Vastupal Tejpal Ni Kirttanatmaka Pravruttio - Book Summary

This comprehensive summary outlines the article "Vastupal Tejpal ni Kirttanatmaka Pravruttio" by M.A. Dhaky, which details the extensive philanthropic and architectural contributions of the brothers Vastupal and Tejpal, prominent ministers in Gujarat during the medieval period.

The article emphasizes Gujarat's significant role in enriching medieval Indian architecture, attributing this to the patronage of its rulers, ministers, and people. The distinct architectural style of Gujarat, known as the Maru-Gurjara tradition, flourished due to its inherent strength, scholarly architectural treatises, and continuous support. While temple architecture declined in North India under foreign rule, it remained vibrant in Gujarat and Rajasthan. Vastupal and Tejpal were instrumental in preserving, promoting, and protecting this ornate and artistic architectural tradition.

The author highlights that the detailed accounts of Vastupal and Tejpal's religious activities and constructions are found in contemporary poems, eulogies, and biographies composed by their admirers and scholars. Later authors also described these activities, sometimes with exaggeration. Through the analysis of various literary and epigraphic sources, the article establishes the vast and impressive scale of the architectural and sculptural works commissioned by the two brothers. The author aims to provide a detailed discussion of this important topic, noting the lack of comprehensive critical analysis previously.

The primary sources used in the article include:

Literary Works: Kirtikaumudi by Kavi Someshwar (c. 1221 CE), Shakunika Vihara Prashasti by Jaysinh Suri (before 1230 CE), Dharmodayam Mahakavya and Sukriti Kirtikallolini by Nagendragathvi Udayaprabha Suri (before 1230 CE and 1232 CE respectively), Sukrita Sankirtan by Arisinh (before 1231 CE), Vastupal Prashasti (major) by Narendraprabh Suri, Revantagiri Rasu by Vijayasen Suri (after 1232 CE), Abu Rasu by Palyanputra, Vasant Vilas by Balchandra (after 1240 CE), Prabandh Chintamani by Merutunga Acharya (1309 CE), and Vastupal Charitra by Jinharsih Gani (1441 CE). Later works, including Ras compositions by Hiranand (1429 CE), Lamisagar (1452 CE), Parsvachandra (1541 CE), Samayasundar (1626 CE), and Meruvijay (1665 CE), are also considered.
Inscriptions: Stone inscriptions from Girnar and Abu, as well as miscellaneous inscriptions from Shatrunjaya, Abu, Anhilwad Patan, Khambhat, Nagara, Larisa, Taranga, Dholka, Ganeshwar, and Prabhas.

The article categorizes their constructive activities into civic architecture (town building, water reservoirs like talavs, kunds, vapis, wells, streams, and resting shelters) and temple architecture (temple construction – Jain, Brahmanical, and Muslim; construction of devakulikas, spire crowning, construction of pathways, renovation of temples – Jain and Brahmanical, and installation of images – Jain deities, Brahmanical deities, and worshipper images). Other buildings include paushadhshalas, brahmashalas, dharmashalas, thashalas, satragaars, monasteries, and miscellaneous structures like toll pavilions, markets, and gardens.

The article then details their specific constructions at various significant locations:

Shatrunjaya: Vastupal had immense devotion to this pilgrimage site, undertaking seven and a half pilgrimages. He commissioned numerous structures, including golden finials, marble toranas, chapels (chatushikas), statues of various figures, and temples dedicated to different Jain Tirthankaras and deities. Tejpal also made significant contributions, including constructing a pathway (paj), a lake (sarovar), gardens (vatikas), temples, and chapels for his relatives. The article notes the destruction of some of these structures during later periods.
Padaliptapur (Palitana): Vastupal built the Lalitasar lake and associated structures for his wife Lalitadevi.
Girnar: Vastupal initiated several important works here, including toranas for the Neminath temple, statues of his father and grandfather, and temples dedicated to Rishabhdeva, and a complex known as "Vastupal Vihar." Tejpal also contributed, including a temple known as "Kalyan Tray," which was later renovated.
Vamansthali (Vanthali): Tejpal established a settlement and built a vapi.
Devpattana (Somnath): Vastupal constructed an Ashtapada temple and paushadhshala. Tejpal commissioned impressive statues of elephants and horses for his own glory and built a large Adinath temple.
Kuhedi village: Vastupal built a structure for ascetics.
Kodiyana: Vastupal renovated the Ambika temple and adorned the Neminath temple.
Ajaharpur (Una): Vastupal renovated a temple and built a garden and a vapi.
Madhumati (Mahuva): Vastupal added flags and golden finials to a temple.
Taladhvajpur (Talaja): Vastupal commissioned a temple for Rishabhdeva.
Arkapalita (Ankevalia): Vastupal built a temple for Lord Mahavir, a public water facility (prappa), a community kitchen (satra), a lake, a Shiva temple, and lodging for travelers.
Valabhi: Vastupal renovated a temple and built wells, tanks, and water facilities.
Virejath village: Vastupal built a Vastupal Vihar with lodging and facilities for pilgrims.
Valabhundr: Vastupal built a vatkupaandapika.
Kalingundi village: Tejpal built water facilities, while Vastupal commissioned a temple.
Vardhamanpur (Wadhwan): Vastupal constructed a large temple complex with 52 Jain temples and fortifications.
Dhavalakakka (Dholka): Vastupal built a large temple, a paushadhshala, and renovated other temples. Tejpal built a grand temple dedicated to Neminath.
Dhandhuktaka (Dhandhuka): Vastupal constructed an Ashtapada temple complex and renovated another. Tejpal added a gilded pavilion and built religious and educational institutions.
Ganeshwara: Vastupal added a pavilion to a temple.
Navasarika (Navsari): Tejpal constructed a temple with 52 Jain shrines.
Ghandivyapuri (Ganadevi): Tejpal built a Neminath temple.
Zhijharia village: Tejpal built a temple, a lake, and a vapi.
Bhrukukachha (Bharuch): Renovations and additions were made to the famous Shakunikavihar, including golden finials, statues, and temples. Tejpal also commissioned metal images and a large flag.
Vadakrishanpalli: Vastupal consecrated images in two temples.
Shuklatirtha: Vastupal built a satragaar.
Vatpadra (Vadodara): Tejpal built a magnificent temple for Parshvanath.
Vatkatpur (Akota): Tejpal renovated a temple.
Asovan village: Tejpal built a temple.
Darbhavati (Dabhoi): Vastupal replaced golden finials in a temple and commissioned statues. Tejpal built a Jain temple. The article notes the magnificent city gates of Dabhoi, likely built by Tejpal.
Pavakgiri (Pavagadh): Tejpal built several temples, but they are now destroyed.
Stambhanaka (Thambhana): Vastupal added golden finials and a staff to a temple and built a circumambulatory wall.
Stambhatirtha (Khambhat): Vastupal and Tejpal made extensive contributions, including building temples, chapels, pavilions, and renovating existing structures. Vastupal also commissioned several Brahmanical temples.
Ashapalli (Ahmedabad area): Tejpal built a temple and made additions to others.
Karnavati (Ahmedabad area): Tejpal added golden finials to a temple.
Kashahrada (Kasindra): Vastupal built a temple, and Tejpal renovated another.
Pattana (Patan): Tejpal undertook major renovations and constructions of several Jain temples, including the Panchasara Parshvanath temple and the Asaraj Vihar.
Baula village: Tejpal built a Neminath temple.
Vadnagar: Tejpal renovated a temple.
Vyaghapalli (Vaghela village): The ancestral temple was renovated.
Nirindragrām: A temple was renovated.
Sindhulgrammandal: Something was done in a temple.
Gogha: Tejpal built a grand temple of Ajitaswami.
Mandali: A settlement and temple were built.
Shankheshwar: The famous Parshvanath temple was renovated.
Serisaka: Images were installed in a temple, and a dharmaśālā was renovated.
Pranadpur (Palanpur): Temples were adorned with golden finials, and a settlement was established.
Bhimapalli (Bhiladiya): A grand temple was constructed.
Karkrapuri (Kakara): A temple was built, and statues were installed.
Adityapataka: A temple and metal images were made.
Vaya(ḍ?)grām: A temple was renovated.
Suryapur: A temple was renovated, and educational institutions were built.
Tharapadra (Tharad): A new Jain temple was built.
Umarasijgram: Water facilities were built.
Vijapur: Temples were adorned with golden finials.
Taranga: Images were installed in a temple.

The article also mentions contributions in regions adjacent to Gujarat, such as Arbudamandal (Arbuda hill) where Tejpal built the famous Lonavasahi temple, and Satyapur (Sachore).

Finally, the article touches upon Vastupal's alleged constructions in distant regions of Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Central India, and even Delhi, including temples in Nagpur, Shankhpur, Devapalli, Khetaka, Javatanagar, Khadirālaya, Chitrakuta (Chittor), Nasikya, Vasant Sthana (Avanti), Suryaditya, Gopagiri (Gwalior), and Yogini Pur (Delhi).

The author concludes by noting some discrepancies and controversial points, particularly regarding claims about the Dwaraka temple and its connection to Tejpal, suggesting that some of these claims might be based on later interpretations or interpolations. The article expresses a commitment to further research and potential future additions to the topic.