Suvarnabhumi Me Kalakacharya

This document is a detailed scholarly work titled "Suvarnabhumi me Kalakacharya" (कालकाचार्य in Suvarnabhumi) by Dr. Umakant P. Shah, published by Jain Sanskruti Sanshodhan Mandal, Banaras, in 1956. The catalog link provided is for Jainqq.org.

The book is essentially a research paper or monograph that aims to establish the historical presence and activities of the Jain Acharya Kalaka in Suvarnabhumi (Southeast Asia). The author meticulously draws upon various Jain scriptures, commentaries, and historical texts to support his thesis.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the key points covered in the document:

1. Introduction and Purpose:

• The publication is an expanded version of an article previously published in a memorial volume for Acharya Vijayvallabh Suri.
• The primary goal of the book is to demonstrate that Jain acharyas traveled outside of India and propagated Jainism in foreign lands.
• Specifically, it focuses on proving that Acharya Kalaka visited Suvarnabhumi, and that the term "Suvarnabhumi" referred to regions including Burma, the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and the Malay Archipelago, extending as far as Champa (Annam).

2. Core Evidence from Jain Texts:

• Brihatkalp Bhashya: The central piece of evidence is a gatha (verse) from the Brihatkalp Bhashya and its commentary by Malyagiri (around 1200 CE). This commentary details the journey of Acharya Kalaka to Suvarnabhumi.
  • The Narrative: Acharya Kalaka, residing in Ujjain, learned that his disciple Sagar (a descendant of his disciples) was residing and propagating Jainism in Suvarnabhumi. Dissatisfied with his Ujjain disciples' lack of adherence to anuyoga (scriptural exposition), Kalaka decided to travel to Suvarnabhumi to teach where his teachings would be appreciated. He instructed his attendant, Shyattara, to inform his disciples that he had gone to Suvarnabhumi to Sagar. In Suvarnabhumi, Kalaka, posing as an old monk, joined Sagar's gaccha (sect). Sagar, due to Kalaka's apparent age and infirmity, did not show him the customary respect. During the scripture exposition, Kalaka subtly critiqued Sagar's pride and the potential loss of scriptural knowledge over generations, using the analogy of dust falling from a hand. Sagar, realizing his mistake, apologized. Kalaka then imparted anuyoga to Sagar and his disciples.
• Uttaradhyayan Niryukti: Another crucial reference is a gatha from the Uttaradhyayan Niryukti (verse 120) which explicitly mentions "Ujjaini Kalakshaman sūri, Sagar kshamana Suvarnabhumiyem," suggesting Kalaka of Ujjain went to Suvarnabhumi to Sagar.
• Other Jain Texts: The author also references Dashachurni, Nishithachurni, Panchakalp Bhashya, Panchakalp Churni, and Kahavali to establish the antiquity and context of Kalaka's narratives.

3. Establishing Acharya Kalaka's Identity:

• The book explores the debate on whether the Kalaka who went to Suvarnabhumi is the same Kalaka known for his role in deposing the Sakas and establishing Vikram's lineage.
• The author argues that ancient texts and commentators do not differentiate between these instances of "Kalaka," suggesting they refer to the same historical figure.
• He connects the Kalaka who wrote anuyoga texts, learned nimitta (astrology/divination) from Ajivikas, and the Kalaka associated with the Gardabhilla incident, all to the same individual.

4. Historical Context of Suvarnabhumi:

• The author draws upon external sources like Greek writers Ptolemy and Pliny, and the Jain text Vasudevahindi, to confirm that in the 1st and 2nd centuries CE, India had extensive trade relations with Eastern regions, including what is now Southeast Asia.
• The term "Suvarnabhumi" is discussed as a general designation for the lands east of the Bay of Bengal, encompassing Burma, Indo-China, and the Malay Archipelago, with "Suvarnadvipa" often referring specifically to Sumatra and the islands.
• The presence of Indian merchants and cultural influence in these regions during that period is well-established, making the journey of Jain monks plausible.

5. Acharya Kalaka's Scholarly Contributions and Life:

• Anuyoga: Kalaka is credited with composing anuyoga texts, including Lokanuyoga (which contained nimitta knowledge) and Prathamanuyoga (detailing the lives of Tirthankaras, Chakravartis, etc.). The author argues that the term anuyoga here refers to his new scriptural compositions, which his disciples were initially reluctant to accept.
• Nimitta and Mantra Vidya: Kalaka's proficiency in astrology (nimitta) and other occult sciences is highlighted, including his learning from Ajivikas. This knowledge is linked to his prophecies and his role in the Gardabhilla incident.
• Vankalakascharya and Varahamihira: The author discusses the mention of "Vankalakascharya" in the commentary of Utpalabhatta on Varahamihira's Brihajjataka. He suggests that Vankalakascharya is likely Acharya Kalaka, whose teachings on pravajya (initiation) were referenced by Varahamihira. This further supports Kalaka's engagement with calendrical and ritualistic knowledge.
• Gardabhilla Incident: The book details the famous story of Kalaka's intervention against the king Gardabhilla, his sister's abduction, and the subsequent invitation of the Shakas (Scythians) to overthrow the king. The author analyzes the historical timeframe and the complexities of the various accounts. He also notes the possible connection of "Garbha" or "Gardabha" with foreign rulers, possibly Greeks.
• Chronology: The author delves into the debate about Kalaka's exact period, referencing various pattavalis and textual interpretations. While acknowledging the discrepancies, he suggests Kalaka lived around the 1st or 2nd century BCE, aligning with the early trade relations to Suvarnabhumi. He discusses the scholarly attempts to reconcile different chronological accounts and argues for a unified Kalaka.

6. Significance of the Journey:

• The journey to Suvarnabhumi is presented as a significant historical event, demonstrating the early overseas outreach of Jainism.
• It highlights the cosmopolitan nature of Indian society and trade during that era.
• The author emphasizes the importance of anuyoga and nimitta as areas of Kalaka's expertise, relevant to both his Indian activities and his potential travels.

7. Appendices and Further Discussion:

• The document includes several appendices that delve deeper into specific aspects:
  • Appendix 1: Datt Raja and Arya Kalaka: Discusses the story of Kalaka's prophecy to King Datta.
  • Appendix 2: Ucched of Raja Gardabha: Details the Gardabhilla incident and the geographical location of "Paraskula" or "Shakakula."
  • Appendix 3: Ratnasanchaya Prakarana Gathas: Analyzes verses related to Kalaka's lineage and chronology.
  • Appendix 4: Arya Kalaka, Expert in Nimitta Shastra: Further elaborates on Kalaka's knowledge of astrology and his scholarly endeavors.
  • Appendix 5: Uttaradhyayan Niryukti and Churni References: Provides the text and commentary of the key verses supporting the Suvarnabhumi journey.
  • Appendix 6: Vyavahar Bhashya and Churni References: Includes other relevant textual references.
  • Appendix 7: Anil Sut Yava-King, Gardabha and Adolia: Discusses a potentially related narrative involving foreign rulers and names, offering speculation on their identities.

8. Conclusion:

• The author concludes that Kalaka was a historical figure, not mythical. He was an influential acharya who composed important texts and had a significant impact on Jain traditions.
• The journey to Suvarnabhumi is presented as a well-supported fact from Jain scriptures.
• The author appeals to historians to further investigate the chronological puzzles surrounding figures like Gardabhilla, Vikramaditya, and the Shakas, in light of this research.
• The document underscores the value of Jain Agama literature for understanding Indian culture and history, emphasizing the need for its continued study.

In essence, "Suvarnabhumi me Kalakacharya" is a scholarly defense of the historical veracity of Acharya Kalaka's travels to Southeast Asia, presenting a compelling argument based on a critical analysis of Jain religious texts and their historical context.