Satrahavi Shatabdi Ke Uttar Pradesh Ke Katipay Vishishta Jain Vyapari

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Satrhavi Shatabdi Ke Uttar Pradesh Ke Katipay Vishishta Jain Vyapari" by Umanath Shrivastav, in English:

This book, "Certain Prominent Jain Merchants of Uttar Pradesh in the 17th Century" by Dr. Umanath Shrivastav, explores the significant role of Jain merchants in the economic landscape of Uttar Pradesh during the 17th century. The author highlights that Jains, adhering to their principle of Ahimsa Paramo Dharma (Non-violence is the Supreme Duty), engaged in trade and business practices that minimized harm to living beings. Consequently, they avoided professions like woodcutting, fishing, and honey trade, and even farming, due to the potential for causing injury to life. Instead, they specialized in particular types of businesses.

The 17th century is identified as a peak period in India's commercial history, coinciding with the vast territorial expansion of the Mughal Empire. Emperor Akbar, in particular, is credited with fostering political stability and ensuring the security of life and property, thereby creating a conducive environment for trade and business. This opportune period was effectively leveraged by Jain communities, especially those from Gujarat and Rajasthan, to achieve significant commercial progress.

Agra, established as the capital by Babur, initially did not see much development due to the short reigns and ongoing conflicts of its early rulers. However, Emperor Akbar transformed Agra into a major city with grand constructions, granting it significant commercial importance. This attracted ambitious merchants and businessmen from across the country. The presence of the English East India Company establishing a branch in Agra during Jahangir's reign further underscores Agra's commercial prominence, which persisted through the reigns of Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan.

The text draws upon Jain sources, including the writings of Jain monks like Siddhi Chand and the autobiography of the great Jain poet Banarasidas, "Ardhakathanak," to describe Agra's commercial and political significance. Akbar's influence by the Jain principle of non-violence led him to issue decrees prohibiting the killing of animals on certain Jain festival days. While Jahangir initially did not reissue these decrees, subsequent efforts by prominent Agra Jains, including a petition sent to Tapagachhaacharya Shri Vijayasen Suri in 1610, resulted in their re-promulgation with the intervention of Raja Ramdas. This historical petition, artistically illustrated, sheds light on the socio-religious life of Jains and reveals the names of several prominent Jain merchants of Jahangir's era.

The book then details several prominent Jain merchants of Agra from the 17th century:

• Hiranand Mukim: A devout and wealthy Oswal merchant dealing in precious stones. He was a favorite jeweler of Prince Salim (later Jahangir) and continued to hold this position under Jahangir. His significant financial capacity is evident from his patronage of a large sanghayatra (religious pilgrimage) to Sammed Shikhar. He even hosted Emperor Jahangir at his decorated mansion, offering valuable gifts and a grand feast.

• Sabal Singh Mothia: A prosperous Jain merchant and son of Nemi Das Sahu. He financially supported Banarasidas and Narottam Das in their business ventures in Eastern India (Patna, Banaras, Jaunpur), possibly indicating his own business branches in those regions. Banarasidas's autobiography describes the splendor of Sabal Singh's mansion and court, highlighting his status as a wealthy banker who also provided financial assistance to partners.

• Vardhaman Kunwar Ji: A resident of Agra and holder of the title Sanghpati. He was a broker and a religious person who undertook pilgrimages to Jain holy sites like Ahichhatra and Hastinapur.

• Sah Bandidas: A resident of Agra and a jeweler. He was the brother-in-law of the poet Banarasidas and traded in pearls and other jewels. He assisted Banarasidas in finding accommodation in Agra.

• Tarachand Sahu: A wealthy Jain lay follower and merchant from Agra. His brother Kalyanmal was also a prosperous merchant from Kherabad, and it was Kalyanmal's daughter who married Banarasidas. Tarachand provided shelter to Banarasidas in Agra for two months when he faced business failures.

• Khargasen: The son of Mooldas, Khargasen became a prosperous jeweler after being brought up by his maternal grandfather in Jaunpur. He served as modi (treasurer) for a Mughal noble and later held potadari (revenue collection) positions in Bengal. He later moved to Agra, engaged in profitable partnership businesses, and eventually settled in Jaunpur, continuing his jewelry trade until his death.

• Banarasidas: The son of Khargasen, Banarasidas was a poet and the author of "Ardhakathanak." Despite his literary talents, he struggled in business, failing in various ventures. His autobiography provides insights into the lives of Jain merchants in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Bengal, their social and political standing, and their relationships with Mughal rulers.

• Dharamdas Johari: A Jain merchant from Agra, possibly of Gujarati origin. He was involved in a business partnership with Banarasidas, dealing in pearls and precious stones, which proved successful.

• Sanghpati Chandu: A wealthy Jain of Agra, who was also a religious person. He had invited the Jain ascetic Vijayasen Suri to consecrate a newly constructed Jain temple.

• Tihuna Sahu: A wealthy Jain merchant of the Agarwal community in Agra, who built a large Jain temple.

• Jadusaah: A wealthy Jain merchant and broker for the English East India Company in Agra. He also engaged in banking.

• Kalyan Sahu: A wealthy Jain merchant and banker in Agra, who provided loans to the English and other merchants, establishing representatives in various cities. He was also known as a saraff (money changer).

• Nathu Sahu: A wealthy Jain banker from Agra who worked as a saraff for the English, traveling to various trade centers and often accompanying Mughal representatives.

• Bhimji: A wealthy Jain banker from Agra with close ties to the famous Jain merchant Virji Bora. He provided loans to the English East India Company but later ceased this support, siding with Virji Bora.

• Kasidas: A representative of the wealthy Jain merchant Virji Bora in Agra, maintaining relationships with both the English and the Mughal court.

• Guruvas: A wealthy Jain merchant from Agra, related to the English broker Jadusaah, and a representative of Virji Bora. He was a prosperous banker who also potentially traded in and supplied jewelry.

• Dhanji: A Jain merchant of the Digambar sect who worked as an honest broker for the English East India Company. He was proficient in Indian languages and collected debts for the company, even traveling to places like Lahore. He later refused brokerage but continued to serve as a linguistic guide for the English.

• Kunwarpal Sonpal: Two Oswal Jain brothers who were wealthy merchants and religious patrons. Their religious activities, including temple construction and idol consecration, are documented in inscriptions from Agra, Mirzapur, Lucknow, and Patna. They held the title Sanghadhipati and were honored by Emperor Jahangir. Their family history, including multiple marriages and the practice of sati, is also mentioned.

• Sanghpati Abhayraj and Jagjeevan: Wealthy Jain merchants of the Agarwal community in Agra. Abhayraj built a large Jain temple. His son, Jagjeevan, was a prosperous Jain, a political figure, and a mansabdar (official) during Shah Jahan's reign. He also compiled "Banarasi Vilas."

• Forefathers of Jagat Seth, Rai Udaychand: The ancestors of the Jagat Seth family, originally from Ahmedabad, later settled in Agra. Rai Udaychand held the position of mukimi (jeweler) in Agra, a position inherited by his sons. His son Fatehchand was eventually adopted by his maternal uncle Manikchand and became the first Jagat Seth.

• Mansingh Johari: A Jain jeweler from Agra during Aurangzeb's reign. He was a prominent figure in Jain religious organizations in Agra, with his own influential sect.

• Shah Vardhaman and his family: Wealthy Jain merchants of the Oswal community in Agra during Jahangir's reign. They engaged in religious activities, including the construction of a religious site at Shatrunjay.

In conclusion, the book reveals that most Jain merchants were involved in banking, money changing, brokerage, and trade in jewelry, textiles, oil, and other commodities. They played a crucial role in facilitating trade for foreign merchants like the English, Dutch, and Portuguese, due to their understanding of local languages and traditions. The affluence of Jain merchants is evident from the fact that even rulers borrowed from them. Their reliability led to their appointment to important financial positions. Jain merchants were also skilled in diplomacy and maintained good relations with Mughal emperors, who often respected and supported them. Even during the reign of the religiously intolerant Aurangzeb, Jain merchants, through their diplomatic skills, managed to obtain permission for their religious activities and construction projects. The book underscores the deep-rooted religious faith within the Jain community, where wealth was often measured by one's contributions to religious activities and the pursuit of titles like Sanghavi and Sanghapati, which denoted high social status and prosperity.