Uttarbharatma Jain Dharmno Itihas - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Uttarbharatma Jain Dharmno Itihas" by Punyavijay, based on the text provided:

This text is a preface or introduction to a book, likely a Gujarati translation, titled "Jainism in North India" originally written in English by Chimanlal Jaychand Shah and translated by Phoolchand Harichand Doshi. The reviewer, Punyavijay, discusses the significance of this work and the state of Jain historical research.

Key Themes and Arguments:

The Foundational Role of Jainism in Indian Civilization: The preface begins by asserting that three major religious traditions – Jainism, Buddhism, and Vedic traditions – and their followers have made immense contributions to the emergence and strengthening of Indian civilization. The book by Chimanlal Shah is presented as highlighting the remarkable role of the Jain community in this development, its establishment, and its global spread.
Jainism's Enduring Impact Despite Smaller Numbers: The reviewer acknowledges that while the Jain population might be numerically smaller compared to other communities, the Jains have played a powerful and far-reaching role in vitalizing every aspect of Indian civilization over the past three thousand years. This is supported by references to historical accounts of the movements of Jain monks and the expansion of their religious sphere, even beyond the initially defined areas, due to events like famines. The influence of Jainism in regions of Vedic culture is also noted, suggesting that the Jain population became smaller due to the prevalence of Vedic culture.
The Urgent Need for Jain Historical Research and Awareness: A significant portion of the preface expresses concern and disappointment regarding the lack of awareness among the Jain community, including religious leaders, about the depth and importance of the research conducted by Western and non-Jain Indian scholars on Jain literature and history. While these external scholars have diligently explored various aspects of Jainism, the Jain community, according to the reviewer, is still in its nascent stages of research. The reviewer laments the lack of time and understanding within the Jain community to even engage with the foundational materials already prepared by these scholars.
The Shift from Faith to Reason and History: The text discusses the evolution of human inquiry from an age of faith (where reasoning was not always necessary to understand eternal truths) to an age of reason, and finally to the current scientific and historical age. In the present era, for any religion, philosophy, or scripture to be accepted, it requires concrete historical evidence and factual validation. This historical perspective is crucial for rekindling the glory of Jainism, which is seen as fading.
The Importance of a "Fatherly Debt" to History: The preface argues that a nation, people, or religion's progress is primarily fueled by its past history, which provides inspiration. Those without a history or without genuine knowledge of it cannot achieve self-upliftment. Therefore, it is essential to prepare an accurate and authentic history to draw inspiration for revival. Chimanlal Shah's book is seen as the first step in fulfilling this necessary task for the Jain community.
Chimanlal Shah's Contribution and Methodology: The book, "Jainism in North India," is highlighted as a result of Chimanlal Shah's choice of the subject for his M.A. degree at Bombay University. The Gujarati translation is praised for providing not only historical accounts of Jainism's connection to ethics, philosophy, conduct, art, sculpture, and literature but also a model for discussing controversial topics with subtlety, scholarship, honesty, and civility, fostering understanding and objectivity. The reviewer urges the current Jain society to emulate this approach to ensure that discussions lead to truthful conclusions rather than mere verbal disputes or bitterness.
The Contrast Between Ancient and Modern Jain Life: The reviewer notes that examining the chapters of the book reveals how scientific and artistic ancient Jain life was, in contrast to the superficial, artless, and weak modern Jain life. The text poses questions about the vast difference between their past and present positions.
Acknowledging the Book's Foundation: The preface clarifies that Chimanlal Shah himself states in his conclusion that his book is based on the observation and contemplation of numerous works by Western and Indian scholars, and therefore, it doesn't necessarily contain independent thought. Readers are advised to keep this in mind to avoid attributing perceived flaws in thought to the author.
Chapter-wise Overview of "Jainism in North India": The preface then provides a brief overview of the book's chapters:
- Chapter 1: Discusses Jainism before Lord Mahavir, the historical mention of Jain Tirthankaras in non-Jain literature, and scholarly opinions on their historicity.
- Chapter 2: Details the corrupt practices and atrocities of the Brahmin community in ancient times, the rigid caste system, and the dull rituals. It then explains how Jainism and Buddhism, led by Lord Mahavir and Buddha respectively, created a spiritual environment that elevated all people equally, irrespective of gender or caste. It also covers details of Lord Mahavir's life, his teachings on renunciation, and Jain philosophy, including the principles of Anekantavada (non-absolutism) and Ahimsa (non-violence), and addresses criticisms leveled against the concept of karma. The importance of Samayika and Pratikramana in Jain practice is also discussed. The chapter concludes with an outline of Jain monastic and householder conduct, theories, and the historical development of various sects like the Shvetambara and Digambara.
- Chapter 3: Focuses on the royal patronage received by the teachings of Parshva and Mahavir. It details the support from kings like Bimbisara, Chetaka, and others, and provides historical information about cities like Vaishali and Pataliputra. It also introduces influential Jain kings like Chandragupta Maurya and Emperor Samprati, emphasizing Samprati's significant role in spreading Jainism to South India. The lack of successors to carry forward the great works initiated by Jain figures is lamented.
- Chapter 4: Discusses Jainism in Kalinga, focusing on Emperor Kharavela and his Hathigumpha inscription, which is significant from religious, social, and political perspectives. The surprising absence of Kharavela's name in Shvetambara-Digambara Jain literature is noted as a puzzle. The inscription's importance in providing the earliest evidence of Jain idol worship and the antiquity of Jain scriptures and the Namaskara mantra is highlighted. It also describes the Kandagiri-Udayagiri caves. The reviewer expresses regret that the Jain community itself seems largely unaware of these significant historical sites.
- Chapter 5: Mentions important inscriptions from Kankali Tila in Mathura and introduces figures like Vikramaditya and Kalka Acharya.
- Chapter 6: Explains the introduction of Jainism during the Gupta dynasty and mentions Dhruvasena of the Vallabhi dynasty.
- Chapter 7: Details Jain literature, including the Agamas (14 Purvas, 11 Angas, etc.), and the Jain council held at Vallabhi under Devardhigani Kshamasramana. It also mentions Bhadrabahu Swami's Niryukti, Dharmadasa Gani's Upadeshmala, Umaswati's Tattvarthadhigama Sutra, Siddhasena Acharya's works, and Padalipta's writings.
- The Final Chapter: Describes Jain art, sculpture, and architecture, emphasizing the ideals and the impetus given by the Jain community to their development.
A Call to Action for the Jain Community: The preface concludes with a strong appeal to the Jain community, especially its learned members and monastic orders, to embrace modern research methodologies. They are urged to fulfill their "fatherly debt" to their heritage, address the neglect of Jainism by scholars of other religions, and develop the vast, unexplored aspects of Jain literature to counter unfair accusations leveled against Jainism.

In essence, the text is a passionate plea for the Jain community to actively engage with its history and scholarship, highlighting the importance of works like Chimanlal Shah's as catalysts for this much-needed revival and deeper understanding.