Virchand Raghavji Gandhi Ka Jivan Charitra - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Virchand Raghavji Gandhi Ka Jivan Charitra," focusing on its content regarding Virchand Gandhi's life and work:

This biography, "Virchand Raghavji Gandhi Ka Jivan Charitra," authored by Shyamlal Vaishya Murar and published by Jainilal Press, serves as a tribute to the life and contributions of Virchand Raghavji Gandhi, a prominent figure in the Jain community and a significant advocate for Jainism in India and abroad.

The introductory sections of the book emphasize the importance of biographies of noble and duty-conscious individuals for inspiration and guidance. It highlights that following the examples of great personalities is crucial for personal and societal progress. The author notes a perceived lack of such biographies in Hindi and stresses the need for more works that can uplift the nation and inspire future generations. The text posits that individuals who dedicate their lives to the service of humanity are those who truly bring heaven to earth.

Virchand Gandhi is presented as such a great soul, a "Karmveer" (man of action) who dedicated his entire life to public welfare. He is lauded not only for his service to the Jain community but also for his significant contributions to broader public and national causes. He is described as a true patriot who worked tirelessly for the upliftment of his country and countrymen, citing his efforts to send a ship full of food from America during a famine and his establishment of educational missions as strong evidence of his patriotism. His role in dispelling misconceptions about Indians in America is also highlighted.

Key aspects of Virchand Gandhi's life and work covered in the text:

Early Life and Education: Virchand Gandhi was born on August 25, 1864, into a modest but respected family in Mahuva, near Bhavnagar in the Kathiawad region. His father, Raghavji bhai, was a skilled jeweler and a deeply religious man. Although his father did not receive formal modern education, he was a social reformer who abolished the ritualistic mourning practice of "matha kootna" (beating one's head) in his own home, setting an example for the community. Virchand received his early education in Gujarati and later attended an English school in Bhavnagar. He was a bright and diligent student, passing his matriculation at the young age of 16 in 1880. He then pursued higher education at Elphinstone College in Bombay, graduating with a B.A. in the second division in 1884, making him the first B.A. from the Shwetambar Jain community, a feat celebrated by the community.
Leadership in Jain Associations: In 1882, the Jain Association of India was established by the Shwetambar Jains. Virchand was appointed its secretary in 1884 (Samvat 1941), marking the beginning of his significant public service. The Association aimed to foster brotherhood among Jains across India, promote their social, moral, and intellectual progress, manage trust funds, prevent animal slaughter, and facilitate religious and political reforms.
Advocacy for Jain Rights and Religious Sites:
- Shatrunjaya Mountain Dispute: The text details a significant dispute concerning the Shatrunjaya mountain, a sacred Jain pilgrimage site. There was a conflict between the Jain community and the ruler of Palitana, Thakur Surajsinh, over the imposition of a tax on pilgrims. Virchand played a pivotal role in negotiating a settlement with Thakur Man Singh (Surajsinh's successor) and the British government, which ultimately led to the abolition of the oppressive two-rupee tax in exchange for a fifteen-thousand-rupee payment from the Jain community, valid for forty years. This demonstrated his strong negotiation skills and dedication to protecting Jain religious interests.
- Sammed Shikhar Incident: In 1891, an Englishman named Mr. Beddome intended to establish a fat-making factory and slaughterhouse on Sammed Shikhar (known to the British as Parasnath Hill), a holy site for Jains. The Jain community protested, and after an unfavorable ruling in a lower court, the case was appealed to the High Court. Virchand traveled to Calcutta, learned Bengali, translated crucial legal documents, and used ancient inscriptions and manuscripts to prove Jain ownership of the mountain. His persuasive arguments in the High Court led to the overturning of the lower court's decision and the preservation of the sacred site, marking his second significant victory.
Representation at the Chicago World's Parliament of Religions: In 1893, Virchand Gandhi was chosen as the sole representative of the Jain community to attend the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago. He diligently studied Jain philosophy under Acharya Vijayanand Suri (Swami Atmaram ji) to prepare for this crucial role. His participation in the Parliament was highly successful. He eloquently presented the ethics and philosophy of Jainism, drawing significant attention and admiration from attendees and the international press. An American newspaper's review highlighted that no other Oriental scholar was listened to with greater interest than the young Jain layman who expounded the ethics and philosophy of his people. This marked the first time Jainism was formally presented to the Western world by a Jain representative.
Promoting Jainism in India and Abroad:
- Bombay Lectures: Upon his return to Bombay in June 1895, Gandhi established the "Hemchandracharya Study Class" to teach Jain philosophy, including concepts like karma, rebirth, and the nature of matter and consciousness. He also lectured on Jainism at various institutions, including the Bombay Philosophical Society and the Theosophical Society, gaining recognition among non-Jain scholars.
- Second Visit to America and England (1896-1899): He was invited back to America to further propagate Jainism. During this period, he also spent time in England, studying law (barristry). His lectures in both countries were well-received, and he founded the "Gandhi Philosophical Society" in America to foster a continued interest in Jain philosophy.
- Third Visit to America (1899 onwards): On his third visit to America, he received further honors, including a silver medal from the Parliament of Religions organizers and a gold medal from the city of Cascadog for his lectures. He delivered numerous lectures on various aspects of Jainism, such as "What is Jainism?", "Philosophy and Psychology of the Jains," and "The True Laws of Life." He also successfully appealed to the Secretary of State in India on behalf of the Jain community.
Early Death and Legacy: Despite his extensive public service and the demands of his work, Gandhi's health deteriorated due to his relentless efforts. He passed away on August 7, 1901, at the young age of 37. The book laments his untimely demise, noting that his dedication to his religion meant he "left the world" at a young age but left behind a shining example of how a life can be lived with immense purpose. The author contrasts his impactful life with the lack of institutional memory or memorialization of his contributions within the Jain community.

The biography concludes by reflecting on Gandhi's humility, vast intellect, eloquent speech, and tireless work ethic, attributing his early death to his unceasing labor. It highlights his significant achievement in reintroducing Jainism to the world stage after centuries of its influence being largely confined to India. The book emphasizes his profound impact on the Jain community and his unique role as a pioneer in promoting Jain philosophy globally. The text also includes testimonials and honors received by Gandhi, including an address from the Mangrol Jain Sangit Mandli and a comparison of his work with that of Swami Vivekananda. The concluding remarks urge the Jain community to remember his sacrifices and to emulate his spirit of service.