of the people during certain periods), was a living and widely prevalent language. This is evidenced by the fact that even Sultan Alauddin Khilji's official, Thakkura Pheru, chose Prakrit for his scientific treatises, as it was closer to spoken language and easier to understand than Sanskrit at that time. When Prakrit itself became distant from the common tongue, Sanskrit commentaries became necessary, leading to a significant body of Sanskrit literature.
• Patronage of Scholars and Debates: Muslim rulers continued the tradition of supporting learned individuals and holding scholarly gatherings (gosthis) and debates (shastrarth) in their courts. These events not only preserved but also encouraged the development of various literary genres.
• Sultan Alauddin Khilji and Thakkura Pheru: A significant portion of the text is dedicated to Thakkura Pheru, a prominent Jain scholar and official in Alauddin Khilji's administration.
  • Pheru, a member of the Dhāndhiya Gotra Shrimāl Jain community, served as an advisor to the Sultan.
  • He authored several important scientific and literary works in Prakrit, including:
    • Ratnapariksha (Examination of Gems): Based on his experiences in the Sultan's treasury.
    • Vastushastra (Architecture): Detailing various aspects of temple construction and iconography.
    • Jyotishsaara (Essence of Astrology) and Ganitasaara (Essence of Mathematics): Covering astrology, mathematics, land measurement, taxation, etc.
    • Dravya Pariksha (Examination of Currency): Describing coins from various mints in India and foreign countries, their composition (gold, silver, copper percentage), and exchange rates. This work is highlighted as a unique contribution to world literature.
    • Dhatutpatti (Origin of Metals): Also mentioned as a significant work.
  • The author notes that English translations of Pheru's works were being undertaken and published, indicating their continuing relevance.
• Malwa Sultans and Jain Ministers: The text praises the Jain ministers from the Shrimāl Songara dynasty in Mandu-Mandavgarh, such as Maṇḍan and Dhanadraj, who served Malwa sultans.
  • Maṇḍan: A highly learned scholar in grammar, rhetoric, and music, he authored several works, including:
    • Sārasvata Maṇḍana, Kavya Maṇḍana, Champū Maṇḍana, Kadambari Maṇḍana, Alankara Maṇḍana, Chandra Vijaya, Shringāra Maṇḍana, Sangita Maṇḍana, Upsarga Maṇḍana, and Kavi Kalpadruma.
    • His patronage of Sanskrit literature is evident from the fact that Sultan Muhammad Khilji, influenced by his discussions, became a great admirer of Sanskrit literature. Maṇḍan's ability to summarize the "Kadambari" for the Sultan demonstrates his scholarly prowess.
  • Dhanadraj: A learned scholar like Maṇḍan, he composed works like Shringāra Dhanada, Niti Dhanada, and Vairagya Dhanada Trishati.
  • The text also mentions other Jain patrons and officials who commissioned temples, religious artifacts, and organized pilgrimages, showcasing their involvement in and influence on cultural activities.
• Mughal Emperor Akbar and Jain Scholars: The chapter on Akbar emphasizes his broad-mindedness and promotion of religious harmony and tolerance.
  • Akbar patronized Jain scholars like Hiravijaya Suri and Bhanuchandra Gani.
  • Hiravijaya Suri's influence led Akbar to issue decrees for animal welfare, abolition of the Jaziya tax, and other compassionate measures.
  • Padusundar Shahi, a scholar from the Nagpuriya Tapagachha, was also a prominent figure in the imperial court, composing Sanskrit and vernacular works. His "Akbar Shahi Shringara Darpan" is noted.
  • The emperor actively participated in religious discussions and debates, often listening to Sanskrit texts like the "Surya Sahasranama" recited by Bhanuchandra Gani.
  • Siddhichandra, a disciple of Bhanuchandra Gani, received the title "Khushfehm" for his impressive feats of memory (shatavadhana).
  • Akbar's admiration for Jain scriptures is evident when he gifted his entire library to Hiravijaya Suri, leading to the establishment of a knowledge repository in Agra.
  • The text mentions the renowned debate between Sadhukirti (from the Kharatargachha) and Buddhisagar (from the Tapagachha) in Akbar's court, highlighting the intellectual vibrancy of the era and the prominent role of Sanskrit in these discussions.
• Mughal Emperor Shah Salim (Jahangir): Although mentioned briefly in relation to a specific ritual (Ashtottari Snana), the text highlights the involvement of Jain monks and the minister Karmachandra in these religious observances, with the emperor also participating.
• Literary Achievements of Jain Scholars in Royal Courts: The text provides examples of Jain poets and scholars who impressed the rulers with their literary skills.
  • Samayasundara: Faced with mockery regarding the interpretability of Jain scriptures, he composed the "Artha Ratnavali" (also known as Ashtalakshti), where he demonstrated his ability to derive eight million meanings from a single verse. This impressive feat earned him the emperor's admiration and a royal dedication.
  • Jayasoma Upadhyaya: Known for his Sanskrit compositions and his participation in debates, he wrote a treatise on the peace-making ritual performed with water from the royal palace.

Conclusion:

The author concludes by emphasizing that the interaction between Muslim rulers and Sanskrit literature was a significant aspect of India's cultural history. The patronage and engagement of Muslim rulers with Hindu scholars and their literary traditions, particularly through institutions like scholarly debates, contributed to the advancement of Sanskrit literature. The text suggests that research into this aspect is crucial for understanding the unity of the nation and highlights the substantial contributions of Jain scholars and their patrons within these broader historical trends.