Vastupalnu Vidyamandal Ane Bija Lekho - Book Summary

Certainly, here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Vastupalnu Vidyamandal ane Bija Lekho" by Bhogilal J. Sandesara, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Vastupalnu Vidyamandal ane Bija Lekho (The Academic Circle of Vastupal and Other Essays) Author: Prof. Bhogilal J. Sandesara Publisher: Jain Office, Bhavnagar Publication Year: Samvat 2004 (1948 AD)

Overall Summary:

This book is a collection of scholarly essays by Prof. Bhogilal J. Sandesara, primarily focusing on Jain literature, history, and culture, with a particular emphasis on the contributions of the historical figure Vastupal and his contemporaries. The essays delve into various aspects of Jain intellectual and artistic life during the medieval period in Gujarat, highlighting the significant role of patrons like Vastupal in fostering Sanskrit literature and scholarship. The collection also includes essays on historical sites, inscriptions, and cultural practices, providing valuable insights into the broader Indian historical and literary landscape.

Key Themes and Content:

Vastupal's Academic Circle (Vastupalnu Vidyamandal):
- Vastupal's Significance: The book dedicates a substantial portion to Vastupal, a prominent minister and patron of arts and literature during the Vaghela dynasty in Gujarat (13th-14th centuries). He is portrayed not only as a skilled administrator and warrior but also as a learned scholar, critic, and poet himself.
- Literary Patronage: Vastupal, along with his brother Tejpal, actively supported and encouraged numerous scholars and poets, fostering a vibrant intellectual environment. The book identifies and discusses many of these scholars and their works, including:
  - Someshwar: The royal priest, a prolific writer of Kavya (epic poems), plays, and inscriptions, whose works like Kirtikaumudi and Surathotsava are crucial for understanding the history of the Vaghela kings and Vastupal's life.
  - Harishar: A scholar from the lineage of Shri Harsha (author of Naishadhiya Charita), known for his erudition and poetic skills, who engaged in intellectual debates and played a role in promoting Sanskrit literature.
  - Madan: Another scholar known for his debates and aphorisms.
  - Subhat: Praised for his poetic talent, especially his short play Dutangad.
  - Nanak Pandit: A learned Brahmin scholar adept in grammar, literature, and philosophy, who also contributed to the intellectual milieu.
  - Yashvir: A minister and friend of Vastupal, known for his diplomatic skills and literary contributions.
  - Arisinh: A Jain scholar who initiated the famous Jain poet Amarchandrasuri and wrote the epic Sukrut Sankirtan.
  - Amarchandrasuri: A renowned Jain scholar and poet, author of Balabharata and Kavyakalpalata.
  - Jayasinghasuri: Known for his historical play Hammirmadamardana.
  - Manikyachandra: An expert in rhetoric and author of the commentary Sanket on Mammata's Kavyaprakasha.
  - Balachandra: Author of the epic Vasantavilsa and the play Karunavadh.
  - Jayasinghasuri: Author of Hammirmadamardana and a praise of Vastupal-Tejpal.
- Vastupal's Literary Works: The book mentions Vastupal's own compositions, including the epic Naranarayanananda, stotras (hymns), and numerous subhashitas (aphorisms).
- Intellectual Hub of Dholka: Under Vastupal's influence, Dholka became a true center of learning.
Other Essays on History, Archaeology, and Literature:
- Sarnath: An essay detailing the historical and religious significance of Sarnath as a major Buddhist center, the site of Buddha's first sermon, and its archaeological importance.
- Bhardu: A Bird of Folklore: This essay explores the mythical bird Bhardu (or Bharunda) in Indian folklore and literature, its descriptions, symbolic meanings (especially related to diligence and the dangers of duality), and its presence in Jain and other texts like the Panchatantra and Vasu-devahindi.
- Who is the Author of 'Prabandhakosha'? Muizuddin Who?: This essay critically examines a historical account in the Prabandhakosha concerning an encounter between Vastupal and a figure identified as Muizuddin. It discusses the historical reliability of the account, identifying Muizuddin likely as Sultan Iltutmish of Delhi and analyzing the timeline of events.
- An Historical Jain Inscription: This essay presents and analyzes an inscription related to the Chandragachchha lineage of Jain monks, highlighting historical figures like Abhaydevasuri, Dhanesvarasuri, Bhadreshwarasuri, and Ajitsinhasuri, and their contributions.
- Sander: A Historical Village of North Gujarat: This essay discusses the historical and archaeological significance of the village Sander, examining its ancient temples, inscriptions, and local history, including its connection to Jain patrons.
- "Kshabandham Vidhadhati Na Te": This essay analyzes a verse by the poet Bilhana from his Vikramankadevacharita, which contains a critique of Gujarati dress and customs (specifically the absence of the 'kachcha' or lower garment) during the 12th century. It delves into the interpretation of the verse and the historical context of Gujarati attire.
- Some Historical Inscriptions: This section presents and discusses several historical inscriptions, including:
  - An inscription of Vastupal's grandfather, Som, from Samvat 1284.
  - A fragmented inscription from Kumarapala's reign related to Prabhaskhatra, possibly a Sun temple.
  - An inscription from Samvat 1594 regarding a Muslim official's religious endowment.
  - An inscription from Samvat 1300 at the temple of Shri Shreyansnath.
  - An inscription from Samvat 1683 related to the renovation of a pathway at Girnar.
  - An inscription on the footprints of Vijaydansuri from Samvat 1621.
  - An inscription from Samvat 1652 at the Vadi Parshvanath temple in Patan.
- "Gujarati Imperial Mughal Farmans": This essay discusses a collection of 21 Mughal firmans (royal decrees) pertaining to Gujarat, particularly focusing on those related to Shantidas Zaveri, the royal jeweler, and the Jain community. It highlights the historical importance of these documents in understanding Mughal administration and religious tolerance.
- Sobhagyapanchami Katha: This is a detailed presentation and analysis of an old Gujarati prose narrative describing the significance of the Sobhagyapanchami (Gyan Panchami) festival, emphasizing the virtues of knowledge worship and the consequences of its neglect, drawing parallels from previous births of the characters Varadatt and Gunamanjari.
- The Propagation of Naishadhiya Charita in Gujarat and its Commentaries: This essay traces the influence and study of Sri Harsha's Naishadhiya Charita in Gujarat, discussing its early arrival, the significant commentaries written by Gujarati scholars (both Hindu and Jain), and the availability of ancient manuscripts.
- A Chronological Framework (Samay Nirdeksh): A listing of the periods or contexts for the various essays presented in the book.

Methodology and Contribution:

Prof. Sandesara's approach is characterized by rigorous scholarship, meticulous research into manuscripts, inscriptions, and historical texts. He critically analyzes primary sources, cross-references information from different traditions (Jain, Hindu, Muslim), and often provides insightful interpretations of complex historical and literary data. His work contributes significantly to the understanding of medieval Gujarati history, Jain literature, and the socio-cultural milieu of Gujarat during that period. The book serves as a valuable resource for researchers and students of Indian history, literature, and religious studies.

Overall Significance:

"Vastupalnu Vidyamandal ane Bija Lekho" is a seminal work that illuminates a significant period of Gujarat's intellectual and cultural history. It highlights the role of Jain scholars and patrons like Vastupal in shaping the literary and religious landscape of India, offering a rich tapestry of historical narratives, literary analysis, and archaeological findings.