Shatrunjay Prakash Ane Jaino Virddha Palitana - Book Summary

This comprehensive summary is based on the provided Gujarati text, "Shatrunjay Prakash Ane Jaino Virddha Palitana" by Devchand Damji Kundlakar. The book chronicles the historical relationship between the Jain community and the Shatrunjay pilgrimage site, focusing on the disputes and agreements concerning Palitana.

Book Title: Shatrunjay Prakash Ane Jaino Virddha Palitana (Illumination of Shatrunjay and the Jain Community's Struggle for Palitana) Author: Devchand Damji Kundlakar Publisher: Jain Patra Office

Summary:

The book, "Shatrunjay Prakash Ane Jaino Virddha Palitana," written by Devchand Damji Kundlakar, serves as a historical document detailing the long and complex relationship between the Jain community and the sacred pilgrimage site of Shatrunjay, particularly focusing on the administration and rights related to Palitana. The author, a journalist and editor of "Jain," felt compelled to write this book due to a political development where the state's chief administrator was reportedly trying to assert governmental authority over Shatrunjay. Kundlakar emphasizes the need for historical evidence to counter any legal challenges to the Jain community's established rights, especially in an era governed by laws and regulations.

The book aims to trace the Jain community's unbroken connection with Shatrunjay from the time of Lord Mahavir Swami up to the present, highlighting historical accounts, scriptures, and texts that establish this enduring relationship. The author expresses gratitude to scholars, dignitaries, and patrons who supported his research, which involved consulting numerous ancient texts.

The primary catalyst for the book's publication was the application by the Palitana State to assert control. Kundlakar saw this as an attack on religious freedom by a ruler. Therefore, he meticulously compiled the history of the last thousand years concerning Shatrunjay, presenting it through this book to enlighten the public about the factual historical context. He assures that while he has researched the Jain community's established rights concerning Shatrunjay, he has taken care to remain unbiased and avoid fictional embellishments.

Key Historical Periods and Events Covered:

The book delves into the history of Gujarat and Saurashtra, detailing the influence and activities of various dynasties and rulers, with a particular focus on their interactions with Jainism and the Shatrunjay pilgrimage. The narrative touches upon:

Early Kingdoms and Jain Patronage: It highlights the patronage of Jainism by various rulers and ministers, including Samprati, Vikramaditya, Shalivahan, Shiladitya, and many others. The contributions of Jain ministers like Sajjan, Vagbhat, Shant, Vastupal-Tejpalan, Punadshah, Jagadushah, and Karmashah in building and supporting Jain temples and pilgrimage sites are extensively documented.
Rise of Muslim Rule and its Impact: The book details the invasions by Sultans like Mahmud Ghazni and the subsequent impact of Muslim rule on India, including Gujarat and Saurashtra. It records instances of looting of temples, but also mentions periods of coexistence and protection.
The Era of Jain Influence: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the "Era of Jain Power" (Jain Satta No Yug), highlighting the period when Jain ministers held influential positions in the Gujarati dynasties (Chavada, Solanki, Vaghela). It praises the administrative skills, religious devotion, and significant contributions of Jain ministers and merchants who funded the construction of numerous temples, reservoirs, and public welfare projects, including extensive renovations of Shatrunjay.
The Rise and Fall of Dynasties: The narrative traces the political landscape, including the rule of the Chavda dynasty, the Solankis, the Vaghela dynasty, and the subsequent invasions and establishment of the Sultanate in Gujarat.
Specific Rulers and Their Roles: The book discusses the contributions and policies of rulers like Vanraj Chavda, Mulraj, Siddharaj Jaysinh, Kumarpal, Viradhaval, Visaldev, and various rulers of Saurashtra, often noting the involvement of Jain ministers and patrons in their courts and public works.
The Role of Jain Ministers: The significant role of Jain ministers like Vimal Mantri, Tejpal, Vastupal, Jagadushah, and others is repeatedly emphasized for their administrative prowess, piety, and immense contributions to Jain pilgrimage sites like Shatrunjay and Mount Abu.
The Mughal Era and Jain Patronage: The book also covers the Mughal period, noting how Jain scholars and patrons like Acharya Vijayhirsuris and Seth Shantis Das influenced emperors like Akbar and Shah Jahan, securing protection and concessions for Jain pilgrimage sites.
The Period of Anarchy and the Struggle for Palitana: A substantial part of the book focuses on the period of political instability, invasions, and the eventual rise of local chieftains and kingdoms in Saurashtra. It details the historical lineage of the Gohel rulers of Palitana and their complex interactions with the Jain community and the Shatrunjay pilgrimage.
The Disputes and Agreements with Palitana State: The core of the latter part of the book revolves around the disputes between the Palitana State (ruled by the Gohels) and the Jain community regarding the administration, rights, and revenue collection at Shatrunjay. It meticulously documents the various agreements, disagreements, government interventions, and legal battles that occurred over centuries, particularly highlighting the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The book details the crucial agreement of 1886, the subsequent attempts by the Palitana Darbar to alter the terms, and the persistent advocacy by the Jain community to protect their rights and the sanctity of the pilgrimage.
The Role of British Administration: The book shows how the British administration often intervened in these disputes, attempting to mediate and establish fair resolutions, though the Jain community frequently found themselves defending their ancient rights against changing political dynamics and local rulers' ambitions. The events leading up to the 1925 letter from Thakur Saheb Sir Bahadur Singhji to the Agent to the Governor General, C.C. Watson, outlining the Palitana Darbar's request to revise the pilgrimage tax, and the detailed response from the Jain community (represented by Seth Anandji Kalyanji's Pedhi) form a significant part of the narrative.

Key Themes:

The Sanctity and Historical Rights of Shatrunjay: The book consistently emphasizes the deep spiritual significance of Shatrunjay for the Jain community and their long-standing historical rights of ownership and management, often backed by ancient royal decrees and agreements.
The Role of Jain Patrons and Administrators: It highlights the crucial role of Jain scholars, ministers, and wealthy merchants in sponsoring religious activities, building infrastructure, and providing financial and administrative support for Shatrunjay throughout history.
The Interplay of Religion and Politics: The book illustrates how religious sites and practices often became entangled with political power struggles, with Jainism frequently navigating the complexities of ruling dynasties and administrative changes.
The Importance of Historical Documentation: Kundlakar underscores the critical need for meticulous historical research and documentation to safeguard religious rights and traditions against modern legal and political challenges.
The Enduring Faith and Resilience of the Jain Community: Despite numerous challenges, the book celebrates the unwavering faith, organizational strength, and persistent advocacy of the Jain community in defending their holy sites.

In essence, "Shatrunjay Prakash Ane Jaino Virddha Palitana" is a meticulously researched historical account that serves as a testament to the Jain community's deep-rooted connection with Shatrunjay and their determined efforts to preserve its sanctity and administrative autonomy through centuries of changing political landscapes.