Surishwar Aur Samrat Akbar

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Surishwar aur Samrat Akbar" (The Ascetic and Emperor Akbar) by Vidyavijay, translated by Krishnalal Verma, with an introduction by Pandit Gaurishankar Hirachand Ojha:

This book details the significant interaction between Acharya Hiravijayasuri, a prominent Jain scholar and spiritual leader of the 16th century, and Emperor Akbar, the Mughal ruler of India. The author's primary objective is to showcase the true life and impact of Acharya Hiravijayasuri, moving beyond a purely religious perspective to embrace a historical and religious understanding of his role.

Key Themes and Content:

1. Historical Context: The book begins by setting the stage of 16th-century India, highlighting the social, political, and religious landscape. It describes a period of turmoil, cultural dynamism, and the prevailing atmosphere of religious inquiry that characterized Akbar's reign. The author emphasizes India's past glory, its rich intellectual traditions, and the subsequent challenges it faced.

2. The Ascetic (Surishwar) - Acharya Hiravijayasuri:

   • Early Life and Renunciation: The text introduces Hiravijayasuri, born Hiraji, into an Oswal Jain family in Palanpur. It chronicles his upbringing, his early inclination towards spirituality, and his eventual renunciation of worldly life at a young age, taking initiation into the Jain monastic order.
   • Intellectual Prowess and Asceticism: Hiravijayasuri was not only a deeply ascetic monk but also a profound scholar. He studied various philosophical and scientific texts, including those on logic and jurisprudence, traveling to South India for advanced learning.
   • Challenges Faced: The book details the hardships and persecutions Hiravijayasuri faced during his travels in Gujarat, subjected to the whims of local officials and dealing with internal schisms within the Jain community. These experiences tested his resolve and character.
   • Call to Mughal Court: The narrative explains how Hiravijayasuri, despite his detachment from worldly affairs, was summoned to Emperor Akbar's court in Fatehpur Sikri. This summons was a significant event, marking the beginning of his extraordinary influence on the emperor and his administration.

3. The Emperor - Akbar:

   • Character and Policies: The book provides an overview of Emperor Akbar's personality, his intellectual curiosity, his administrative reforms, and his policy of religious tolerance (Sulh-i-Kul). It highlights his attempts to understand various religions and synthesize their teachings into his own eclectic philosophy, "Din-i-Ilahi."
   • Religious Inquiries: Akbar's court was a hub for religious discourse, where scholars from different faiths, including Islam, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, Christianity, and Jainism, engaged in debates.
   • Jain Influence: The text emphasizes how Jain scholars, particularly Hiravijayasuri and his disciples like Bhanuchandra and Siddhi Chandra, significantly influenced Akbar's policies, particularly concerning animal welfare and religious tolerance.

4. The Encounter and Influence:

   • The Invitation: The book details the circumstances that led to Akbar's invitation to Hiravijayasuri. The emperor, impressed by tales of the Jain monk's austerities and wisdom, particularly after hearing about the remarkable penance of a Jain laywoman named Champa, desired to meet him.
   • The Meeting and Dialogue: The first meeting between Akbar and Hiravijayasuri is described in detail, focusing on their philosophical discussions. Hiravijayasuri's profound understanding of Jain principles, his logical arguments, and his unwavering adherence to his ascetic vows deeply impressed Akbar.
   • Impact on Akbar's Policies: The most significant aspect of the book is how Hiravijayasuri's teachings influenced Akbar. The emperor, already inclined towards religious tolerance, was further persuaded by Hiravijayasuri to implement policies promoting:
     • Ahimsa (Non-violence): This was a central theme. Hiravijayasuri's counsel led Akbar to issue decrees prohibiting animal slaughter on specific auspicious days (like Paryushana), during certain months, and generally reducing animal sacrifice. This culminated in the famous edict for the cessation of animal slaughter for several months of the year.
     • Religious Tolerance: Akbar's policies of respecting all religions were reinforced by Jain teachings, leading to greater inclusivity and respect for various faiths.
     • Abolition of Certain Taxes: Hiravijayasuri's intervention contributed to the abolition of the "Jaziya" tax on non-Muslims and taxes on pilgrims visiting Jain holy sites.
     • Charitable Acts: The book highlights how Hiravijayasuri's influence led Akbar to engage in charitable acts, such as releasing prisoners and ensuring the cessation of certain harmful practices.
   • Royal Patronage and Respect: The emperor bestowed upon Hiravijayasuri the title "Jagadguru" (World Teacher) and held him in immense respect. The book details the extensive royal support provided to Hiravijayasuri and his retinue during their travels and interactions with the court.

5. Disciples and Their Contributions: The book also highlights the significant contributions of Hiravijayasuri's disciples, such as:

   • Vijayaseanasuri: His intelligence, eloquence, and ability to engage in philosophical debates with scholars of other faiths are described. He also secured royal decrees for the protection of Jain holy places.
   • Shantichandra Upadhyay: Known for his exceptional memory and scholarly acumen, he engaged in discourse with Akbar, enriching the emperor's understanding of spiritual matters. He composed the "Krupārasakosh," a work praising Akbar's benevolent deeds.
   • Bhanuchandra Upadhyay: He taught Akbar the "Surya-sahasranama" (Thousand Names of the Sun) and influenced the emperor's adoption of solar worship.
   • Siddhichandra Upadhyay: His scholarly prowess and compassion were evident in his interactions with Akbar, including his intervention to save condemned prisoners.
   • Kalyanavijay Vachak: His sharp intellect and logical arguments in debates with Brahmin scholars demonstrated the strength of Jain philosophy.
   • Other Devoted Disciples and Lay Followers: The text also mentions numerous other disciples and devoted lay followers who played significant roles in supporting Hiravijayasuri's mission and in upholding Jain principles.

6. The Legacy: The book concludes by emphasizing the profound and lasting impact of Acharya Hiravijayasuri's interaction with Emperor Akbar. His efforts not only brought about significant reforms in the empire concerning non-violence and religious tolerance but also elevated the status of Jainism and its scholars in the public eye. The author aims to inspire readers to recognize the vital role Jain Acharyas played in contributing to the welfare of society and the nation, not just within the religious sphere but also in broader socio-political realms. The book also presents several royal firmans (decrees) issued during Akbar's reign, which serve as historical evidence of the Jain influence.

In essence, "Surishwar aur Samrat Akbar" is a historical and biographical work that sheds light on a pivotal period of interfaith dialogue and influence in Indian history, highlighting the remarkable contributions of a Jain spiritual leader in shaping the policies of a powerful emperor.