Vadodara Rajyana Sutradharo Ane Shrimant Sarkar Jog - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vadodara Rajyana Sutradharo Ane Shrimant Sarkar Jog" by Bhagwanji Jagjivandas Kapasi, based on the provided pages:

Title: Vadodara Rajyana Sutradharo Ane Shrimant Sarkar Jog (The Architects of Vadodara State and To His Highness the Ruler)

Author: Bhagwanji Jagjivandas Kapasi

Publisher: Satyendra Manilal Patel

Core Issue: The book is a critique and exposé of the perceived hypocrisy and changing stances of Mr. Dhirajlal Tokershi Shah, the editor of the Jain journal "Jain Jyoti," regarding a regulation or law concerning ascetic initiation (sanyas diksha niyamak niyam) in the princely state of Vadodara.

Author's Statement (Lekhak nu Nivedan - Page 2-4):

Bhagwanji Kapasi states that this small booklet is presented to the Jain community because the writings of Mr. Dhirajlal Shah have previously appeared in "Veer Shasan" (likely referring to the author's own publication). He believes the community needs to be aware of important matters.
The central purpose of the booklet is to highlight the "hypocrisy and hidden deceit" of Mr. Dhirajlal Shah, who, under the guise of a reformer and editor of "Jain Jyoti," has demonstrated contradictory and self-serving behavior.
The immediate trigger for this publication was Mr. Dhirajlal Shah's vehement criticism of the Vadodara state's regulation on ascetic initiation, which he initially described as an act of "animalistic royal power." He urged the Jain community to oppose it at all costs.
However, two years later, Mr. Dhirajlal Shah completely reversed his stance, writing in a manner diametrically opposed to his earlier writings. This drastic change raised questions in the author's mind about whether his past writings were truthful or if his current writings were driven by self-interest.
Kapasi aims to present these contradictory views from Mr. Dhirajlal Shah's own publications to the public, so the community can understand the "unpardonable change" in his stance.
He criticizes Mr. Dhirajlal Shah for resorting to abusive language due to a lack of arguments and for being swayed by envy. He urges Mr. Dhirajlal Shah to use his editorial platform for the true service of society, emphasizing that the current era is one of freedom, awareness, and reform, not deception or self-interest.
Kapasi also appeals to the officials of Vadodara State to read the booklet, reflect on its contents, and draw appropriate conclusions. He suggests that the current actions, which he describes as being influenced by someone named "Bhatai" (likely a derogatory term for a flatterer), are not only unbecoming of the ruler but also a discredit to the state of Vadodara. He urges them to consider the implications of someone who has turned against his own community and principles.

Key Accusations and Contrasting Statements of Mr. Dhirajlal Shah (Pages 5-44):

The core of the booklet lies in the direct juxtaposition of Mr. Dhirajlal Shah's statements from different periods, highlighting his supposed volte-face on the Vadodara State's regulation concerning ascetic initiation.

Initial Opposition (1989 - Pages 8, 12, 16, 17, 20, 27, 29, 31, 34, 38, 39):
- Mr. Shah initially described the regulation as causing "great uproar" in the Jain community, with most Jains opposing it and only a small number supporting it.
- He vehemently criticized the state's interference in religious matters, comparing it to dictating personal choices like diet, procreation, and education. He argued that such interference violates individual religious freedom.
- He stated that the state's interference in religious matters is not beneficial and could harm religious interests in the future.
- He asserted that only the Sadhu Sanstha (monastic order) has the right to maintain the sanctity of Jainism and that the law would cause a significant reduction in this order, making it unacceptable to the Jain community.
- He strongly condemned the regulation as a "tyranny" and a demonstration of the "animalistic force" of the state, stating that to defend the state's actions was foolish and against Jain interests.
- He criticized the state's decision to set the age of initiation at 18 as a form of deception.
Subsequent Support/Praise (1991 - Pages 8, 11, 16, 17, 19, 20, 27, 31, 34, 38, 41):
- Mr. Shah later claimed that the regulation was welcomed by the Jain Conference, various Jain communities, and many Jain thinkers and youth, who offered their "heartfelt blessings" to the ruler of Vadodara.
- He stated that the ruler, being a student of comparative religion, could not bear to see ancient Indian culture being tarnished and therefore took such steps.
- He suggested that the Jain community should correct its own mistakes to create a better image, implying that the state's actions were perhaps a reaction to internal issues.
- He advised that one should not spoil relations with the Vadodara State and that opposing the ruler would not yield any benefit.
- He described the opposition to the regulation as the work of "powerless men" and criticized those who organized protests as being "mad" and causing trouble.
- He described those who opposed the regulation as having "hatched a conspiracy" and being driven by a desire for personal victory rather than the community's good. He even alluded to them celebrating the regulation's passage with feasts.
- He praised the ruler's actions and compared him favorably to other rulers.

Author's Arguments and Criticisms of Mr. Shah:

Inconsistency and Hypocrisy: The author's primary argument is that Mr. Shah's statements are contradictory. He questions how Shah could denounce the regulation as an oppressive act of animalistic power by the state and then, just two years later, praise the same state and its ruler for the same regulation.
Self-Interest: Kapasi strongly suspects that Mr. Shah's change of stance is motivated by personal gain or a desire to appease the Vadodara State for some benefit, such as securing the project of writing the biography of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad.
Undermining Principles: Kapasi accuses Mr. Shah of abandoning his principles and resorting to slander and personal attacks when unable to counter the author's arguments with logic.
Misleading the Public: The author believes Mr. Shah is deliberately misleading the Jain community by presenting contradictory narratives.
Loss of Credibility: Kapasi asserts that such blatant inconsistency erodes the credibility of Mr. Shah as a journalist and a community leader.
Call to Action for the Community: Kapasi urges the Jain community to critically examine Mr. Shah's writings and not be swayed by his contradictory statements. He calls for a discerning approach and asks the community to judge him by his actions and consistency.
Criticism of "Bhatai" (Flattery): Kapasi uses this term to describe Mr. Shah's current behavior, suggesting he is acting as a flatterer for the Vadodara State.
Moral and Ethical Concerns: Kapasi highlights that Mr. Shah, who once preached decorum and respect, now uses abusive language and engages in personal attacks, thereby betraying his own principles.
False Accusations: Kapasi defends himself against any accusations of personal vendetta, stating his sole aim is to present the truth and expose hypocrisy for the benefit of the community.

Overall Tone and Purpose:

The booklet is highly critical and accusatory towards Mr. Dhirajlal Shah. Bhagwanji Kapasi aims to expose what he sees as a betrayal of principles, hypocrisy, and self-serving motives by a prominent figure in the Jain press. The book serves as a call for awareness and critical thinking within the Jain community regarding public figures and their pronouncements. It underscores the importance of consistency in principles and warns against the dangers of personal ambition undermining journalistic integrity and community welfare.