Swantrata Sangram Me Mevad Ke Jainiyo Ka Yogadan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on the contributions of Jains from Mewar to the Indian freedom struggle:

Book Title: Swantrata Sangram me Mevad ke Jainiyo ka Yogadan (The Contribution of Jains of Mewar in the Freedom Struggle) Author: Bhanvar Surana Publisher: Z_Ambalalji_Maharaj_Abhinandan_Granth_012038.pdf Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/212246/1

This excerpt from the book highlights the significant but often overlooked role played by the Jain community of Mewar (a region in Rajasthan, India) in the Indian independence movement. The author, Bhanvar Surana, a renowned journalist, presents a brief overview of their involvement, asserting that the Jains of Mewar, who were already prominent in the region's cultural, literary, and industrial spheres, were not behind in contributing to the nation's liberation from colonial rule.

The text then delves into specific examples and individuals:

• Early Activism and Tribal Upliftment: The passage begins by mentioning Shri Motilal Tejawat, a figure who brought a new life to the impoverished, uneducated, and oppressed Bhil tribals, who were living under conditions of forced labor and extreme hardship. Tejawat was driven to action by the injustice and arbitrary rule of the Thakurs (local chieftains). He resigned from his position within the feudal system and initiated the "Ekki" (unity) movement, aiming to awaken the farmers and the poor Bhils. His organizational skills were evident in large farmer gatherings and the presentation of demands to Maharana Fateh Singh. Tejawat faced numerous life-threatening attacks from the Thakurs and their agents. He was a singular leader in states like Sirohi, Daanta, Palanpur, Idar, and Vijayanagar. A tragic incident occurred in Nimda village of Vijayanagar state, where the state army, in a conspiracy, opened fire during a negotiation, killing 1200 people. Tejawat himself was wounded by bullets and shrapnel, and was hidden by his loyal Bhil protectors to save him from the state's wrath. The fear he instilled in rulers is illustrated by the act of beheading an innocent person to spread the rumor of his death and weaken the movement. Villages were burned in the search for him, and police and military forces were constantly on his trail. He eventually surrendered following Gandhi ji's call and spent periods in jail and under house arrest from 1926 to 1936, making several more trips to prison until 1947. (A separate article about Tejawat is noted in the text.)

• Prominent Freedom Fighters and Activists:

  • Shri Anandraj Surana: Instrumental in awakening the Prajamandal and Deshish Rajya Lok Parishad movements in Jodhpur. He remained in hiding in Udaipur for a significant period to evade the police.
  • Shri Shobhalal Gupta (Kakaji): Editor of 'Tarun Rajasthan,' he was imprisoned multiple times for sedition. Associated with Gandhi ji's ashram, he was jailed for delivering seditious speeches in Ajmer and also participated in the 1942 Quit India Movement. His wife, Shrimati Vijayadevi, also faced imprisonment for her involvement in the movements.
  • Shri Balwant Singh Mehta: President of the Mewar Prajamandal and a member of the Diwan family. He participated in Congress sessions in Lahore and Karachi and was associated with organizations like Naujawan Bharat Sabha and Anushilan Samiti. Mehta was arrested and jailed multiple times for his role in Prajamandal and anti-taxation movements.
  • Shri Bhurelal Baya: A significant constructive worker in Rajasthan. He participated in the Salt Satyagraha and worked with Congress in Bombay under Gandhi ji's guidance. Baya was continuously involved in satyagrahas by tribals and farmers and later served as a minister in two Rajasthan governments after independence. Motilal Tejawat's son, Mohanlal Tejawat, worked alongside Baya.
  • Shri Roshanlalji Bordia: Participated in the anti-taxation movement of 1932, the Prajamandal movement of 1938, and the Quit India Movement of 1942. He was injured by police fire in the 1948 movement demanding responsible government.
  • Shri Chimmanlal Bordia (Udaipur): Participated in all the aforementioned movements.
  • Shri Uday Jain (Kanor): An active worker of the Mewar Prajamandal, he worked for public awakening while confronting feudalism. He was sentenced to jail during the Quit India Movement.
  • Shri Hiralal Kothari (Mewar Prajamandal): Was placed under house arrest for six months for organizing a Gandhi Jayanti celebration.
  • Shri Kajjulal and Phoolchand Porwal (Nathdwara): Were placed under house arrest for six months each.
  • Shri Ratanlal Karnawat: Was imprisoned for 13 months.
  • Shri Poonamchand Nahar (Choti Sadri): Was jailed for participating in movements in 1938 and 1942.
  • Shri Surya Bhanu Porwal: Was placed under house arrest during the 1942 movement.
  • Shri Umraosingh Dhabariya (Baaneda): An active worker of the Mewar Prajamandal, he was placed under house arrest during the 1942 movement. He had been to jail dozens of times before and after independence. He also actively campaigned against corruption in provincial administration as a member of the Socialist Party and the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly.
  • Shri Takhatsingh Babel, Sukhlal Udawat, Madhavlal Nandawat, Bhanwar Lal Dungarwal, Chandmal Manawat (Kanor): Were associated with the 1942 Quit India Movement and subsequent Prajamandal activities and offices.
  • Shri Dadhamchand Dosi, Jhabbalal Kavadiya, Uchhavlal Mehta, Bheronlal Talesra, Khemraj Shrimal, Kanhiyalal Mehta, Bapulal Lakhawat, Kantilal Shah, Pannalal Shah, Shantilaal Seth, Gumanmal Lakhawat, Sujanmal Shah, Kishanlal Dosi, Saubhagmal Dosi (Kushalgadh): Prominent workers of the Prajamandal.
  • Shri Manohar singh Mehta (Bhilwara), Roshanlal Choradia (Bhilwara), Hukmaraj Mehta (Udaipur), Bhagwat Bhandari (Udaipur), Fatahalaal Chandaliya (Chittorgarh), Bhimraj Ghadolia (Chittorgarh), Rajmal Bohra (Hamirgarh): Many others contributed to the freedom struggle.
  • Shri Yashwant Singh Nahar, Shri Sajjan Singh Nahar, Shri Rikhabchand Dhariwal: Their names are noteworthy in this context.

• Post-Independence Contributions: The text also acknowledges individuals who played roles in administration and public life after India's independence:

  • Padmashri Bhagwat Singh Mehta: A pioneer in shaping administration in Rajasthan post-independence.
  • Shri K.L. Mehta, Shri Jagat Mehta, Dr. Mohan Singh Mehta: Significant figures in the Indian Foreign Service. Dr. Mehta is also recognized as an eminent educationist, with Rajasthan University being a realization of his vision.
  • Other notable individuals in administration and public service include Shri Satyaprasannsingh Bhandari, Shri Gokulal Mehta, Shri Jagannathsingh Mehta, Ranjit Singh Kummat, Anil Bordia, Otima Bordia, Mithalal Mehta, Jaswant Singh Singhvi, Balulal Pangadiya, Himmat Singh Galundia, Sahiblal Ajmera, Manohar Singh Mogra.
  • Shri Lahar Singh Mehta: Noteworthy among judges.

In essence, the excerpt meticulously details how the Jain community of Mewar, despite facing their own adversities and societal structures, actively participated in the struggle for India's independence through various forms of activism, protest, and social reform. It aims to bring to light their collective contribution to the nation's liberation.