Varsanu Vitaran

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided text from the book "Varsanu Vitaran" by Sukhlal Sanghavi:

The text, presented as a preface or introduction, discusses the concept of "inheritance" (Varasa) not just as a material transfer but as the transmission of knowledge, values, and civilization across generations. It uses the analogy of a "second birth" to describe the process of acquiring this cultural and intellectual inheritance.

Key Themes and Arguments:

• The Second Birth of Humanity: The author posits that humans, unlike animals, have the capacity for a "second birth" beyond their physical one. This second birth begins when an individual starts to absorb the accumulated wisdom, thoughts, and practices of past generations. While initial learning occurs in the home and society, formal education in schools and colleges provides a more structured and efficient distribution of this ancestral legacy. The writing and formalization of this knowledge make it accessible to the entire society.

• "Varsanu Vitaran" as an Example: The book itself, "Varsanu Vitaran," is presented as an example of such a societal-wide distribution of inherited knowledge.

• Critique of the Caste System: The text delves into the historical evolution of the caste system. It mentions the Purush Sukta's division of society into four functional classes, acknowledging that these divisions, initially fluid, became rigid and hierarchical over time due to birth. The author highlights the efforts to dismantle this rigidity, particularly emphasizing the contribution of Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi's revolutionary insight was that every individual, not just society as a whole, should be trained in all four functional divisions of work, thus advocating for a society where everyone has the potential to be a "chaturvarna" (of four orders) through skill and training, not just birth.

• Gram Dakshinamurti and Manubhai Pancholi: The text identifies Gram Dakshinamurti in Saurashtra as a significant center for this socio-educational effort. Shri. Manubhai Bhatt, a respected scholar, is credited as the main architect of this tradition. Shri. Manubhai Pancholi, known as 'Darshak', is identified as the author of "Varsanu Vitaran," who embodies this developmental tradition in his work.

• Historical Scope of the Book: "Varsanu Vitaran" covers a vast historical period, approximately 5,000 years, from ancient times up to the 7th century CE with the reign of Harshavardhana. The author intentionally skips the period from Harshavardhana to the present day (100-1300 years). The book is described as a special supplement and clarification of an earlier work called "Purvargan."

• The Nature of History in the Book: The author's approach to history distinguishes itself from traditional rote learning focused on kings and events. Instead, it explores the history of the entire populace's life and cultural development, essentially presenting a history of civilization.

• Chapter-by-Chapter Overview (Selected Highlights):

  • Chapter 1: Discusses the early Aryans, their industrious and simple lifestyle, and their interaction with indigenous populations (Saindhava, Dravidians, Kols, Santhals). It lays the groundwork for the conflict and eventual synthesis between Aryans and non-Aryans.
  • Chapter 2: Details the union of Aryans and non-Aryans, the key figures involved, the struggles for integration, and its positive outcomes.
  • Chapter 3: Explores the Ramayana as a reflection of this Aryan-non-Aryan synthesis. It delves into the debated origins of Valmiki and Vyasa, suggesting their potentially non-Aryan backgrounds were symbolic of this cultural merging and intended to foster equality. The author analyzes how the Ramayana depicts the role of non-Aryans in the glorification of Rama.
  • Chapter 4: Describes the Brahmanical era, tracing the evolution of elaborate sacrifices from simple ones, the growing influence and eventual excesses of the priestly class, and the subsequent Kshatriya revolt leading to a new cultural formation.
  • Chapter 5: Provides an introduction to the Mahabharata, noting its detailed depiction of the principle that "hatred does not cease by hatred." It contrasts the Mahabharata's narrative style with the abstract teachings of the Buddha. It highlights the Mahabharata's portrayal of moral dilemmas and the differing characterizations of figures like Rama (steadfast) versus Yudhishthira (opportunistic), Sita (patient) versus Draupadi (fiery). It also touches upon the ethical teachings within the epic, given by characters like Tula-dhara and Dharma-vyadha.
  • Chapter 6: Examines the philosophical questions posed in the Upanishads, such as the source of eternal happiness, the nature of desire, death, rebirth, and the relationship between the world and God. It connects these philosophical inquiries to the Vedic ideal of unity within diversity and the pursuit of knowledge, even through hardship, as exemplified by figures like Nachiketa. It also discusses the declining importance of sacrifices and the consequences of priest-patron dependency.
  • Chapter 7: Focuses on the contemporary leaders of Shramanic traditions, Buddha and Mahavir. It highlights their shared ideologies and contrasts their organizational structures (Sangha) with earlier philosophical movements. The author attributes the success and spread of their Sanghas to their emphasis on compassion and non-violence, and the support they received from various societal strata, including non-Aryans and different castes.
  • Chapter 8: Discusses the emergence of empires from republics and highlights Chanakya's role in consolidating imperial thought through his Arthashastra. It also covers Ashoka's transformation from military conqueror to a propagator of Dharma.
  • Chapter 9: Identifies and elaborates on key contributions of Aryans to civilization: the vision of unity and non-violence, respect for women, the Varnasrama system, and systematic, logical thinking.
  • Chapter 10: Traces different state systems from the Vedic period to the time of Buddha, concluding with a portrayal of political, religious, and economic life, characterized by the principles of "gana" (republics), "sangha" (religious orders), and "nigam" or "shreni" (guilds).
  • Chapter 11: Depicts the spread of Buddhism and Indian culture across Asia, both within and outside India, through monks, artists, merchants, and rulers. It mentions Fa-hsien and Xuanzang, noting that their accounts in "Purvag" are more detailed regarding social conditions than in this book.
  • Chapter 12: Covers the "Ashwamedha Punar-yug" (post-Maurya period), describing the resurgence of priestly dominance, the pursuit of royal patronage by both Brahmins and Shramanas, and the eventual Brahmanical supremacy over Shramanic traditions. It analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of Buddhist Sanghas and Brahmanical groups, and how the latter adopted some Shramanic traditions while shaping new Puranic faiths.
  • Chapter 13 (Final): Discusses the multifaceted positive outcomes of the intellectual and cultural competition between Shramanas and Brahmins, including advancements in medicine, mathematics, astronomy, sculpture, architecture, poetry, literature, language, and script. It also notes a decline in this spirit of endeavor.

• The True Purpose of History Education: The preface concludes by emphasizing that the real purpose of studying history is not just to be entertained by events, but to understand the causal relationships behind them. Effective history education cultivates the ability to analyze situations, predict outcomes, learn from past mistakes, and inspire purposeful action.

• Praise for the Book and Author: The review praises "Varsanu Vitaran" as a significant contribution to Gujarati historical literature for its structured presentation of cause-and-effect chains. It commends Manubhai Pancholi's extensive reading, richness of thought, balanced and fearless approach, and his ability to produce such a scholarly work without formal higher education. The book is also lauded for showcasing the power and versatility of the Gujarati language. It is deemed valuable for both students and teachers and is described as so engaging that readers will find it hard to put down.

In essence, the preface positions "Varsanu Vitaran" as a scholarly work that illuminates India's civilizational journey, emphasizing the transmission of knowledge and values across generations, critically examining societal structures like the caste system, and highlighting the intellectual and cultural achievements that shaped the Indian subcontinent.