Uttar Bharat Me Jain Dharm

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Uttar Bharat mein Jain Dharm" (Jainism in North India) by Chimanlal J. Shah and Kasturmal Banthiya, based on the provided pages:

Overall Scope and Focus:

The book "Uttar Bharat mein Jain Dharm" (Jainism in North India) aims to provide a historical and analytical account of Jainism's presence and influence in North India from approximately 800 BCE to 526 CE. It delves into the origins of Jainism, the lives and teachings of its Tirthankaras (specifically Parsvanatha and Mahavira), the development of its philosophical tenets, its spread across various regions of North India, its interaction with other contemporary religions like Buddhism and Brahmanism, its literary and artistic contributions, and the internal schisms within the faith. The book emphasizes the historical and cultural significance of Jainism in shaping ancient Indian society.

Key Themes and Chapters:

The provided table of contents and introductory pages highlight the following major themes covered in the book:

• Pre-Mahavira Jainism: The text begins by establishing the antiquity of Jainism, tracing its roots back to Tirthankaras preceding Mahavira, with a particular focus on the historical evidence for Parsvanatha. It examines mentions of Jainism in both Jain and non-Jain (Hindu and Buddhist) literature, discussing modern scholarly views on its antiquity.
• Mahavira and His Era: This section is dedicated to Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, his life, teachings, and the socio-religious context of his time. It discusses the rise of Brahmanical influence, the caste system, and how Mahavira's teachings offered an alternative that challenged religious orthodoxy and caste discrimination. The chapter explores Mahavira's character, his renunciation, his ascetic practices, his philosophical principles (like the concept of Jiva and Ajiva, the three jewels, Ahimsa, Syadvada/Anekantavada), and the emergence of different sects (like the schism with Gosala Mankhaliputra, and the eventual split into Svetambara and Digambara).
• Jainism in Royal Families: The book investigates the patronage and influence of Jainism among ruling dynasties in North India from 800 BCE to 200 BCE. It highlights the connections of Tirthankaras like Parsvanatha and Mahavira with prominent Kshatriya clans and republican states, and discusses the adoption and promotion of Jainism by various rulers.
• Jainism in Kalinga (Kalinga Region): This chapter focuses on the significant presence of Jainism in the Kalinga region, particularly during the reign of Emperor Kharavela. The Hathigumpha inscription is presented as a crucial primary source for understanding Kharavela's patronage of Jainism, his military campaigns, and his religious affiliations. The chapter also discusses the broader archaeological and historical evidence for Jainism in the Odisha region.
• Inscriptions of Mathura and Jainism: Mathura emerges as a significant center for Jainism, evidenced by numerous inscriptions. This chapter analyzes these inscriptions, dating from the Indo-Scythian and Kushan periods, to understand the evolution of Jain practices, the role of lay devotees, the existence of temples and idols, and the presence of both male and female ascetics. The dating of these inscriptions and their connection to the Vikram Samvat are also discussed.
• Jainism during the Gupta Period: The book examines the status of Jainism during the Gupta Empire (4th to 6th centuries CE). While the Gupta rulers were predominantly Vaishnavites, the chapter explores their general religious tolerance and any specific patronage or interaction with the Jain community. It discusses the archaeological evidence, including inscriptions from the Gupta period that shed light on Jainism's presence.
• Jain Literature in North India: This extensive chapter is dedicated to the rich literary tradition of Jainism in North India. It outlines the classification of Jain scriptures (Agamas), including the fourteen Purvas (now lost), twelve Angas, twelve Upangas, ten Prakirnakas, six Chedasutras, four Mulasutras, and two Chulikastotras. It discusses the antiquity of these texts, their languages (Prakrit and later Sanskrit), and significant commentators and scholars like Bhadrabahu, Dharmadasagani, Umāsvāmi, and Siddhasena Divakara. The chapter also touches upon the historical and philosophical value of this literature.
• Jain Art in North India: This chapter focuses on the artistic contributions of Jainism, particularly in architecture and sculpture. It highlights the unique architectural styles found in Jain cave temples, monasteries, and temples. The chapter analyzes the iconography of Tirthankaras, the symbolism used in Jain art, and the influence of prevailing artistic trends (like Gandhara and Gupta art) on Jain creations. It discusses significant sites like Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves, Mathura, and the stūpas and sculptures found there.

Key Arguments and Scholarly Contributions:

• Antiquity of Jainism: A central argument is the deep antiquity of Jainism, predating Buddhism and challenging the notion that Mahavira was its sole founder. The historical existence of Parsvanatha is strongly asserted.
• Jainism's Independence: The book argues for Jainism's distinct identity as an independent religion, separate from Buddhism and Brahmanism, despite shared concepts and historical contexts.
• Influence of Jainism: The text highlights Jainism's significant impact on Indian culture, ethics (especially Ahimsa), philosophy, language, and art, even when it wasn't the dominant religion.
• Historical Methodology: The authors emphasize the use of multiple sources, including Jain scriptures, archaeological findings (inscriptions, sculptures, architecture), and references in non-Jain literature, to reconstruct the history of Jainism. They acknowledge the challenges in dating ancient texts and the need for critical analysis of traditional accounts.
• Regional Spread: The book meticulously traces Jainism's diffusion across North India, detailing its presence in important centers like Kalinga, Mathura, and its connections with royal patronage in various regions.
• Syncretism and Interaction: The text discusses the historical interactions between Jainism, Buddhism, and Brahmanism, noting both periods of conflict and instances of shared symbols or practices.
• The Role of Lay Devotees: The importance of lay followers (Shravakas and Shravikas) in sustaining and propagating Jainism is implicitly or explicitly acknowledged.

Specific Details from the Text:

• Tirthankaras: Emphasis is placed on Parsvanatha as a historical figure and Mahavira as a reformer rather than a sole founder.
• Philosophical Concepts: Key Jain concepts like Ahimsa, Syadvada/Anekantavada, Jiva, Ajiva, Karma, and Moksha are explained.
• Schisms: The origins and causes of the Svetambara-Digambara split are discussed, attributing it to differences in ascetic practices (particularly nudity) and later scriptural interpretations.
• Royal Patronage: The book highlights the support Jainism received from various rulers, including Chandragupta Maurya, Kharavela, and later Gupta rulers to some extent.
• Literary Corpus: The extensive Jain literary tradition, including Angas, Upangas, Chedasutras, Mulasutras, and independent works, is cataloged and analyzed.
• Artistic Contributions: The unique architectural styles of cave temples, stupas, and sculptures, particularly those found in Udayagiri, Khandagiri, and Mathura, are discussed.
• Chronology and Dating: The book engages with the complex chronology of ancient Indian history, attempting to date events and texts, often referencing the challenges posed by conflicting traditional accounts and the need for archaeological corroboration. The use of the Vikram Samvat is also discussed in relation to Jain traditions.

Publisher and Financial Support:

The book was published by Seva Mandir, Rawati, Jodhpur, with the financial support of Seth Shardarmalji Munot of Riānwala, Kuchaman City (Rajasthan). The publication year is 1990.

In essence, "Uttar Bharat mein Jain Dharm" is a scholarly work that reconstructs the history of Jainism in North India through a multidisciplinary approach, integrating textual analysis, epigraphy, numismatics, and art history to paint a comprehensive picture of this ancient tradition's evolution and impact.