Shatrunjay Parvat Uperna Lekho

This document is a collection of inscriptions found on Shatrunjay Parvat, a sacred mountain for Jains. The book, titled "Shatrunjay Parvat Uperna Lekho" (Inscriptions on Shatrunjay Parvat), authored by Jinvijay, is part of the "Prachin Jain Lekh Sangraha" (Collection of Ancient Jain Inscriptions).

The text highlights the significance of Shatrunjay Parvat as a major Jain pilgrimage site, housing numerous temples and idols. It notes that despite its importance, the number of ancient inscriptions found there is not as extensive as one might expect. This scarcity is attributed to several factors, including:

• Frequent Renovation: Temples were repeatedly renovated without proper care for preserving ancient inscriptions. These stone slabs were often displaced, chaotically placed, or built into walls, sometimes even plastered over.
• Lack of Historical Awareness: In earlier times, people did not prioritize the preservation of historical records when undertaking renovations.
• Inter-sectarian Rivalry: According to Colonel Deane, religious rivalries and intolerance also contributed to the destruction of these inscriptions.

The document then discusses the work done by the Archaeological Survey of the Bombay Government, specifically mentioning Mr. Cousens, who in 1888-89, made copies of all inscriptions on the mountain. He identified 118 useful inscriptions and sent them to the editor of "Epigraphia Indica." Dr. G. Buhler was tasked with editing these inscriptions, and they were published in the second volume of "Epigraphia Indica."

Dr. Buhler's observations on these 118 inscriptions are then presented. He divides them into two main categories:

1. Inscriptions dated from VS 1587 to 1710: These are considered more historically significant.
2. Inscriptions dated from VS 1783 to 1843 (or AD 1887): These offer less historical detail.

Dr. Buhler specifically highlights inscription number 105 (which is number 32 in the current collection) for its detailed account of the 'Anchal Gachh' (a Jain monastic tradition), about which little was known previously. He also notes the linguistic importance of these inscriptions, stating they can serve as examples of Sanskrit usage by modern monks and help in tracing the origins of the language used in older Jain texts and inscriptions, making it easier to apply Sanskrit grammatical rules to the works of scholars like Merutung, Rajashekhar, and Jinmandan.

The document further categorizes the historical information derived from these 118 inscriptions into three areas:

1. Political History of Western India: Inscription number 1 is particularly useful, mentioning the names of three Gujarat sultans: Mahimud (Mahmud Begada), Madafar (Muzaffar Shah II), and Bahadur (Bahadur Shah). It also mentions their prime ministers and kings from Chitrakoot (Chittor).
2. History of Jain Monastic Orders (Gachhas): The inscriptions provide significant information about various Jain Gachhas, including Kharatara, Tapana, Aanchal, and Sagar.
3. Sub-divisions of Jain Lay Followers (Shrāvak): The inscriptions detail various communities and their lineages, with the Oswal community being frequently mentioned. The document provides a lineage of the Oswal community, tracing its origins and various branches.

The text then proceeds to detail specific inscriptions, providing summaries and analyses of their content. It discusses the rulers mentioned, the details of temple constructions and renovations, and the lineage of various Jain monks and patrons. The document also highlights certain discrepancies or clarifications related to Dr. Buhler's interpretations, often provided by the collector or annotator of the inscriptions.

Key themes and details covered in the document:

• Historical Rulers: Mention of Gujarat Sultans like Bahadur Shah, and Mewar rulers like Kumbha, Rajmal, Sangram Singh, and Ratan Singh.
• Jain Monastic Lineages (Gachhas): Detailed lists of gurus from Kharatara, Tapana, Aanchal, and Sagar Gachhas, with their dates and significant contributions.
• Prominent Patrons: Names of wealthy lay followers (shravaks) and their families who sponsored temple constructions and idol installations.
• Social and Religious Practices: Insights into the lives and donations of Jain communities, their migration patterns, and their adherence to religious principles.
• Linguistic and Paleographic Value: The inscriptions are acknowledged for their importance in studying the evolution of language and script.
• Chronological Data: The inscriptions provide valuable chronological data for historical research.

In essence, "Shatrunjay Parvat Uperna Lekho" serves as a critical compilation and analysis of ancient inscriptions from a significant Jain pilgrimage site, offering a wealth of historical, religious, and social information about Jainism in Western India, particularly during the medieval period.