Vanshvruksha Vanshveli - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vanshvruksha Vanshveli" by Amichand Zinabhai Shah, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Vanshvruksha Vanshveli (Genealogy Tree/Vine) Author: Amichand Zinabhai Shah (from Vasalwala) Publisher: Abhaychandra Bhagwandas Gandhi Subject: Genealogy of the Shaha family belonging to the Visha Oswal, Chhajed (or Chajariya) gotra, tracing their lineage back to Pataji.

Overview and Purpose: The book presents a genealogical tree (Vanshvruksha/Vanshveli) of the Shaha family, originating from Pataji. The family migrated from Marwar to Kathiawad and settled in the village of Valav (Vallabhpur). Upon their settlement in Valav, they became known as "Dhadhari." The primary purpose of this book is to meticulously document the lineage of this specific family branch, providing a historical record of its members, their movements, and notable religious activities.

Key Information and Family History:

Origins and Migration: Pataji, the progenitor, migrated from Marwar to Valav in Kathiawad. The exact village in Marwar and the specific year of migration are not definitively known. However, based on historical records, such as a property sale deed from 1878 Vikram Samvat (VS) involving a house purchased by Pataji's descendants from a Brahmin, it is estimated that Pataji likely migrated in the 17th century CE (Vikram Samvat 17th century).
Compilation and Preparation: The genealogical tree was compiled by Amichand Zinabhai Shah through extensive efforts between VS 1986 and 1994. He gathered information from the records of "Kalgar-Vahivancha" (genealogists/bards) and other sources in Windla.
Publication: The book was published by Abhaychandra Bhagwandas Gandhi from Bhavnagar. The publication was undertaken with the inspiration of Muni Maharaj Shri Jayantvijayji Maharaj.
Updates and Inclusions: The genealogical records were updated to include births up to Diwali of VS 2002 and even subsequent births that came to the publisher's notice. The publishers acknowledge that some children born after 2002 might have been missed.
Religious Activities and Asceticism: The book notes religious activities and instances of initiation into asceticism (diksha) within the family that occurred after VS 1930. Information is included only for events for which details were available. Information prior to VS 1930 was not found or included.
Accuracy and Corrections: The publishers emphasize that the genealogical tree was prepared and printed with great care and research. They invite anyone to report any errors or discrepancies in names for correction in the original manuscript.
Aspirations: The publishers conclude with a prayer to the "Shashandev" (guardian deities of Jainism) for the family members to engage in good deeds for the service of religion and society, wishing them prosperity in all aspects.

Genealogical Structure: The book details the lineage starting from Pataji, then his son Sataji, followed by Moolchand, Mava, and then branching out. The primary branches are introduced as:

First Branch (Shakha Pehli): Descendants of Gokalbhai. This branch traces back to Valav and then further branches out to members who settled in Sihor.
Second Branch (Shakha Bijji): Descendants of Tejpal, who also settled in Sihor.
Third Branch (Shakha Triji): Descendants of Mavji, tracing back to Sihor.
Fourth Branch (Shakha Chauthi): Descendants of Galalchand, also originating from Sihor.
Fifth Branch (Shakha Panchmi): Descendants of Shamji, linked to the Second Branch and based in Sihor.
Sixth Branch (Shakha Chhathi): Descendants of Gobaar bhai, linked to the Fourth Branch, with one member settling in Palitana.

Notable Individuals and Events Mentioned in the "Tippanu" (Notes):

Harakhchand (1): Took diksha at the age of 32 in VS 1971 in Udaipur, becoming Jayantvijayji. His younger sister, Amar, also took diksha in VS 1986 and is known as Ishri. Both are currently practicing asceticism.
Moolji (2): The first wife of the original Seth (Moolchand) took diksha and maintained it for many years.
Panachand Harichand's wife: Took diksha and was named _____.
Dayalji Zinabhai (3): Led a procession (Sangh) to Shri Sinhachalamji from Sihor in VS 1957.
Nyalchand Dayalji (5): Along with Talakchand Gobar, led a railway procession to Girnarji in VS 1977. His second wife, Nembahen, took diksha in VS 2003 and is named _____.
Gopalji Dayalji's sons (6): Shri Harichand, Shri Hathichand, and Shri Nyalchand Gopalji are credited with significant religious and charitable activities:
- Managing the Sihor temple for 50-60 years.
- Consecrating the Moolnayak deity in the Valav temple.
- Contributing to the maintenance of permanent "Aangi" (devotional decorations) for Moolnayak deities in Sihor, Valav, Ghogha, and Talaja.
- Making donations for the annual Varsi Tap renunciation ceremony at Palitana.
- Establishing permanent "Oli" (religious fasting and rituals) observances in Sihor.
- Donating Rs. 1101 to the Oswal community for permanent "Attarvar" (fragrant oil application) ceremonies in Sihor.
- Donating Rs. 4100 for Kesar and Chandan in the Sihor temple.
Gulabchand Harichand's wife, Jemkunvar (7): Led a procession to Girnarji in VS 1991. She and her daughter Hansa took diksha in Sihor in VS 1993, accompanied by grand celebrations. They were named Nandanashri and Hansashri, respectively.
Jamnadas Harichand (8): Took diksha at the age of 52 in Ahmedabad in VS 1992, named Munirakhay. His daughters Vijaya and Mangala also took diksha, named Vijayashri and Madanrekhashri.
Himmatlal (9): Son of Bhai Chand Hathichand, took diksha at 28 in Palitana in VS 1996, named Harshvijayji. His wife Champabai and daughter Bachu also took diksha, named Sulashishri and Sunandashri.
Amichandbhai (10): Born in VS 1930, he entered business at 18 and established a metal utensil shop in Wadhwan Camp, becoming known as "Vasalwala." He is described as a religious person with faith and devotion. He is the compiler of this genealogical tree.
Galalchand (11): Mentioned as having migrated from Sihor to Valav-Vallabhpur.

In essence, "Vanshvruksha Vanshveli" is a meticulously researched genealogical document providing a historical and spiritual account of the Shaha family of the Visha Oswal, Chhajed gotra, highlighting their origins, migration, and significant contributions to Jainism through religious practices and ascetics.