Viro Santo Aur Bhakto Ki Bhumi Mevad - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Viro Santo aur Bhakto ki Bhumi Mevad" by Hiramuni:

The book, "Viro Santo aur Bhakto ki Bhumi Mevad" (Mewar: The Land of Heroes, Saints, and Devotees), written by Hiramuni, highlights Mewar not only as a renowned battlefield for heroes but also as a sacred land for saints, a creative ground for poets, and a place of worship for devotees.

Introduction to Mewar: Mewar is described as a treasure-filled land, a crown jewel of Mother India. Encircled by the Aravalli mountain ranges, this picturesque region is not only geographically and historically beautiful but also resonates with the sweet, melodious voices of saints and devotees, imbuing every particle with sentiments of truth and auspiciousness. Mewar's land, filled with "Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram" (Truth, Auspiciousness, Beauty), has brought glory to Rajasthan and the entire Indian subcontinent.

Jain Cosmological Context and Mewar: The text then delves into Jain cosmology, mentioning the "Adhai Dvipa" (two-and-a-half continents) and the five Meru mountains. Jambudvipa is considered the most superior, with its Meru mountain being the largest and most beautiful. It emphasizes that natural beauty is inherent and self-created, with good karma being the force that cultivates and develops it. Jain principles classify karma into good and bad, which are active in creating both beauty and ugliness in nature. It asserts that the doers of these karmas are the worldly beings themselves. The "Adhai Dvipa" adorned with five Meru mountains is considered our karmabhumi (land of action). Jambudvipa lies at the center of these islands, and a part of Jambudvipa is known as "Bharat Kshetra," also called Bharatvarsha. Within this Bharatvarsha, in its central region, lies the fertile land of Mewar.

Geographical Location and Natural Resources: Geographically, Mewar encompasses present-day Udaipur, Chittorgarh, and Bhilwara districts of Rajasthan. Udaipur and Chittorgarh are largely mountainous, while Bhilwara is predominantly plains. The Aravalli mountains form a significant part of Mewar's natural boundary. The Jaraga range is located in the central Aravallis. The Aravalli mountains average 2383 feet above sea level, reaching up to 4315 feet in the Jaraga range.

The majority of Mewar's population cultivates crops like maize, wheat, sugarcane, and barley, with maize being a staple food. The region's primary wealth lies in its diverse mineral resources. Udaipur and its surroundings are a global attraction for mineral industries, with mines yielding zinc, silver, soapstone, emeralds, rock phosphate, and other precious minerals. Scientists believe there's potential for emerald mines between Nathdwara-Haldighati and Taragarh near Ajmer. Bhilwara is famous for mica. These mineral resources provide livelihood for many who work in the mines. Consequently, numerous small and medium-scale factories and industries have sprung up in Udaipur, Chittorgarh, and Bhilwara, employing many people.

Irrigation is primarily done through wells and canals. Historically, about 300 years ago, irrigation relied on water from mountain springs, not wells and canals. The terrain of Mewar is generally rugged. An anecdote illustrates this: when an Englishman requested a map of Mewar from Maharana Fateh Singh, the Maharana sent a roasted lentil crisp (papada) with the message that this represented the shape of Mewar.

Historical Background: The history of Mewar is a vast subject of research. It is believed that the Mewar state was founded in the sixth century by Guhil. Later, Bapparaawal (also known as Kalbhoj) became prominent and, in 734 CE, defeated King Mansingh of the Mori dynasty in Chittorgarh, bringing Mewar under his permanent control. The period following this is less clearly documented. In 1303, Alauddin Khilji attacked Chittorgarh, then ruled by Rawal Ratan Singh. Rawal Ratan Singh was defeated, and Chittorgarh was lost to the Guhil dynasty. In 1326, Hammir, a leader of the Sisodia dynasty, recaptured Chittorgarh, and his successors were known as Maharana. The Sisodia dynasty has ruled Mewar ever since, producing illustrious rulers like Rana Sanga, Udai Singh, Maharana Pratap, Maharana Fateh Singh, and Maharana Bhupal Singh. In 1559, Maharana Udai Singh founded Udaipur, which became the capital of Mewar.

A significant aspect of Mewar's historical background is that the Maharana's deity is Shri Ekling Ji, whose magnificent and artistic temple is located about 13 miles from Udaipur. The Maharana considers Shri Ekling Ji their king and themselves his Diwan.

Mewar as a Land of Dharma-Veers (Heroes of Faith and Duty): Mewar has given birth to numerous "Dharma-Veers" who sacrificed their lives for the protection of Dharma. Prominent Jain monks like Tapasvi Raj Shri Manmal Ji Maharaj, Pujya Shri Motilal Ji M., and the late Gurudev Shri Tarachand Ji Maharaj were born in Mewar. The land is also glorified by historical figures and brave warriors whose tales of valor echo through Mewar.

Padmini's Jauhar: In 1303, during Alauddin Khilji's invasion of Chittorgarh, when Rawal Ratan Singh was defeated, his exceptionally beautiful wife, Padmini, along with thousands of Rajput women, performed "Jauhar" (self-immolation) to protect their chastity and the honor of their land. This event, known as the first Jauhar of Chittorgarh, is a testament to the high moral character of Indian women.
Maharana Sanga: Maharana Sanga, also known as Maharana Sangram Singh, is revered for dedicating his life to the defense of Mewar. He fought 18 battles, losing an eye and a hand, and sustaining 80 wounds. In his final battle against Babur, he was wounded and fell unconscious. Upon regaining consciousness, he was eager to fight again, but his family, to save him from further harm, administered poison. Maharana Sanga's patriotism and devotion to Dharma are immortalized in history.
Second Jauhar: The second Jauhar of Chittorgarh is also famous. When Gujarat's Sultan Bahadur Shah attacked Mewar during the reign of Maharana Vikram Singh, the queen mother and other Rajput queens sought assistance from Emperor Humayun in Delhi. Though Humayun agreed, he arrived too late. The Rajput forces fought valiantly but were ultimately unsuccessful. Consequently, the queen mother and other Rajput women performed Jauhar.
Maharana Pratap: Maharana Pratap is synonymous with Mewar's identity, both in India and abroad. He sacrificed his life for Dharma, patriotism, and freedom. Born in 1567 Vikram Samvat, he ascended the throne of Mewar at the age of 32. At that time, Delhi was ruled by Akbar, before whom most Rajput rulers had bowed. Mewar had not accepted Mughal suzerainty, but much of its territory was under Akbar's control. Upon his coronation, Maharana Pratap vowed to achieve complete independence for Mewar. This led to immense hardship; he was forced to wander in forests, sleep on grass, and subsist on fruits and roots, yet he continued to fight for freedom. Akbar sent Raja Man Singh of Jaipur to persuade Pratap, but Pratap refused to submit, even considering it an insult to dine with Man Singh. Enraged, Man Singh returned to Delhi and led the Mughal army to attack Mewar in 1632 Vikram Samvat, leading to the historic Battle of Haldighati, near Nathdwara, which now stands as a memorial. Although Mewar suffered a defeat at Haldighati, with many Rajput warriors and chiefs losing their lives, and Pratap's loyal horse Chetak also perishing, Maharana Pratap refused to surrender to Akbar. With no army or wealth left, Pratap was about to leave Mewar when the wealthy Jain merchant Bhamashah stopped him and donated his entire fortune to Pratap's cause. With this wealth, Pratap raised a new army, fought several battles, and liberated most of Mewar, except for a few forts. He passed away after receiving a pledge from the Mewar chiefs to achieve complete independence. The indigenous Bhil tribe provided significant support to Maharana Pratap's freedom struggle, a debt that the Maharana's lineage still acknowledges.

The text includes a popular couplet: "Akbar jaasi aap Delhi paasi doosra. Punny raasi Pratap suyash na jaasi soorma." (Akbar will go to Delhi, the other will go to his own place. The glory of the virtuous Pratap will never be forgotten, O brave one.)

After Maharana Pratap, Mewar had many capable rulers like Raj Singh, Sajjan Singh, Fateh Singh, and Bhopal Singh.

Mewar as a Land of Saints and Devotees: Besides gems of heroism, Mewar is also a land that nurtures saints and devotees. It is likened to the fortunate Lakshmi who bears heroes.

Bhakta Shiromani Meera: Along with Maharana Pratap, the name of Bhakta Shiromani Meera is equally glorious and popular. Meera was a queen of Mewar, married to Yuvaraj Bhoj. She was a devout follower of Krishna, and her devotional songs sanctified the land of Mewar. Her verses on devotional conjugal love and separation are treasures of Hindi poetry.
Muniraj Rodidas Ji Maharaj: Muniraj Rodidas Ji Maharaj was a leading saint of Mewar, known for his immense ascetic power. A popular anecdote tells of his vow to accept alms from an elephant. When he went out for alms, an elephant approached him, understood his intention, and dropped sweets from a nearby shop into his alms bowl.
Sant Manmal Ji Maharaj: Sant Manmal Ji Maharaj is also highly respected in the lineage of devotees and saints. A narrative recounts his night's stay in a Bhairav temple in Khamnor near Nathdwara. It is said that on that night, the Bhairav deity and Ishtharak Devi were so pleased and impressed by the Muni that they began serving him. This story is still widely popular among the local people.
Bavji Chater Singh Ji: Kaviraj Shri Chater Singh Ji, from the Sisodia dynasty of Udaipur, was proficient in the Mewari language. He composed works reflecting the good and bad aspects of his era. He advocated for peace between Hindus and Muslims and had complete faith in God. His verses emphasize contentment with what God provides, accepting both hardship and ease, and never speaking harshly. He also criticized the prevalent evil of alcoholism among his brethren with sharp words. He also commented on the education system of his time, lamenting the decline of humility, simplicity, and restraint, and the loss of focus on the true purpose of education. He urged the sleeping Jagirdars to awaken from their luxurious lives.

The Charans and Bhats (poetic bards) of Mewar also played a significant role in inspiring bravery. They issued calls to soldiers during the burning of Chittorgarh, describing the Jauhar flames, the cremation grounds, and the sacrifices on that land. The text quotes a bard's stirring call to the Rajputs to remember the Jauhar flames of Chittorgarh and the valor of Rathore warriors, urging them to awaken.

The essay concludes by stating that Mewar has always been an honorable motherland, a beloved homeland. Its attire and language have continued independently. Its saints, ascetics, and deities are renowned. While a complete portrayal of Mewar is difficult, the author has attempted to provide a brief introduction in this essay.