Sanyukta Prant Ke Prachin Jain Smarak - Book Summary

The provided text is a scholarly work titled "Sanyukta Prant Ke Prachin Jain Smarak" (Ancient Jain Monuments of the United Provinces), authored by Shitalprasad Brahmachari and published by Jain Hostel Prayag. The book is a detailed compilation and analysis of ancient Jain sites and artifacts found in the region historically known as the United Provinces (present-day Uttar Pradesh and surrounding areas).

Here's a comprehensive summary of the content based on the provided pages:

Overall Purpose and Scope:

The book aims to document and present the historical significance of Jain monuments scattered across the United Provinces. It is presented as a crucial step in constructing a detailed history of Jainism in India, building upon earlier work by the author on monuments in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. The author emphasizes the importance of such regional studies for a comprehensive understanding of Jain heritage.

Key Themes and Arguments:

Historical Significance of Jain Monuments: The author strongly advocates for the preservation and study of ancient Jain structures, inscriptions, and sculptures. These are seen as vital sources for understanding the history, philosophy, and spread of Jainism, often challenging existing historical narratives.
Countering Misconceptions about Jainism: A significant portion of the introduction (Upoḍghāt and Bhūmikā) addresses the historical tendency, particularly by Western scholars, to view Jainism as a mere offshoot of Buddhism. The author uses archaeological evidence and inscriptions to counter this, highlighting Jainism's independent and ancient origins.
Evidence of Ancient Jain Presence: The book meticulously details numerous sites and findings that support the ancient and widespread presence of Jainism in the United Provinces. This includes:
- Inscriptions: Mention of inscriptions from various periods, including those related to Emperor Ashoka's reign (mention of "Nirgranths"), Kharavela of Kalinga, and Gupta period inscriptions. The significance of deciphering these inscriptions for historical accuracy is stressed.
- Sculptures and Idols: Descriptions of various Jain idols, particularly of Tirthankaras, found at different locations. The importance of identifying these sculptures and their inscriptions is highlighted.
- Temples and Stupas: Identification of remnants of ancient Jain temples, stupas, and monastic establishments. The book notes the confusion in early archaeological surveys that often misidentified Jain structures as Buddhist.
- Royal Patronage: Evidence suggesting royal patronage of Jainism by rulers like Chandragupta Maurya and possibly Ashoka, as well as later dynasties.
Methodology and Sources:
- The author relied heavily on government gazetteers published in the early 20th century for initial information on archaeological sites.
- He also consulted other archaeological reports and scholarly works, citing specific researchers like Cunningham, Dr. Fuhrer, Dr. Bhagwanlal Indrajī, and Mr. Kashi Prasad Jaiswal.
- The author personally visited many of these sites and conducted preliminary research.
Call for Further Research and Preservation: A recurring theme is the urgent need for further exploration, excavation, and preservation of these ancient Jain sites. The author encourages the Jain community and scholars to take active roles in this endeavor.

Structure of the Book:

The book is organized by districts within the United Provinces. For each district, it provides:

Geographical Context: Basic geographical information (boundaries, area) from the official gazetteers.
Historical Overview: Brief historical notes relevant to the district, often mentioning ruling dynasties and significant periods.
Identification of Jain Monuments: Detailed descriptions of specific locations within each district where Jain relics, ruins, inscriptions, or sculptures have been found or are suspected to exist.
- For each site, it often mentions its location, type of remains (e.g., mounds, ruins of temples, pillars, inscriptions), and any known historical context or significance.
- It frequently includes notes suggesting further investigation or excavation at potential Jain sites.

Specific Districts and Key Findings Mentioned (across the provided pages):

The book systematically goes through various districts, documenting findings. Some prominent districts and points highlighted include:

Gorakhpur: Mentions of ancient mounds and potential sites at Barahi, Bhagalpur, Deoria, and Kahaum, with a detailed description of a pillar at Kahaum bearing an inscription from the Gupta era (Gupta Samvat 141) mentioning the installation of five Jain idols.
Basti: Notes that the district requires further excavation and investigation, with mentions of potential Jain relics.
Ghazipur: Lists sites like Aurihar, Vara, Bhitari, Birpur, Dhanpur, Dildarnagar, Nagsar, and Saidpur, with descriptions of ancient mounds, ruins, and inscriptions, some potentially linked to Jainism.
Sultanpur: Mentions sites like Dhopap and Patna, with the latter yielding two ancient Jain idols of Adinath found in 1850.
Pratapgarh: Highlights sites like Bihar, Parasrampur, and Ranki, suggesting the need for investigation.
Ballia: Mentions sites like Lakshaneshwar, Narayanpur, Rasra, and Sikandarpur, noting the possibility of Jain relics.
Banaras: Details the birthplace of Tirthankaras (Suparshvanath, Parshvanath, Chandraprabhu, Shreyanshanath) and mentions existing Jain temples. It also cites findings of Jain idols and inscriptions.
Allahabad: Discusses Deoria, Bhitari, and Kosam (Kausambi), emphasizing Kosam's significance as a Jain pilgrimage site with ancient temples, pillars, and sculptures, including inscriptions from the Kushan period and the time of King Shivmitra.
Fatehpur: Identifies sites like Asothar, Aung, Aurai, Payah, Bhitaura, Digh, Naubasta, and Rain, noting Jain sculptures and inscriptions and the possibility of Jain royal connections.
Banda: Focuses on Kalinjara fort, mentioning a large nude sculpture possibly of a Jain figure, and Ajaygarh fort with Jain sculptures and inscriptions pointing to Jain patronage by Chandel kings.
Hamirpur: Highlights Mahoba and Khajuraho, mentioning numerous Jain sculptures, inscriptions with dates from the 11th-12th centuries, and significant Jain temples like Ghantai.
Jhansi: Details numerous important Jain sites like Devgarh, Dudhai, Lalitpur, and Siron Kalan, describing ancient temples, sculptures, and inscriptions, emphasizing Devgarh's significance as a major Jain center.
Mathura: Discusses its historical importance as a center for both Jainism and Buddhism, citing numerous Jain sculptures and inscriptions from the Kushan period, and highlighting the Kankali Tila site.
Agra: Mentions sites like Bateshwar and Fatahpur Sikri, with a particular note on the Jain nature of relics found at Bateshwar and an inscription on a pillar near Agra fort mentioning the 20th Tirthankara, Munisuvratnath.
Bareilly: Mentions Ahichhatra as a former capital with Jain connections, citing numerous coins and sculptures, and a large Jain sculpture found at Pisanhari Ki Chhatri.
Gonda: Discusses Shravasti (birthplace of Sambhavanatha) and mentions findings of Jain idols and inscriptions from the 11th-12th centuries.
Other Districts: The book continues to cover districts like Eta, Bulandshahr, Unnao, Sitapur, Kheri, Hardoi, Shahjahanpur, Badaun, Pilibhit, Naini Tal, Muzaffarnagar, and Bijnaur, generally noting the potential for Jain relics and the need for further investigation, or mentioning specific findings if available from gazetteers.

Significance and Impact:

The book serves as a foundational text for understanding the archaeological and historical evidence of Jainism in the United Provinces. It emphasizes a more nuanced and evidence-based approach to Jain history, moving away from prior misconceptions. It also acts as a guide for researchers and devotees interested in exploring and preserving these invaluable heritage sites. The author's dedication to this task is evident in the detailed descriptions and the call to action for the Jain community.