Umaswamti Evam Unki Ucchaingiri Shakha Ka Utpatti Sthal Evam Vichanran Kshetra

This document is an excerpt from a book titled "Umaswami evam Unki Ucchaingiri Shakha ka Utpatti Sthal evam Vichanran Kshetra" (Umaswami and the Origin and Dispersal Area of His Ucchaingiri Branch) by Sagarmal Jain. The excerpt focuses on identifying the birthplace of the Jain philosopher Umaswami and the origin of his specific Jain branch, the Ucchaingiri shakha.

Key points from the excerpt:

• Umaswami's Self-Identification: Umaswami, the author of the Tattvartha Sutra, states in the final inscription of his Tattvartha Bhashya that he belongs to the "Ucchai Gar" branch and that his birthplace was "Nyagrodhika."

• The Ucchai Gar Branch: The existence of the Ucchai Gar branch is mentioned not only in Tattvartha Bhashya but also in the Sthaviravali of the Kalpa Sutra (accepted by the Shvetambara tradition) and in inscriptions found in Mathura. The Kalpa Sutra's Sthaviravali indicates that the Ucchai Gar branch was a subdivision of the Kotik Gan.

• Origin of the Kotik Gan: The Kotik Gan originated from Arya Sashthit of Kotivarsha city. The Shvetambara tradition attributes the origin of the Kotik Gan to chanting a "Surimantra" one crore times, though this is considered a legend. Archaeologists have identified Kotivarsha with Faridpur in North Bengal. The Ucchai Gar branch is said to have emerged from Arya Shantishrenik of this Kotik Gan.

• Naming of Gan and Shakhas: Jain Ganas and Shakhas were often associated with specific individuals or places (cities). For example, the Varan Gan was linked to Varnavarta, and the Kotik Gan to Kotivarsha. Many Shakhas, such as Kaushambiya, Kodambani, Chandranagari, Madhyamika, Saurashtrika, and Ucchainagar, were primarily named after cities.

• Debate on the Location of Ucchainagar: The excerpt discusses the primary question: where was the "Ucchainagar" located from which the Ucchai Gar branch derived its name?

  • Early Hypothesis (Bulandshahr): Munishri Kalyansagarji and Hiralal Kapadia, relying on Cunningham, attempted to link the Ucchai Gar branch to the present-day Bulandshahr, formerly known as Baran. Pt. Sukhlalji also followed this line of reasoning. Cunningham suggested that Baran (or Varn) might be the same as the "Uccha Nagar" (high town/city) built by King Ahivaran of the Tomar dynasty on a high mound, and later called Bulandshahr by Muslims.
  • Criticism of the Bulandshahr Connection: The author strongly refutes this connection.
    • Cunningham himself did not explicitly link the "Uccha Nagar" to the Ucchai Gar branch.
    • The name "Baran" is not found in Hindu history before the 9th-10th century.
    • The association of the fort with King Ahivaran suggests its existence no earlier than the 5th-6th century CE.
    • Coins found there mention "Govitsavaranaye," which Cunningham himself suspected might relate to Varnavata or Varnavath.
    • The text identifies Varnavata (mentioned in the Mahabharata) with the place from which the "Varan Gan" originated, not the Ucchai Gar branch, which was part of the Kotik Gan.
    • The author emphasizes that the Ucchai Gar branch cannot be linked to Bulandshahr under any circumstances.

• The Identification of Ucchaingiri: The author then explores alternative locations. They found several place names similar to "Uccha Nagar," including Uchahar (UP) and Anchehra (MP).

  • Auchahar: Rejected due to a lack of detailed information about its antiquity.
  • Anchehra: Identified as the most probable origin. Anchehra is located in the Satna district of Madhya Pradesh, about 10 km south of the Satna radio station. The famous Bharhut stupa is situated 7 km northeast of Anchehra, indicating its antiquity.
  • Ancient Anchehra: The ancient city was situated on a plateau about 2 km from present-day Anchehra, which is now a deserted site called "Khoh." Locals reported it was previously called "Ucchakalpnagari" and yielded much archaeological material.
  • Archaeological Evidence for Anchehra: Copper-plate grants from the Gupta period (156-209 CE) found at Anchehra clearly mention "Ucchakalpa" (Ucchakappa), confirming its existence during the Gupta era. The Bharhut stupa, dated to the 2nd or 1st century BCE (Shunga period), was built near this site, similar to how the Sanchi stupa was built near Vidisha. Inscriptions at Bharhut, like "Vachhiput Dhanabhuti" and "Suganam raje," confirm its Shunga period association.
  • Chronological Alignment: The estimated establishment period of the Ucchainagar branch (around the 1st century BCE) aligns with the existence of this city, making Anchehra a strong candidate for the origin site.

• Strategic Location and Routes: Anchehra (Uccha Nagar) was strategically located on ancient trade routes connecting various important centers like Vaishali, Pataliputra, Varanasi, Bhrukaccha, Shravasti, Kaushambi, Prayagraj, Padmavati (Pawaya), and Gopadri (Gwalior). It was particularly on a more prevalent route from Pataliputra to Mathura that avoided crossing major rivers, making it safer for merchants and ascetics.

• Umaswami's Birthplace - Nagod: Umaswami identified his birthplace as "Nyagrodhika."

  • Rejection of Other Theories: Theories linking Nyagrodhika to areas near Patna (where he wrote Tattvartha Bhashya) or to places like Batgohali near Paharpur are considered inadequate.
  • Connection to Ucchainagar Branch: The author argues that since Umaswami belonged to the Ucchainagar branch originating from Anchehra, he was likely born nearby. Both Anchehra and Mathura (where many Ucchainagar branch inscriptions are found) are equidistant from Patna, suggesting a consistent travel area.
  • Dr. Hiralal Jain's Theory: The theory of Dr. Hiralal Jain identifying Umaswami's birthplace with "Nidhoj" near Rahuri in Maharashtra is dismissed on grammatical grounds (Nyagrodha naturally becomes Nagod, not Nidhoj) and based on the North Indian origin of the Ucchainagar branch.
  • Identification with Nagod: Nagod, a town located about 30 km west of Anchehra, is identified as the likely birthplace. Nagod is the Prakrit form of Nyagrodha. Archaeological findings in and around Nagod confirm its ancient status. Nagod's location between Panna, Nachna, and Anchehra, all areas with significant archaeological finds from the Shunga period to the 9th-10th centuries CE, further supports its antiquity.
  • Connection to Vatsa Country: Both present-day Nagod and Anchehra were part of the ancient Vatsa country. The artistic development seen around Bharhut and this region is attributed to the kings of Vatsa, centered at Kaushambi. The inscription "Vachiput Dhanabhuti" on the eastern gateway of the Bharhut stupa suggests significant contribution from people of the Vatsa gotra. Umaswami's mother is mentioned as "Vatsi" in the Tattvartha Bhashya, further strengthening this connection.

• Conclusion: The author concludes that Umaswami's birthplace was Nagod, Madhya Pradesh (Nyagrodha), and the origin of his Ucchaingiri branch was Anchehra, Madhya Pradesh (Ucchakappa Nagar).

• Umaswami's Dispersal Area: His dispersal area can be considered from Patna (Kusumapura) to Mathura, covering present-day Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, northeastern Madhya Pradesh, and western Rajasthan.

The author expresses hope that scholars will review these findings, based on epigraphic and literary evidence, to present a clear historical perspective of this great Jain philosopher.