Chapter
VIII
Jaina
Monks, Statesmen and Árävakas1
Introduction
Almost simultaneously with the
nirväîa of Mahävīra his chief disciple (Gaîadhara), Indrabhüti Gautama,
attained Kevala-jņäna and after his own nirväîa was succeeded by
Sudharma, and the latter, in his turn, by Jambu Svämi. The total period allotted
to these three gurus is 62 years (i.e., 527-465 B. C.). All the three were, like
Mahävīra, Arhat Kevalins and they attained nirväîa. Both the Digambara
and the Ávetämbara accounts are in perfect agreement as to their respective
names, character and total period.
After the three Kevalins came the
five Árutakevalins, one after the other. The Digambara accounts allot to them a
total period of 100 years, whereas the Ávetämbara accounts that of 116
years. The names of the first four gurus are different in the two traditions,
but they are in full agreements as to Bhadrabähu I being the last guru of this
group. They do not differ as regards the twelve-years famine that took place in
Magadha in his times nor as regards the consequent emigration of the Jaina
Saãgha under his leadership. But while the Digambara tradition states that the
Saãgha migrated to the South, Ávetämbara tradition says that Bhadrabähu went to
Nepal. The origin of the great schism, which later on developed into Digambara
and Ávetämbara sects, is ultimately traced to this event.
In the Ávetämbara tradition, after
Bhadrabähu's departure Sthülabhadra assumed the leadership of the Saãgha in
Magadha. After the famine was over he convened a council at Päûaliputra, at
which the remnant of the Sãgha left behind in Magadha tried to put in order the
sacred lore. In M.E. 827-840 (or A.D. 300-313) a second council was convened at
Mathura under the presidentship of Ärya Skandila at which whatever could be
gathered from different monks was fixed in the form of the canon.
Simultaneously, another council was held at Valabhī by Nägärjuna Süri and it
also made a similar attempt. But the two versions disagreed in many points and
hence no redaction took place. Finally, in M.E. 980 (or 993), i.e., in A.D. 453
(or 466,) at another council at Valabhī held under the chairmanship of
Devarddhigaîi an attempt to reconcile the different readings of the former
councils was made and the available texts were finally written
down.1
In the Digambara tradition, after
Bhadrabahu I came one after the other 33 successors of Mahavira and they took
683 years in all It is believed that the original canonical knowlege lasted only
up to the end of this period. About this time the redaction of the surviving
canonical knowlege was undertaken by the Digambara Acäryäs. A part of the
traditional (canonical) knowlege was redacted by Dharasena., Puspadanta and
Bhutbali and another by Gunadhara, Äryamankhu and
Nagahasti.
Dharasena may be safely assigned to
circe A.D 40-75 Pu˙padantä to circe A.D. 50-80 and Bhutlabali to circa A.D.
66-90 and the competition of the Saûkhandagama to circa A.D. 75. Gunadhar who
wrote Ka˙äya-pahuda may be safely assigned to about (circa A.D. 25),
Aryamankhu to circa A.D. 50 and Nagahasti circa A.D. 130-132. Thus within hocy a
century (A.D. 25-75) the surviving Digambara canonical knowlege was finally
reduce is writing.
Jainism prospered in India because
of the vast canonical literation and the dedicated activities of the ideal Jaina
monks, trüsted statesmen and devoted Árävakas.
Jaina monks were not only great
scholars but also they possessed high character. Whatever they preached, they
practised in their lives. They preached ethics and a spiritual way of life. They
wandered from place to place for the propagation of Jainism. They preached in
the language of the masses. As these saints were ever moving about and were
reticent about biographical details, very little is known about their personal
lives. Some Jainas also acted as trusted statesmen of kings and emperors. They
were truthful and sincere. They were generally honest in the performance of
their duties. Some Árävakas who were rich, were devoted to their
religion. They constructed temples and installed images in them. They led
Saãghas to holy places. They got prepared copies of the manuscripts for
presentation to the monks. They were so much enlightened that they exercised
check on the monks if they deviated from the teachings of
Jainism.
A.
jaina Monks
1.
Kundakundächärya
: Kundakunächärya occupies a unique position in the history of Jainism. He
belonged to Mülasaãgha and his own lineage (i.e. Kundakundänvaya) with
its many subsequent branches and sub-branches spread far and wide. To trace
their spiritual lineage from Kundakunda has been looked upon as a proud
privilege by Jaina monks of the Digambara Section, As many as three major
Saãghas being known to have this Anvaya. He is also reputed to have
established the superiorty of Jaina scriptures and to have made them popular all
over Bhärata Kshetra. Many later authors are greatly indebted to him and some of
his works have proved to be a milch cow for later commentators for quotations,
and his Samayasära in particular is studied with devotion by all the
Jainas without any distinction.1
As regards the question of domicile
of Kundakunda, there is no doubt that he belonged to the South. His very name,
Koîâakunda appears to be Dravidian and looks like the name of a Kannaâa town or
village. Later writers specifically mention that he belonged to the town of
Koîâakunda, and there still exists a village of this name about 8 kms. from
Guntakal railway station which is associated with the life of Kundakunda. He is
said to have performed penance in the nearby cave. A similar tradition connects
him with Nandi hill.
The date of Kundakunda has been a
baffling problem. Scholars generally advocate that Kundakunda belonged to the
first century A.D. It is possible to suggest that he lived in the second century
A.D. Kundakunda along with the six teachers in succession is mentioned in the
copper plate inscription of 466 A.D.2 If we take 150 years for the six
teachers, the time of the first teacher Gunachandra will be about 316 A.D.
Guîachandra was not actually the pupil of Kundakunda but only in his line.
Therefore, Kundakunda must have lived in the second century A.D. at least 100
years before Guîachandra.3
In later works and inscriptions,
Kundakunda is mentioned by several names. The epigraphic records generally give
his name as Koîâa,-Kunda, Kundakunda being the Sanskrit form of the same.
Devasena (933 A.D.) and Jayasena (1150 A.D.) refer to him as Padmanandi. Several
inscriptions and writers of the 14th century and onwards mention that he
was also known as Vakragrīva, Gôiddhapichchha and
Elächärya.
There are certain main traditional
facts1 regarding the life of Kundakunda.
Kundakunda flourished after the division of the original Jaina church in to
Ávetämbaras and Digambaras. He is the Áishya of Bhadrabähu. On the
authority of the Árutävatära, Padmanandi of Kundakundapura traditionally
received the knowledge of Siddhänta consisting of Karma and
Kashäya-präbhôita and he wrote a huge commentary on half of the
Shaûkhaîâägama. Kundakunda, on the authority of Jayasena and Bälachandra,
is said to have been a contemporary of Áivaskandha Mahäräja of the Pallava
dynasty. He is the author of Tamil classic Kural.
As far as the Digambara Text
tradition was concerned, the important texts as a whole had fallen into oblivion
during the time of Kundakunda. In order to meet the religious needs of the
community, he wrote works on the basis of traditional text knowledge inherited
from early teachers. The traditional aspect of Kundakunda's work is clear from
the fact that his work have some common verses with some texts of the Ávëtämbara
canons which being a common property in early days have been preserved by both
the sections independently. The well known and available works of Kundakunda are
Samayasära,
Pravachanasära, Paņchästikäyasära, Niyamasära,
5. Rayanasära, 6. Ashtapähuda, 7.
Bärasa-aîuvekhä, 8. Daáabhakti and 2 A.D. All are written in
Prakrit language.
2. Umasvämi : Umäsvämi was the
celebrated author of the Tattvärtha Áutra. He is held in high esteem by
the Jainas. The Tattvärthä Áutra is one of the original works on
philosophy. It is also called the Mokshäsastra, and it occupies high
place in Jainism. It is the first known Jaina work in Sanskrit and contains some
357 pithy Sütras divided into ten chapters. The earliest available
commentaries on the Tattvärtha are of all the Digambara Scholars of
repute, viz. Püjyapäda (5th Century), Akalaõka (7th century) and
Vidyänanda.
In literature as well as
inscriptions, Umäsvamī is invariably mentioned just after Kundakunda and before
Samantabhadra. The Digambara tradition, however associates him with the
Kundakundänvaya of Nandi Saãgha. The Paûûävalī of the Saãgha informs that
he succeeded Kundakunda himself in 44 A.D. Sometimes, he is described as a
disciple of and sometimes as born in or belonging to the line of Kundakunda. The
influence of Kundakunda's works and of the red-acted canonical texts has been
traced in his Tattvärtha. A verse usually found at the end of his work
and some inscriptions also mention. Gridhapichchha as a sobriquet of
Umäsväin.1
The Ávetambara called Umäsvämī by
the name Umasväti. The author also wrote a commentary on the Tattavärthä
Sütra, according to the Ávetämbaras, although the Digambaras deny the
authenticity of this Bha˙ya. This commentary was known to the Ávetämbara monks
even in the early seventh century A.D. if not earlier. Both Siddhasena Gaîa
(C.600 A.D.) and Haribhadra (minddle of the eighth century) knew this
Bhashya. According to the Praáasti at the end of this
Bhäshya. Umäsväti was a monk belonging to the Uchchanägarī Áäkhä
which was a branch of the Kuâiya (Kolidya) gaîa and was quite popular in
the Mathura region as known from the inscriptions. We further learn from the
same Bhäshya that he was residing in Kusumapura or Päûaliputra at the
time of its composition. He was a Brähmaîa of the Kaubīshaîi gotra and
his father's name was Sväti and mother was called Vätsī. His preceptor in
respect of initiation was Ghoshanandi Kashamäáramaîa and grandpreceptor was
Vächakamukhya Áivaárī His teacher in respect of education was Vächakächärya Müla
and grand-preceptor was Mahävächaka Muîâpäda.
3. SÄmantabhadra : Sämantabhadra is
one of the greatest masters of Jaina literature. He was a brilliant and a great
preacher of the Jaina religion throughout India. He is the first writer to give
a most interesting as well authoritative exposition of the Syädväda
doctrine, and has been styled as the first composer of devotional prayers
(Ädya Stutikära).
Like other early authors,
Samantabhadra gives but little information about himself. Whatever is known
about him has been gleaned indirectly from his works, from the remarks of his
commentators and from several inscriptions (11th-15th century A.D.). The later
works like the Kathäkoshas and Räjävatī-Kathe also give some
information.
His known and available works
written in chaste Sanskrit are as followsAptamīmäãsä or
Devägamastotra, Yuktyänuáäsana, Svayambhustotra, Jina
Stutiáataka or Stutividyä and Ratnakaraîâa Árävkächära.
His first known commentator is Akaläna (C.625-75 A.D.) followed by Vidyänandi
and others.
There is much controversy regarding
the date of Samantabhadra. The traditional date of Samantabhadra is Áaka 60 (138
A.D.), and as B.A. Saletore
observes, "Credence may be given to the tradition that Samantabhadra seems to
have lived about 120-185 A.D.1
In the works of Samantabhadra, the
description of Jaina ascetics as purely 'forest recluses' befits only to the
times prior to about 300 A.D. The traditional Digambara chronology places
Samantabhadra two generations before Püjyapäda. Püjyapäda is placed in the
latter half of the fifth century A.D. Hence, It is justified to hold the view
that Samantabhadra belonged to century A.D.2
As known from the
Räjavalī-Kathe (1834 A.D.), Samantabhadra was a Tamil. He had close
association with Käņchi. The Kathäkoshas (11th to 15th centuries)
describe as the naked ascetic of Käņchī. Besides Käņchī, he was also closely
associated with the rulers of Karahäûa (modern Karahada), the ancient and
probably the first capital of the Kadambas of Banaväsī.
According to tradition, the royal
disciple of Samantabhadra was Áivakoûi, Áivakoûi was probably none other than
Áivaskanda Árī, the second ruler of the Kadamba dynasty. He is known to have had
Jaina learnings. Tradition says that he abdicated the throne in favour of his
son Árī Kaîûha who was probably the Kadamba king. He is said to have intervened
between Áivaskanda Árī and Áivaskanda Varman (Early part of the 3rd century, a
predecessor of Mayüravarman Kadamba of the Chandravalli record assigned to 258
A.D.).
The original name of Samantabhadra
was Áäntivarman who was probably a younger son of the Näga chief. He seems to be
identical with Killikavarman Choâa, the ruler of Uragapura (or Uraiyur
modern Trichinopoly within the
Phaîimaîâala or the South Indian federation of Näga chiefs.1 With his namesake, it is possible
to identify him with some chief of the Kadamba dynasty.
His personal achievements are to be
found for the first time in the 11th century Kathäkoáa of Prabhächandra.
In this work, Samantabhadra is represented as calling himself the naked ascetic
from Käņchī. He is further shown as the preceptor of Áivarya, the author of the
Ärädhanä. That work delineates him as visiting places like
Puîâravardhana, Daáapura, Väräîasī, Päûaliputra, Käņchī, Mälava, Sindhu, Ûakka
(Punjab) and Karaîäûaka. It appears that Samantabhadra was an itinerant
Sädhu and was universally respected for his vast learning and mesmeric
personality.
4. Áivärya : Áivärya is the author
of the Ärädhanä, also called Mülärädhaņa or
Bhagavatī-ärädhanä which is a very important and ancient Prakrit text
mainly dealing with the conduct of Jaina ascetics. It is believed to have been
the ultimate source of the Jaina Kathäkosha literature which is
represented by the Kathäkoshas of Harisheîa (931 A.D.),
Prabhächandra (980 A.D.), Árīchandra (1066 A.D.), Brahma Nemidatta, Rämachandra
etc. A number of Prakrit, Sanskrit and Kannaâa commentaries were written on this
work. The earliest available commentary is the Vījayodayä-ûikä in
Sanskrit written by Aparäjita Süri, also known as Árīvijaya (700
A.D.).
The author Päîitalabhojī Áivärya
supplies information at the end of his work by mentioning the names of his three
teachersÄrya Jinanandi Gaîi, Ärya Sarvagupta Gaîi, and Ärya Mitranandi Gaîi. The term
"Päîitalabhojī' is distinctively a Digambara epithet used for their
ascetics. Besides his three Gurus, he also mentions Bhadrabähu who is
said to have died peacefully in spite of great suffering. The prefix Ärya
and the suffix Gani used by Áivärya with the names of his 'gurus'
are quite similar to those used in the Mathura inscriptions of the
Áuõga-Áaka-Kushäîa period. This points out that the author belonged to the
North.
The author speaks of a peculiar form
of funera1 which shows that the dead body used to be left away in some open
space in the forest to be disposed off by birds and beasts. This ptactice was
prevailing in a tribe named oreital which lived in South-Western Sindh during
the period of Indo-Greeks.
Yativôishabha : Yati Vôishabha is perhaps the
most important author from a historical point of view. He is known to have been
the author of three important worksthe Chürîī-Sütras on the
Kashäyapähuâa of Guîadhara, the Karaîa-Áütras containing
Mathematical formulae and the Tilvyapaîîati, an early Prakrit text on the
subject of cosmology. Although it mainly deals with the nature, shape, size
divisions and subdivisions of the universe, it also incidentally gives much
information on Jaina doctrine, Puräîic traditions about the Tīrthaõkaras and
other heroes and about ancient Geography and on political history of ancient
India such as the dynastic, chronology, commencement of the 'Áakas' rule and
their eras and so on. At the same time, the work is highly valuable for the
study of the development of the science of Mathematics in ancient times. This
work has undergone many recensions or transformations.
The question is how much of it
corresponds to the original text, and what is the author's date. Scholars like
Premi, Mukhtar and Upadhye assign this work and its author
to the end of the fifth century A.D. Phool chandra Shastri has shown that it
must be a later compilation made probably by Jinasena (837 A.D.) on the basis of
the original work.
Yati-Vôishabha is held in high
esteem and is considered a very ancient scholar by the writers of the Seventh
century onwards. His predecessors Äryaãaõkhu and Nägahasti are equally owned and
respected in the tradition of both the sects Äryamaõkhu has been assigned to the
first century A.D. While Nägahasti has been proved to have belonged to shcent
A.D. Yati Vôishabha has been described as Änteväsī (associate, Junior
colleague or immediate disciple) of Nägahasti. Hence, Yativôishabha seems to
have belonged to 150-180 A.D.1
Püjyapäda
Devanandi
: Jain tradition, both
literary as well as inscriptional, place Püjyapäda Devanandi in between
Samantabhadra and Akalaõka (C.625-675 A.D.). His real name was Devanandi but he
is generally known by the title 'Püjyapäda'. He was an eminent author, and a
master of several branches of learning. He wrote his works in Sanskrit, both
prose and verse, of a high quality. He was in his times, the chief pontiff of
the Nandi or Deáīyagaîa, a branch of the Müla Saãgha of
Kundakunda's line. He was probably the first Jaina Guru to devote himself
to the writing of valuable secualar works, besides religious ones. He was a
great grammarian and also the master of the medicine.
Püjyapäda appears to have been the
head of a great center of learning at or near Talkad, the capital of the Western
Gaõgas in south Kraîäûaka.
The Western Gaõga rules Durvinīta
was a devotee and a pupil of Püjyapäda, Durvinita's father Avinīta Koõgini is
said to have himself appointed this scholarly monk as a teacher of his son even
before the latter's accession to the throne. As Püjyapäda's fifty year
pontificate indicates his long life, his date may safely be fixed, as 464-524
A.D. The known works of this great master areJainendra Vyäkarîa,
Sarvärthasiddhi, Daáabhaktyädi saãgrah, Samädhitantra,
Ishtopadeáa and Säntyäshûaka.1
7. Siddhasena Diväkara :
Siddhasena Diväkara2 is identified by some with
Kshapaîaka. Traditionally, he is regarded as one of the nine gems of the
court of Vikramäditya. That he flourished in the Gupta period is indirectly
proved by the fact that he is mentioned by Püjyapäda (early 5th century) in his
Jainendra. According to a tradition among the Jainas, Siddhasena Diväkara
performed a miracle during Vikramäditya's time in the celebrated Mahäkäla temple
of Ujjayini. He is the author of the two well known works namely
Nyäyävatära and Sanmatitarka Sütra. Both the works deal with
logic. Siddhasena also wrote a commentary on the famous work of Umäsväti. In his
work Sanmati-Áutra, we find for the first time a comparative study of
different Brahmanical and Buddhist systems of Philosophy and their criticism
from the Jaina point of view.1 In the Seventh century
Chürîī namely Ävaáyaka-chürni, of Jinadäsa, Siddhasena Diväkara is
mentioned, Haribhadra (8th century) was also thoroughly acquainted with the
philosophy of Siddhasena Diväkara.
8.
Devardhigani Kshamäáramaîa : Devardhigaîi Kshamäáramaîa was
the great Ávetämbara pontiff who convened a Council of the Ávetämbara scholars
at the city of Valabhi (Gujarat) in 453 A.D. It was at this council that the
redaction of the entire canonical knowledge that had been preserved by the
Ávetämbara section was finally undertaken. There were differences of opinion
about the readings of the texts and some of them had several different versions
each. It seems that Devardhigaîi acted simply as an editor and he reduced to
writing the scriptures which had come down to him by word of mouth. This attempt
of preservation by redaction of traditional knowledge opened a new era in the
cultural progress of the country. It gave an unprecedented impetus to the
creation of voluminous exegetical literature in the form of Niryuktis,
Chürîis, Bhäshyas, Vôittis and Ûīkäs, which is very
valuable for the study of ancient historical traditions and cultural conditions.
The attempt of preservation of Jaina canon by Devardhigani is
noteworthy.1
9. Mänatuõga : Mänatuõga is the author
of the celebrated Bhaktämara of Ädinäth Stotra. According to a
tradition, he was a contemporary of Mayüra and Bäîa (606-647 A.D.) at the court
of king Harsha. Mänatuõga according to a Paûûävali of the Bôihadgachchha,
was a minister of Vairīsiãha (933 A.D.) of the Paramära
dynasty.2
10. Akalaõka : Akalaõka is one of the
greatest scholars in the history of Indian Logic. Like majority of ancient
thinkers, he gives practically no information regarding his personal life. In
the Kathäkoáa of Prabhächandra, Akalaõka has been mentioned as the son of
the Minister of king Áubhatuõga of Mänyakheûa. A number of writers beginning
from Vädiräja and Prabhächandra refer to Akalaõka's debating skill and his
victory over the Buddhists. The earliest source that refers to this event is a
tenth century inscription of the reign of Bütuga II. Later Jaina writers and
authors of epigraphs have referred to this feat of Akalaõka with evident pride.
The patron of Akalaõka, according to the Kathäkoáa of Prabhächandra was
Áubhatuõga, but the Akalaõka Charita mentions one Sähasatuõga in whose
reign Akalaõka defeated the Buddhists. Prabhächandra further informs that the
debate took place in the court of Himaáītala, who was evidently a contemporary
of Áubhatuõga. But the evidence of Akalaõka Charita is confirmed by the
Áravaîa-Belagola inscription No. 67 which refers to Akalaõka's patron as
Áahasatuõga, who is generally identified with Dantidurga (middle of the eighth
century). Akalaõka was actually a contemporary of Dantidurga, and flourished in
the middle of the eighth century A.D. It has further been suggested that
Himaáītala of Akalaõka tradition should be identified with the king of Kaliõga.
Since Akalaõka knows the Buddhists and Brahmanical scholars, who flourished even
in the seventh century, we will be justified in placing him in the eighth
century A.D.
Apart from his
Tattvartharäiavärtika, which is a commentary on the famous book of
Umäsvami. Akalaõka is the reputed author of the Ashûaáatī, a precious
work of Jaina philosophy dealing mainly with logic. It is a commentary on the
Äptamīmäãsa. of Samantabhadra. Another well-known works on logic by him
is the Nyäyaviniáchaya. His other works are Laghīyastrayī
Prakarana and Svarüpa Sambodhana. A treatise work on expiatory rites
called Präyaáchita grantha is also ascribed to him. The Pramäîa
Saãgraha is also ascribed to Akalaõka.1
Haribhadra
Süri
In the eighth century, probably
between 705 A.D. and 775 A.D., Haribhadra, the most distinguished Jaina scholar,
lived in Rajasthan. He was born in a Brähmaîa family at Chitraküûa, the modern
Chitor. He was the Purohita of a king named Jitäri about whom history
knows nothing. Being a Brähmaîa by birth, he was thoroughly well acquainted with
the Brähmaõical works of Philosophy. He was not only a literary but has
authority on Logic. He wrote in both Sanskrit and Prakrit. He was also at home
with the Buddhist Logic. He wrote, the well known commentary on Dinnäga's
Nyäyapraveáa.
It is said that Haribhadra was
deeply inspired by a Jaina nun; and as a result of it, he embraced Jainism.
Being asked by his Guru to write 1444 volumes, he wrote a number of books
on Logic, Yoga, Dharma, Ethics etc. Out of them only about fifty are now
available. He is the earliest Sanskrit commentator of the canon, and his
contributions to Jaina Logic are outstanding. He commented on the
Anuyogadvärasütra, Ävaáyakasütra, Daáavaikälikasütra,
Nandisütra, Prajņäpaîasütra etc. Besides his commentaries on
Ägamas, he wrote the Anekäntajayapatäkä and Anekäntavädapraveáa,
in which he not only expounded the Jaina philosophy of Anekänta but also
criticised current philosophical systems. He inaugurated a new era in Yoga
literature by writing the Yogabibdu and Yogadôishûi-Samuchaya. In
his Shad-daráana-Samuchchaya, he gives a brilliant exposition of the
different systems of philosophy. He wrote the Dhürtäkhyäna,
Samaraichchakahä and Kathäkoáa in Prakrit. In the
Samaraichchakahä he throws some light on the condition of Jainism. The
rivalary between Jainism and Buddhism was very keen in his
time.
Haribhadra Süri raised the powerful
voice against the abuses of the Chaityaväsī sect. He found Jaina saints living
in Chaityas and maûhas. They used their wealth for their personal
good. They put on even coloured or scented clothes. They ate food or sweets
fetched by the monks. They sold idols and purchased children in order to make
them their disciples.
12. Siddharshi : The next distinguished
Jaina monk of Rajasthan is Siddharshi born at Árīmäla in Marwar. He was the son
of Áubhaãkara. He was initiated and was named Siddharshi. In 906 A.D., he
composed the allegorical novel named Upamitibhavapraņchäkathä. The Saãgha
being pleased conferred the title of 'Vyäkhyänakära' on
him.
Later on, he made a deep study of
Buddhism, so much so, that even the Buddhists held him in high esteem for his
scholarship and highly virtuous life. In course of time, the title of Süri was
conferred on him by his Guru.
13. JIneávarasüri : Jineávarasuri occupies a prominent
place in Jaina history. His early name was Árīdhara. He and his brother Árīpati
were Brähmanas by caste. They came to Dhäränagarī where they met a rich man
named Lakshmīpati. He introduced them to Vardhamänasüri. Being impressed by
their deep scholarship, Vardhamänasüri initiated them into Jainism and
instructed them to preach it.
At this time, the Chaityaväsī sect
was very powerful. Actually, Vardhamänasuri rose in revolt against it and
founded Vidhimärga; but Jineávarasuri by his efforts organized its followers
into a community and made it countrywide. He went to Aîahilapura where the
Chaityaväsis were very strong. He stayed in the house of the Purohita Someávara.
He defeated Surächärya, the leader of the Chaityaväsīs, in the court of the king
Durlabharäja at Päûaîa and got the title of 'Kharatara'. He established his own
sect known as Vidhimärga at Aîahilapura. Later on, it was known as the
Kharataragachchha. Then his reputation spread to neighbouring regions like
Marwar, Mewar, Malva, Vägaâa, Sindh and Delhi, and a large number of Árävakas
became his devoted followers.
Jineávarasuri and his young brother
Buddhisägarasüri generally lived and moved together. In 1023 A.D. they were at
Jäbälipura (Jalor), where Jineávarasuri wrote commentary on the
Ashûakasaõgraha of Haribhadra and Buddhisägarasuri completed the
Svopajņa Paņchagranthī.
Jineávarasuri brought about a
renaissance in Jainism, and, therefore, he is called the 'Yugapradhäna'. New
temples known as Vidhichaityas were built. There came also some change in the
form of worship. New Gachchhas, new castes and new Gotras also came into
existence. The original Áästras were revised and several commentaries
were prepared. He had a large number of disciples, the chief among them were
Abhayadeva, Jinachandra and Jinabhadra.1
14. Jinavallabhasüri : The next
great Jaina saint is Jinavallabhasüri, who was the follower of Chaityaväsi sect
in the beginning. At Päûan, he got an opportunity to study the scriptures under
Abhayadevasüri, the saint of Vidhimärga. As a rsult, he gave up the Chaityaväsī
sect and accepted Vidhimärga. At his directions, his followers constructed the
Jaina temples known as Vidhichaityas.
At this time, the followers of the
Chaityaväsi sect were powerful in Mewar. With a view to diminishing their
influence, Jinavallabhasüri left Pätan for Chitor, where he converted a large
number of people to Jainism and celebrated the consecration ceremony of several
images and temples. From Chitor, he came to Dhärä. The King invited him to his
palace, where he listened to his religious discourses. He was so highly pleased
with his extraordinary poetic talent that he offered him a Jägira of three
villages and a handsome present in cash. He did not accept either of them but
requested that the king should grant two parutthadrammas daily from his
customs house for the maintenance of two Kharatara
temples.
From Dhärä, Jinavallabhasüri came to
Vägaâa, where he addressed large gatherings. He also came to Nagaur where the
installation ceremony of Nemijinälaya was performed under his supervision. As he
converted several people to Jainism, it was natural for him to from many
Gotras.1
15. Jinadattasüri : Jinadattasüri is
one of the great Jaina monks, who propagated Jainism in Rajasthan. He was born
at Dhavalakapura in 1075 A.D. in Hümbaâa caste. His parents were Vadhiga and
Vähaâadevī. His early name was Somachanda. His dīkshä Guru was Vächaka
Devabhadragaîi, and he was given the name of Somachandra Muni. Being impressed
by his extreme austerities and genius, Dharmadevopädhyäya made him Ächärya at
Chitor in 1112 AD. and named him Jinadattasüri.
Jinadattasüri was widely respected
even by the Rajput rulers of Rajputana and Gujarat for his learning and piety.
The Chälukyan rulers Karîaräja and his son Siddharäja respected him.
Jinadattasüri was a contemporary of Arîoräja Chauhäna of Ajmer, who honoured the
Ächärya by visiting him at his own place and by granting his followers a
suitable site for a big Jaina temple. He converted a large number of people to
Jainism and established many Gotras. Besides, he is said to have given dīkshä to
500 monks and 700 nuns. Having installed Jinachandrasüri on his seat, he expired
in 1154 A.D. at Ajmer. On account of his popularity among the masses, he came to
be known as Dädäjī.1
16. VÄdiáridevasüri : Devasuri was born
in 1143 A.D. at Madhuvatī near Mount Abu in the Prägväûa family. He was the son
of Vīranäga and Jinadevī. When cholera broke out in the town, Vīranäga left the
town and came to Bharoch. The early name of Devasuri was
Pürîachandra.
From his very childhood,
Pürîachandra was highly intelligent. He impressed a Jaina monk who asked his
master to give the boy to him. He was given dīkshä in 1152 A.D. and was
named Rämachandra. Within a short time, he became well-versed i the science of
tarka, lakshaîa, pramäîa and literature; and scholars began
to admire his scholarhip. He defeated his opponents in the discussion held at
Dhavalakapura, Kashmir, Sanchor, Chitor, Gopagiri, Dhärä and Bharoch. Impressed
by his deep scholarship, the Guru installed him on the seat of Ächärya in 1174
A.D. and gave him the name of Devasüri.
Then Devasuri came to Dhavalakapura
on the invitation of Udaya and performed the installation ceremony of the image
of Sīmandharasvämi. From there, he travelled to Mt. Abu for pilgrimage. In
course of his journey, Árī Devasüri came to Nagaur. Ahidäna, the ruler of this
place, received him warmly. In the meanwhile, Siddharäja, the ruler of Gujarat,
wanted to besiege Nagaur but when he was informed of the presence of Devasüri,
he returned Then he invited Árī Devasuri to Patan and kept him there for four
months.
Árī Devasuri defeated the famous
Digambara Jaina Saint of Karîätaka named Kumudachandra in the discussion held in
the court of the king Siddharäja Jayasiãha. In 1147 A.D., he got the Jaina
temple constructed in the town called Phalavardhikä (Phalodhi) and performed the
installation ceremony of the image. In the town of Arasana also, the image of
Nemijina Was installed.
17. Hemachandra : The most prominent
Jaina monk is Hemachandra under whom Jainism prospered greatly both in Rajasthan
and Gujarat. He was born in 1089 A.D. at Dhandhuka, a town in the district of
Ahmedabad and was named Chäõgadeva. His parents were Chächiga and Pähiîī of
Árīmoâha caste. Both the parents were adherents of the doctrine of Jina. Pähiîī
handed over her son to a monk named Devachandra. The circumstances which led
Chäõgadeva to enter the order of Yatis are more or less romantic. Devachandra
took the body with him to Cambay where he was first initiated in the temple of
Pärávanätha in 1093 A.D. this occasion, the famous Udayana held the usual
festival and Chäõgadeva received the name of Somachandra. In 1105 A.D., he was
ordained as Ächärya at Nägaur by Devasüri. On this occasion, he again changed hi
name and was now cailled Hemachandra.
The parton of Hemachandra was
Jayasiãha Siddharäja, who felt attacted and impressed by his deep and wide
scholarship, used to listen to his discussion. Hemachandra helped Kumärapäla in
securing his accession to the throne. He is said to have foretold that Kumarpal
was going to be the future ruler of Gujarat. It was for this reason that he had
deep reverence for the Jaina religion. Kumärapäla was originally a devotee of
Áiva but was converted to Jainism by Hemachandra. After his conversion which is
said to have taken place in 1159 A.D., he aspired to make Gujarat model Jaina
state. He personally gave up hunting animals, eating meat and using intoxicants,
dice-playing and animal fights. In addition, he erected, the Jaina temples and
favoured the literary and scintific efforts of the Jainas.
Hemachandra was called the
'Omniscient of the Kali age' (Kalikäla Sarvajņa), the title which he well
deserved. He was more a scholar than a poet. By his efforts, Jaina literature
made considerable progress in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. His
contributions to the general Sanskrit literature are also noteworty. He wrote
useful and important works on grammar, lexicography, poetics, prosody,
philosophy and history.
Hemachandra's services to education
were as remarkable as his literary activities. He trained a number of pupils who
have left works on various branches of Sanskrit literature. The chief among
those pupils are Rämachandra, Guîchandra, Mahendrasüri, Devachandra,
Vardhamänagaîi, Udayachandra, Yaáaáchandra and Bälachandra.1
18. Jinakuáalasüri : Jinakuáalasüri is
the most popular Jaina saint and is also known as Dädäjī. He was born in the
village Samiyäîä in Marwar in 1280 A.D. His original name was Karmaîa. In 1290
A.D., he received initiation from Jinachandrasüri and was named Kuáalakīrti. At
Nagaur in 1310 A.D., he was given the title of Vächanächärya by Jinachandrasüri.
In 1319 A.D, Jinachandra passed away and the title of Süri was given to
Jinakuáala at Patan amidst great rejoicings.
Räjapati of Delhi made arrangement
for the sojourn of Jinakuáalasüri. He passed through Kanyänayana, Narhad,
Phalodhi, Marukoûa, Nagaur, Merta, Jalor, Árīmäla and at last reached Patan. The
members of the Saãgha reqested Jinakuáala to accompany them. He consented and
started from patan and reached Áatruņjaya where he performed several religious
activities. He worshipped the idol by composing new stotras. Yaáodhara
and Devendra were initiated to monkhood by him. He celebrated the installation
ceremony of the image of Neminätha. The consecration ceremony of the images of
Jinapatisüri and Jineávarasüri was also performed by him. On the occasion of
Nandīávaramahotsava, Sukhakrtigaîi was given the title of 'Vächanächärya.'
Afterwards, he returned to Patan with the Saãgha safely.
In 1324 A.D., Viräûamahotsava was
celebrated at Patan with great rejoicings for fifteen days under the guidance of
Jinakuáalasüri. The images of the Tirthaõkaras and the Ächäryas were sent to the
various places such as Jalor, Devaräjapura, Áatruņjaya etc. Tejapäla celebrated
the Nandīávaramahotsava at Patan in which Sumatisära, Udayäsara, Jayasära and
Dharmasundarī were initiated into monkhood. The famous Árävaka of Bhīmapallī
named Vīradeva called Jinakuáalasüri form Patan to Bhīmapallī and requsted him
to accompany the Saãgha to Áatruņjaya. After passing through various cities and
villages, the Saãgha reached Áatruņjaya. He celebrated the consecration ceremony
of the Vīra Chaitya at Bhīmapallī, Chintämaîi Pärávanätha temple at Jaisalmer
and Pärávanätha temple at Jälor.
The Árävakas of Sindh invited
Jinakuáalasüri for propagation of Jainism. He went there and organised various
ceremonies such as the Pratishûhä, Vratagrahaîa, Mäläropaîa and
Nandīmahotsava in order to give an impetus to Jainism. He wandered
through various places and impressed the people by his religious discourses.
This caused a great religious awakening among the people. He spent a rainy
season at Devaräjapura where he caught high fever and died in 1352
A.D.
Jinakuáalasüri was a distinguished
scholar, well-versed in different branches of learning like grammar, law,
literature, prosody, astronomy, magic etc. He could not contribute so much to
literature as he was engaged in other activities. So great was his influence
that, in his honour, a number of stutis, stotras, padas and
Chhandas have been composed in many a village, city and holy place. The
people of Svagachchha, Paragachchha, Sthänakaväsī and Teräpanthī worship him
with great devotion.1
19. Hīravijayasüri : The most
distinguished Jaina teacher at the time of Akbar was Hīravijayasüri. He was the
leader of the Tapägachchha sect of the Jainas and was born at Palanapur. He was
the som of Kumära and Näthī of the Bīsä Osaväla family. His original name was
Hīrajī. He was initiated to religious life by Vijayadänasüri in 1539 A.D. and
was named Hīraharsha. After getting education from Muni Hariharsha, he went to
Devagiri in the south in order to learõ Nyäyaáästra from Naiyäyika Brähmaîa. He
made a close and deep study of various branches of
learning.
After his return from the Deccan,
Vijayadevasüri made him a Paîâiûa in 1551 A.D. Next year, he was made a
Upädhayäya at Näâläi. Then in the same year, he was made a Süri at Sirohi. On
this occasion, Chäõga Mehatä, a descendant of Dhannä Poraväla, the builder of
Ranakpur temple, celebrated a great festival.
In 1582 A.D. when Akbar heard of the
lofty virtues and deep learning of Hīravijaya, he ordered the Viceroy of
Gujarat to request him to visit his court. In response to the summons of the
vicerory, the monk went to Ahmedabad where he exchanged views with the royal
representative. He refused to accept all the costly gifts presented to him and,
in accordance with the rules of his order, he started on his long journey ot
Fatehpur Sikri on foot.
On his way, passing through
Bīsalapur, Mahäsana, Patan, Baradi, Siddhapur and other places, Hīravijaya
reached Saratara. At this place lived a Bhīla Chief named Arjuna. He along with
his eight wives came to hear Sürijī's sermon, and he took a vow not to kill any
innocent animal. He then went to Abu; and Räva Surtäna of Sirohi welcomed him
and took a vow to refrain from drinking, hunting and meat eating. After that,
passing through Sanganer, Chätsu, Bayänä and Mathura, he reached Fatehpur Sikri
where he was accorded a royal reception; and Abul Fazl was asked to look after
his comforts until the emperor found leisure to converse with him. After much
discussion upon the problems of religion and philosophy first with Abul Fazl,
the Muslim luminary of the age, and then with Akbar, he paid a visit to Agra. At
the close of the rainy season, he returned to
Fatehpursikri.
From the inscription by Hemavijaya
dated 1593 A.D., in the porch of the eastern entrance of the Ädinätha temple of
Áatrunjaya hill, it appears that Hīravijaya persuaded the emperor in 1592 A.D.
to issue an editct forbidding the slaughter of animals for six months, to
abolish the confiscation of the property of the deceased persons, the sujijia
tax and Áukla, to set free many captives, snared birds and animals and to
present Áätrunjaya to the Jainas. Fishing was also prohibited at
Fatehpursikri.
In 1596 A.D., Hīravijayasüri came to
Nägaur where he spent the rainy season. Mahajala, the finance minister of the
king Jagamala, treated him with great respect. Indraräja, an official of Bairat,
invited him; but he could not go and sent hi pupil Kalyäîavijaya for the
performance of the consecration ceremony. After that, he went to Abu and then to
Sirohi where he spent the rainy season on the persuasion of the ruling chief. On
his advice, Räva Surtäna abolished some taxes. Once the Räva had imprisoned one
hundred innocent Árävakas due to certain misunderstanding. The leaders of the
Saãgha had tried their best to secure their release but the Räva did not listen
to them At last, he released them on the advice of Sürijī.
From Sirohi, Hīravijaya came to
Patan where he spent the next rainy season. From there, he started for
Pälithänä. The function was organized in his honour which was attended by
several Jainas. He also passed the rainy season at Uîä. Äjamkhän, the governor
of Gujarat, came to pay his respects. It was all due to Süri's magnetic
personality and the honour given to him
by Akbar. At this time, Jämasähiba of Jämanagara with his minister named
Äbajī Bhaîasälī reached Uîä to pay his compliments to the Ächärya. Hīravijaya
also induced the official Khän Muhammad to give up violence. He celebrated the
consecration ceremony of the temple in 1595 A.D. and in the same year, he
starved himself to death in the approved Jaina fashion.1
20. Jinachandra : Jinachandra was a
famous Ächärya of the Kharataragachchha sect. He was born in 1508 A.D. at
Khetsar in Jodhpur of Árīvant Áäha and Áirīyadevī of Bīsä Osaväla family. His
orginal name was Sultan. He received his initiation in 1547 A.D. from
Jinamäîikyasüri and his dikshä name was Sumatidhīra. In 1555 A.D., he
obtained the title of Suri form Guîaprabhasüri.
While Akbar was holding his court at
Lahore, he heard the fame of the Süri and wanted to hear him. He suãmoned
Mantrīávara Karmachandra Bachchhävata and requested him to invite the sage to
his court. Considering his old age and hot season, Karmachandra pleaded that it
would be difficult for him to come from Cambay. Then, the emperor asked him to
write a letter to send his disciple Mänasiãha whom the Süri sent along with six
other religious followers. Receiving also an urgent letter from Karmachandra,
the Süri started his journey on foot, gradually reached Sirohi and observed the
Chaturmäsa at Jalor. Afterwards, he started, and passing through many
villages and cities, reached Lahore in 1591 A.D. with thirty- one Jaina Paîâitas
in a great procession and was courteously received by the emperor. After a
religious discourse on Ätman, ahiãsä etc., he was conducted to his
residence. He used to come daily to the palace for the discourse on religion.
Akbar used to address him as a Great Master
(Bôihadguru).
Hearing of the destruction of the
Jaina temples at Dwarka, Jinachandra prevailed upon Akbar to issue an imperial
farmän for the protection of the Jaina holy places such as Áatruņjaya,
Pälithänä and Girnar. The necessary order was sent to Azamkhän, the Subedär of
Ahmedabad. The places of pilgrimage were put in charge of
Karmachandra.
Just before starting for Kashmir,
Akbar, met the Süri and at his instance issued a farmän ordering
the prohibition of the slaughter of animals for seven days (Navamī to
Pürîimä, every year in the month of Äshäâha. Akbar with the
disciples of Jinachandra namely Mänasiãha, Harshaviáäla and some others reached
Kashmir and observed the vow of non-violence for eight days. He returned to
Lahore in 1592 A.D. At this instance, Jinachandra gave the title of Ächärya to
Mänasiãha, calling him Jinasiãhasüri. On the advice of Karmachandra, Akbar gave
the title of 'Yugapradhäna' or 'Chief of the Age' to Jinachandra. At the
persuasion of Süriji, Akbar gave protection for a year to all animals of the sea
adjoining Cambay, the palce of pilgrimage.
Jinachandra was held in high esteem
by Jahangir also. In 1611 A. D., being incensed at the misconduct of the
dissolute Darsaîi, Jahangir not only banished him but ordered that members of
other Jaina sects should also be ousted from the realm. This caused wide-spread
consternation amongst all sections of the Jainas. The news reched
Jinachandrasüri who travelled from Patan to Agra and called on the emperor.
After a prolonged discussion on religion, Sürijī succeeded in persuading the
emperor to withdraw the order. He breathed his last in 1613 A.D. at Bilärä in
Marwar.1
21. Jinasiãhasüri : After
Jinachandrasüri, his paûûadhara Jinasiãhasüri became the leader of the
Kharataragachchha. In Rajasthan, he mostly lived at Bikaner, Sirohi etc. In the
Árī Jinasiãhasürigīta of Räyasamundra, it is related that he had great
influence on Jahangir. At his request, the emperor assured safety to all living
creatures. He conferred upon him the title of 'Yugapradhäna'. In 1616 A.D.,
Jinasiãhsüri spent the Chäturmäsa at Bikaner. In the
Jinaräjasüriräsa composed in 1624 A.D. by Árisära, it is written that
Jahangir was much anxious to see him, and he sent an officer to Bikaner to
invite him. But unfortunately, he died in 1617 A.D. on his way to
Agra.
The event mentioned in the Jaina
räsa is more or less of the legendary character, intended to glorify the
Jaina order, and can only be accepted when supported by some contemporary
evidence. The attitude of Jahangir to Jinasiãha (Alias Mänasiãha) and towards
the Jainas, as it is made to appear in them, does not seem to have been
correctly represented. At the time of Khusru's rebellion, Mänasiãha prophesied
that Jahangir's reign would last only for two years. This encouraged Räyasiãha
of Bikaner to rebel. He was, however, pardoned by Jahangir who waited for an
opportunity to punish Mänasiãha. In 1616 A.D. when Jahangir went to Gujarat, he
persecuted the Jainas as their temples were the centres of disturbance and their
religious leaders were accused of immoral practices. He summoned Mänasiãha to
the court but the latter took poison on his way from Bikaner and died. Evidently
there seems to be more truth in these facts than the above concocted
story.
(B)
Jaina-Statesmen
In early times, carrer was thrown
open to talents, and talented Jainas captured many important offices. In those
days, the heads of different departments of the State-Provincial Governors,
Prime Ministers and Daîâanäyakas were known as Mantrīs and
Ministers and acted as Commanders of the Army.
South
India
1.
Árutakīrti :
Árutakīrti was the General of the Kadambas. He and his descendents were great
patrons to Jainism. They were devoted to the Ächäryas of the Yäpanīya
Saãgha. From his inscription,1 it is known that he donated
Badovara land for his own merit to the Arhantas. This land was
situated in Kheûaka village which he got from his master Kadamba ruler named
Käkusthya Varmä. In another inscription,2 Árutakīrti has been praised, and he
has been mentioned as Bhojaka or belonged to Bhoja dynasty. He was a favourite
of Käkusthyavarma. Môigeáavarmä, grandson of Käkusthya Verma, assigned Kheûa
village in charity to the wife of Árutakīrti and mother of Dämakīrti. Jayakīrti,
elderson of Dämakīrti, gave the Kheûaka village to Ächärya Kumäradatta of
the Yäpanīya Saãgha for the merit of his parents.
2. Chämuîâaräya : Chämuîâaräya was
well known by the name 'Räya'. He was a great warrior, sincere, and devoted to
Jainism. We get information about his life from several inscriptions of his time
and the Chamuîâaräya Puräîa written in the Kaîîada language. He was born
in the Brahmakshatra Kula as known from his inscription.1 He was the Senäpati
(Commander of the Gaõga ruler Räyamalla IV, and also his father Märasiãha III.
Räyamalla IV and Märasiãha III were the feudatories of the Räshûraküûa rulers
Kôishîa III and Indra IV, and they won victories in battles. If we read
inscriptions2 along with the Chämuîâaräya
Puräîa, it becomes clear that Gaõga rulers Märasiãha and Rächamalla attained
victories for their masters Räsûraküûa rulers Krishaîa III and Indra IV through
their Senäpati Chämuîâa Räya. In his inscriptions, he was given several
titles showing his bravery.
Chämuîâa Räya installed the famous
big image of Bähubali, a feat of sculptural art in monolith at
Sravaîabelagola3. He had two teachers namely
Ajitasena and Nemichandra Siddhänta Chakravartī. It is known from the
Áravaîabelagola inscription4 that this Senäpati built a
Basadi at Chikka beûûa. From another inscription,5 it is clear that his son
Jinadevaîîa, who was a disciple of Ajitasena Muni, also constructed a
basadi. He seems to be the foremost for the establishment and uplift of
Jinaáäsana.
3. Áantinätha : We know about Áäntinätha from the
inscription.6 He was a naural poet. His title was
Sarasvatī Mukha-Mukhara. His fame was wide. He requested Lakshma king for
transforming a wooden Jaina temple into stone. The name of this temple was
Mallikämoda Áantinätha.
There were several Jaina
Senäpatis associated with the Hoysala dynasty during the twelfth century
A.D. The most famous ruler of this dynasty was Vishîuvardhana. The credit for
his vast conquests goes to the eight Jaina Senäpatis. Their names were
Gaõgaräja, Boppa, Puîisa, Baladevaîîa, Mariyäne, Bharata, Aicha and Vishîu. The
Hoysala dynasty became famous in the South because of these
Senäpatis.
4. Gaõga RÄja : The chief among these
Senäpatis was Gaõgaraja.1 We know about his life from two
dozen inscriptions. There is mention of his conquests. He gave different kinds
of charities to the Jaina Munis and temples. His two Jaina teachers were
Meghachandra Siddhäntadeva and Áubhachandra Siddhäntadeva. He renovated several
fallen Jaina temples. One Jaina temple was known by his peculiar title
Drohagharatta. The Hoysala ruler Vishîuvardhana assigned village and gave
other charities to this temple in order to increase his
merit.
5. Boppa : Daîâeáa Boppadeva, son of
Gaõgaräja, was a great warrior and devoted to Jainism. He built two Jaina
temples known as Áäntiávara Vasadi and Trailokya-raņjana Vasadi
(Boppaîa Chaityälaya). He has been praised for his valour. In 1134 A.D.,
he attacked the enemy, repulsed his powerful army and defeated the
Kongas.2
6. Puîisa : One of the warrior
companions of Gaõgaräja, one was Puîisa. He was the minister of peace and war
(Sändhivigrahika) of the Hoysala king vishîuvardhana. His heroic deeds in
the battles have been described in the inscription.1 He conquered several countries, and
presented them to his master Vishîuvardhana. Puîisa was large hearted like
Gaîgaräja. He rendered equal service to humanity and religion. It is known from
the inscription2 that he restored by returning the
lost belonging of the traders peasants, Kirätas and others who lost their
belongings, he tried to restore them by returning. He also helped by bringing
them up. He donated land to the attached Vasadis with his own Triküûa
Vasadi at Arakottara of Aîîenäd and adorned Gaõgavädi like the Gaõgas
with Vasadis.
7. Baladevaîîa : Baladevaîîa was also
the Senäpati of Visęnuvardhana. He was the third son of king Arasäditya
and Ächämbike. His two elder brothers were Pamparäya and Harideva. In the
inscription,3 he was given titles
Mantriyüthägraîi, Guîī, Sakalasachivanätha, Jinapädäãdhri sevaka
etc.
8. Mariyane and Bharata : The two brothers Daîâanäyaka
Mariyane and Bharata were Generals of the Hoysala ruler Vishîuvardhana. Some
inscriptions4 give introduction to their dynasty.
They were related to the Hoysala dynasty. Vishnuvardhana understanding Mariyäne
Daîâanäyaka his Paûûadäne (Räjya Gajendra) made him
Senäpati. These two brothers were warrior, as well as devoted to
religion. In the inscription,1 different virtues of Bharata have
been praised, It has been mentioned that his wealth was meant for the Jaina temples, kindness for all
beings, his soul for the worship of Jīnaräja and charity for
Munis. From the two Áravaîabelagola-inscriptions2, it is known that he got eighty new
basadīs built, and renovated two hundred old basadis of Gaõgaväâi.
The teacher of these two brothers was Gaîâavimukta Vrati, disciple of the
Ächärya Maghanandi of Deáīgaîa. Pustaka gachchha. These two brothers were
living in the time of Narasiãha, son of Vishîuvardhana.3 These two got sovereignty of three
villages including Sindageri by paying five hundred Honnus to the ruler
Narasimha.
9. Aicha : The nephew of Gaõgaräja was
Aicha who was the General of Vishnuvardhana. From the
inscription4, it is known that he got
constructed several Jaina temples at the places Kopana, Belgula etc., and died
in saintly way of Sallekhanä. Boppa, son of Gaõgaräja, got built
Nishadyä in memory of his cousin.
10. Vishîu Daîdädhip : Vishîu
Daîâädhipa was another Senäpati of Vishîuvardhana.5 He conquered the southern province
within half a month. He was the right hand of Vishîuvardhana. He got him married
with the daughter of his Prime Minister. He was given the post of
Mahäprachaîâa Daîâanätha and Sarvädhikärī. This Senäpati
was religious and charitable. He performed several public deeds, and got
constructed a Jaina temple in the capital Dorasamudra. His teacher's name was
Árīpäla Traividyadeva to whom he donated a village and lands for the management
of Jaina temple and Ähäradäna to saints.
11. Mädiräja : One Jaina Minister of
Vishnuvardhana was Mahäpradhäna Mädiräja. In one
inscription,1 his religious virtues have been
praised. He was Adhipati of Árīkaraîa, and he influenced the audience
hall by his oratory. He kept the account of the treasury. His teacher was
Árīpäla Traividyadeva. The four Senäpatis of Narasimha, successor of
Vishîuvardhana were Devaräja, Hulla, Áaņtiyaîîîa and Iávara
Chamüpa.
12. Devaräja : There is mention of
Devaraja in the inscription.2 His gotra was Kauáika. He
has been told Árī Jinadharmanirmalam-barahimakara and Árī Hoysala
Mahīáaräjyabhübhrinnilaya Maîipradīpa Kalaáa. Being pleased by his
faithfulness and devotion to religion, king Narasiãha gave him village
Süranahalli where Devaräja built the Jaina temple. The Hoysala ruler gave ten
Honnus in charity for Ashûavidhärchana and Ähäradäna and
named the village Pärávapura.
13. Hulla : Hulla was General of Hoysala king
Narasimha. Like Chämuîâaräya, he made efforts for the progress of Jainism. He is
known from several inscriptions3. During the reign of Hoysala
Vishîuvardhana, Narasiãha and Balläla, Hulla rendered service to the Hoysala
kingdom.
14. Áäntiyaîîa : Áäntiyaîîa was the
commander of the Hoysala ruler Narasiãha.1 He was the son of Pärisaîîa and
Bammaladevī. He was the son-in-law of Parīsaîîa Mariyäne. In the inscription, he
has been called Mahäpradhäna and Paûûisa Bhaîâärī (Superintendent
of Spears). Parisaîîa Mariyäne defeated the enemies in the battlefield and
sacrificed his life. Narasiãha made his son Santiyanna, the master of Karuguîâa
and Daîâanäyaka of the army. Áäntiyaîîa got the basadi built in
the memory of his father and granted charity for its security. His teacher
Mallisheîa was Paîâita.
15. Iávara Chamüpa : Iávara Chamüpa has
been mentioned as Senäpati of the Hoysala ruler Narasiãha in the
inscription.2 He was the son-in-law of
Mahäpradhäna, Sarvädhikärī and Daîdanäyaka Chamüpa. Iávara
Chamüpati repaired the Jaina temples and his wife Mächiyakka constructed a Jaina
temple and a tank at the holy place Maydabolala. His teacher's name was
Gaîâavimukta Munipa.
16. Recharasa : Even during the reign
of Ballala II, successor of Narasīãa, there were some Jaina Senäpatis who
rendered valuable service to the Hoysala Kingdom. One of them was Recharasa. He
was devoted to Jainism. He installed the Sahaáraküta Jaina image at Arasiyakere.
For the management of the temple, he got the village Indarahälu from the king
Ballala II and entrusted it to his teacher Sägaranandi Siddhäntadeva. The name
of the above Jaina temple was Elekoûi.1 In 1182 A.D., Recharasa was
Daîâädhinätha of the Kalachuri ruler Bijjala. He got several regions from
the Kalachuri rulers. One of them was Nagarakhaîâa. He granted charity to
Áantinätha Jaina temple at the place Mäguâi there.2 From the Áravaîa-belagola
inscription,3 it is known that he performed the
installation ceremony of Áantinätha and entrusted the Basadi to
Sägaranandi of Kolhapura. In this inscription, he has been called
'Vasudhaika-bändhava.
17. Budhiräja : Another Senapati of
Hoysala Ballala II was Büdhiräja. He has been called Mantrīávarä and
Áandhivigrahika in the inscription4. He possessed Chaturvidha
Päîâitya, and he could compose poetry both in Sanskrit and Kaîîaâa. In 1173
during the time of Pattabandhotsava of king Balläla, he got built the
Triküta Jinälaya at the place Marikali of Sīgenäâa, and he presented the village
Marikali to his teacher Väsupüjya Siddhäntädeva for the worship of temple,
renovation, Ähäradäna etc.
18. Chandramauli : Chandramauli was the
Minister of Hoysala king Balläla. He was well versed in Bhärata áästra,
Ägama, Logic, Grammar, Upanishad, drama, poetry, etc., and was the
right hand of the king Balläla.5 Though he was Áaiva, his wife
Achaladevī was highly devoted to
Jainism. He was liberal towards Jainism. His wife got constructed the
Pärávanatha temple of Áravaîabelagola, and Minister Chandra Mauli himself
requested the king Balläla to donate the village Bammeyana Halli village in
charity for worship of the temple.
19. Nägadeva : Nägadeva was the Jaiana
Minister of Ballala II. He was the son of Bommadeva Sachiva. It has been
mentioned in the inscription1 that he was the protector of Jaina
temple, and the king made him Paûûanasvämī. His teacher's name was
Nayakīrti Siddhäntadeva. After erecting Nrītya raõgaáälä and
Áiläkuttima in front of Pärávadeva at the Tīrtha of
Áravaîabelgolaa, he got built a Nishidhi in memory of the department
teacher. He got Nagara-Jinälaya known as 'Árīnilaya' at Áravaîabelagola,
and donated land for it. He appointed Áravaîabelagola natives 'Vaîijas',
descendants of Khaîâali and Mülabhadra.
20. MÄdeva Daîdanäth : Among the Jaina
Ministers, Mahadeva Daîâanätha was noteworty. He was Mahapradhäna of
Mahämaîâaleávara Ekkalarasa. His teacher's name was Sakalachandra Bhaûûäraka. It
is known from the inscription2 that he got constructed the
beautiful Jaina temple at a place named Uddhare in 1198, and named it Eraga
Jinälaya. He gave several charities for worship and renovation of the
temple, and different charities from Ekkalarasa.
21. Kammaûa Mächayya : In the
inscription3 of 1200 A.D. found from the village
Kumbeyana halli, a name of another Jaina Minister is mentioned. He was
Mahäpradhäņa, Sarvädhikärī and Tanträdhishûäyaka Kammaûa
Mächayya. He donated to Parivädimalla Jinalaya in Kumbeyanahalli village
with his father-in-law in 1200 A.D., Mahapradhäna Sarvädhikärī, Hariyaîîa
performed the Pratishûhä of Kumbeyanahalli's deva.
22. AmÔita : Amôita was another
Daîâa-näyaka of Ballala II as known from the
inscription.1 He was Mähäpradhäna,
Sarvädhikäri Mahäpasäyasa (Äbhüshanädhyaksha) and Bherudana
Morttädashûayaka (Adhyaksha
of Upädhidhärīs). He has been told in the inscription as Kavikulaja and
Chaturthavarna (Áudra). He has been said as Dhärmika,
Áubhamati Puîyädhika, Mantrichüâämaîi and
Saumyaramyäkriti. He got built a Jaina temple called ekkoûi at
Äkkulanghere in 1203 A.D. He performed Ashtavidhapüjana of Áantinätha
before all Näyakas, citizens and peasants, and donated land for
Ähäradäna to Munis. He got built a temple, big tank and one
sattara at the birth place Lokkuîâī along with his brothers and
established one Agrahära and a water-hut. He was liberal even towards the
Non-Jainas. He got constructed a temple of Amôiteávara at his birth
place.
23. Īchaîa : Īchaîa is mentioned in the
inscription2 of 1205 A.D. He got built such a
Jaina temple at Velagavattinäâa during the reign of Ballala II, as noticed in
that region. Hence this region became Kopaîa.
24. Mädhava : Mädhava Danâanäyaka is
also found mentioned in the inscription3. He has been told as belonging to
the family of Vīramahadevaîîa. His teacher was Mädhavachandra Bhaûûäraka. He
died as Samädhimaraîa after giving up all family relations and after
construction the Jaina temple. In this inscription, there is mention of another
Daîâanäyaka Machigauâa. His teacher was Mädhava Chandra Bhaûûäraka. He
attained heaven by Samädhividhi.
25 Küchiräja : A Jaina Minister
Küchiräja of the Yädava king Mähädeva of Devagiri is found mentioned in the
inscription.1 He was a pupil of Padmasena. After
the death of his wife Lakshmīdevī, he got the Jaina temple built in her name and
gave it Pogale gachchha of Sena Gaîa. He requested the king to assign a
village for the management of a Jaina temple. After meeting the local Gauda
people, he himself donated and got donations from others.
26. IruGappa : Jaina Ministers and
Senäpatis rendered valuable services to the Vijayanagara kingdom. The
name of Irugappa is noteworthy among them. From his
inscriptions2, it is known he was both
Mahämantrī and Senäpati. His father was Chaicha (Vaichappa)
Daîâeáa, and his teacher was Siãhanandi. He established the Kunthunätha Jaina
temple. He also composed the Nänärthanäma mälä. There is mention of his
donation and the construction of Maîâapa in the two
inscriptions3 found at Tiruppa Ruktikuîru near
Kaņjīvaram.
27. Gopa : Gopa was a Senäpati
of Devaräya4. He was the ruler of
Nägarakhaîâa.5 His two Jaina teachers were
Paîâitächärya and Árutamunipa Gopa dies by
Samädhividhi.
Gujarat
28. Muņjala : Muņjala was a Minister of
king Karîa, and contiued to hold office under Siddharäja. He saved the king
Karîa from a fall and won Mayaîalladevī's secret blessings. On another occasion,
he helped Jayasiãhadeva, Karîa's son. When the siege of Dhära was indefinitely prolonged,
Siddharäja took a vow to refrain from food until he had captured the fort of
Dhära. At this time, Muņjala intervened and persuaded Siddharäja to fulfill his
vow by breaking Dhära made of flour into pieces. He is said to have taken an
important part in the capture of Dhära. After taking Dhära, Siddhäräja had taken
a vow that he would enter Aîahilaväâa mounted on an elephant, with Yaáovarman,
holding an unseathed sword in hand, on the back seat of the Howdah. Muņjala
pointedout to the king the risk he had undertaken by taking that vow. The king
was unwilling to break his vow but Muņjala persuaded him to fulfil it by giving
in Yaáovarman's hand a wooden sword.1
29. Áäntu or Sampatkara : Áäntu or
Sampatkara was another Jaina Minister of Siddharäja. He was the Prime Minister
of Karîa also. In the beginning of his career, he was a Governor of Läûa in
Broach. By dint of his merit, he rose to the rank of the Chief Minister of
Karîa. His proficiency in Statecraft and his success in political affairs are
specially mentioned by Bilhaîa, He had sent an army under Sachchika to fight the
Sultan of Ghazni whom it defeated on the banks of the Indus. Áäntu is said to
have put an end to the tyranny of Madanapäla, maternal uncle of king Karîa.
Taking advantage of the King's absence from the capital, the king of Mälwa
invaded Gujarat. As an able Statesman, he tried to avoid the enemy knocking at the door. Áäntu did not
disclose the fault of others and gave an opportunity to the wrong doer to
improve.1
30. Äsuka : Another Jaina Minister of
Siddharäja was Äsuka. He was a Mähämätya or Prime Minister between
1122-23 A.D. and 1124-25 A.D. With his advice and assent, Jayasimha made a
pilgrimage to the Áatruņjaya hill and gave a grant of twelve villages to the
temple of Ädinätha. He attended the famous debate between Devasüri and
Kumudachandra.2
31. Sajjana : Sajjana was another Jaina
officer of Siddharäja. After the
conquest of Soratha, he was appointed Governor of the Province. This is
confirmed by an inscription in Neminätha's temple built by him on Giranära,
Sajjana's temple in Giranära is the largest temple on the hill.3
32. Vagbhata : According to the
commentator of the Vägbha-ûälaõkära, Vägbhaûa was a Prime-minister of
Jayasimhadeva. He was probably a son of Udayana.4 As known from the Dvyäáraya,
he was also a Prime Minister of Kumärapäla. This fact is confirmed by the Näâola
copper plates of V.S. 1213. He built a stone temple to Ädinätha on the
Áatruņjaya hill in 1154-55 A.D. and founded Vägbhaûapura at the fort of the
hill. In this city, Vägbhaûa built a temple of Pärávanätha and called it
Tribhuvanavihära after King's father.1
33. Chandrasüri : Chandrasüri, the
author of the Munisuvrata's Charitra, was the Governor of
Läta before he entered the order of Jaina monks.2
34. Ambaâa or Ämrabhaûa : Ämra or
Ämrabhaûa was another, Mantrī of Kumärapäla. He was the second son of
Udayana. He built the Áakunikavihära in Broach in V.S. 1211 or V.S. 1222.
The Jainas of Broach believe that the remains of this temple are found in a
mosque.3
35. Chähaâa : The Udepur inscription of
V.S. 1222 informs that Chähaâa was a daîâanäyaka or Kumärapäla in Malwa.
He was probably Chähaâa, third son of Udayana. From an inscription on Giranära,
it seems, he had seven sons, the eldest of whom was a treasurer of Kumärapala.
By dint of merit, he (the eldest son) rose to the rank of Prime Minister. From
the Praáasti to the Pôithvīchandra-Charita of Áäntisüri, it is
clear that Kumärasīmha, Chähaâa's eldest son, was the Prime Minister in V.S.
1225.4
36. Mhadeva : The Kiräâu inscription of
V.S. 1209 and the Bäli inscription of V.S. 1219 speak of Mahädeva as the Prime
Minister of the king. We do not know much about this Mahädeva. He was probably
the son of Dädäka, a Prime Minister of Siddharäja and the Governor of Ujjain in
V.S. 1195.5
37. Pôithvīpäla : The Praáasti
to the Mallinätha Charita informs that Prithvīpäla was the Prime Minister
of Kumärapäla. This Pôithvīpäla repaired Vimalaáähaá temple on Mount
Äbü.1
38. Daîdanäyakas : In V.S. 1202,
Sahajiga was the Daîâanäyaka of Saurashtra. In V.S. 1207, Sajjana was the
Dandanäyaka of Chitoda. We do not know who this Sajjana was. He was
probably the daîâanäyaka of Saurashtra in the time of Siddharäja and
built the stone temple on Giranära. In V.S. 1210, 1213 and 1216, Vaijaladeva was
the daîâanäyaka of Näâola. In V.S. 1222, Ambaka, son of Räîiga, was the
daîâanäyaka of Saurashtra.2
39. Yaáahpäla : Yaáahpäla was a Jaina
Minister of Ajayapäla. He completed the Moh-aparäjaya, an allegorical
drama, celebrating the conversion of Kumärapäla to Jainism, in this reign. His
father's name was Dhanadeva and mother's name Rukmini. Dhanadeva was a Minister
of Siddharäja or Kumärapäla.3
40. Other Officials : In V.S. 1247,
Sobhanadeva was the governor of Läûadeáa and Rämasimha the Mudrädhikärī,
Ambaâa Mantri and Älhädana Daîâanäyaka were the other Jaina
officers of Bhima II.4
Madhya
Pradesh
41. Pähila : Pahila was the Minister of
the Chandella ruler Dhaõga governing Jejäbhukti now called Bundelkhand.
The Khajuräho inscription dated 953-954 A.D. in the temple of Pärávanätha
records a number of gifts and endowments of gardens by one Pähila who claims to
have been held in esteem by king Dhaõga. The devotion of the Grahapati family to
which Pähila belonged is also evidenced by Áäntinätha image inscription of V.S.
1132 in which it is found that during the reign of Kīrttivarman, the image of
Áäntinätha was installed by a group of his hereditary Ministers namely Pähilla
and Jiju. They were disciples of Väsavachandra. Another statue was setup by
Sälhe, the son of Pähilla in 1157-58 A.D. during the prosperous reign of
Madanavarman, and the sons of Sälhe were Mahegaîa, Mahichandra, Árīchandra,
Jinachandra and Udayachandra.1
42. Sähu Kuáaräja : Sähu Kuáaräja
Jaisaväla was the Minister of the Tomara ruler Vīramadeva (1402-23 A.D.) of
Gwalior, He was devoted to Jainism. Padmanäbha Käyastha wrote the Yäáodhara
Charita during the reign of Vīramadeva by the inspiration of the Minister,
Sähu Kuáaräja Jaisaväla.2 Kuáaräja also built the Jaina
temple of Chandraprabhu in Gwalior.
43. Kamalasiãha : Kamalasimha was the
Chief Minister of Âüõgarasiãha (1425-59 A.D.) He erected a huge image of
Ädinätha in V.S. 1497, and its
consecration ceremony was performed by Raidhü. Kamalasiãha also inspired others
to install several images. He was a patron of the great poet Raidhü and
encouraged him to write several works in Prakrit, Apabhramsa and Hindi. Asapati
was also the Minister of Âüõgasasiãha.
Jaina
Statesmen of The Sultäns of Mäîâu
44. Naradeva Sonī : Hoshang Shah
honoured the Jainas by associating them with his government. They had a
reputation for their honesty in handling cash. Hoshang Shäh appointed Naradeva
Sonī as his Bhaîâägärika (treasurer) and associated him in his Council.
Narasiãha had become famous for his charities, as his son Sangräm Singh Sonī
mentions that his father's charities knew no bounds and all recipients returned
to their places after receiving full satisfaction from
Naradeva.1
45. Sangräm Singh Sonī : During the
reign of Mahmud Khalji, we find Sangräm Singh, son of Naradeva Sonī, occupying
the same position that his father had enjoyed during the reign of Hoshang shah.
That Sangräm Singh enjoyed the confidence of Sultan Mahmud is borne out from the
Praáasti of Buddhisägara, Sangram Singh accompanied Mahmud Khalji in his Deccan
campaigns and completed his Buddhisägara at Pratishûhänpura (Paiûhän) on the
Godavari where he seems to have gone for a holy dip in 1463 A.D. In order to
retain the favour of the Sultän, he did not fail to praise him in his
composition. Sangram Singh Sonī retained his position throughout the reign of
Nasir Shah.2
46. Maîâana : Maîâana another Jaina of
Árīmäla caste, became well known in the reign of Hoshang Shah. Maîâana was a
successful businessman and earned a good deal of wealth through his business.
While he extended his charities, and lavishly donated for the entablishment of
Jaina monasteries. He neither neglected his business nor failed to assist Sultan
Hoshang Shah with his financial aids. Sultan Hoshang Shah also in return
honoured him.1
47. Jasavīra : There was another Jaina
family flourishing in Mänâu during the reign of Mahmud Khalji I. In this family
Jasavira became quite prominetn. He visited many of the places of Jaina
pilgrimage and distributed charity everywhere. He set up fifty-two
Saãghapatis and was himself honoured with the title of
'Samgheávara'. Jasavīra was also associated with the government. He held
an important post in the principality (Jägir) of Shehzädä Ghiyas
Shäh.
Jaina merchants used to go either
for trade or for pilgrimage, and it is not unlikely that they used to bring
information about the internal condition prevailing in the kingdoms they visited
and supplied them to their rulers. We find that in 1454, Jasavīra visited Mewar
and also the court of Ränä Kumbha where he was honoured by the Räîä. It is
possible that he might have visited the kingdom of Mewar in order to collect
information.2
48. Punjaräja : That the Jainas were
happy and prosperous in his reign is borne out from the praises that have been
lavished on Mäîâu in the Praáasti of the Kalpa Sütra transcribed
in 1198 A.D. The Jainas had become more closely associated with the
administration and received various titles from Sultan Ghiyath Shah. Punjaräja
was made Wazir of the Khälsä lands and was given the title of
'Mafar-ul-Mulk.'1
49. Padärtna of Rämpurä : From the two
inscriptions of Rämpurä, it is known that Padärtha was of the Ragheraväla Caste.
The Chandrävata ruler Durgabhänu of Rämpurä appointed the royal Padärtha as his
Finance Minister. Durgabhanu's son Chandra is said to have raised Padärtha to
the status of Prime Minister. He gained a position of power and influence as
Prime Minister. He was greatly devoted to the Tīrthaõkaras. He made gifts of
food and clothes to the Saãgha while setting out to see the festival in
Jaina temple. The pillar inscription records the excavation and the consecration
of the well by Padärtha.2
Uttar
Pradesh
50. Ministers of The chauhänas of
chandraväda :
Rämasimha was the Diwän of the Chauhana ruler Chandrapäla. He built the
Jaina temple in 996-999 A.D. and installed the image of Chandraprabhu in it.
Amritapala, a Minister of Abhayapäla, constructed the Jaina image at
Chandraväda. Soâusahu, Minister of Jaheda, got the Bhavishyadatta Kathä
written in Apabhraãáa in 1173 A.D.3
Rajasthan
Almost every state of Rajasthan and
every principality or jägīra was served by more than one Jaina minister of
manager. Naturally, all of them were not pious people; but some of them led a
life of lofty ideals and were deeply devoted to their masters who could not but
respect the general principles of their religion. The ministers and officers
preached by practice and not by precepts. Their masters and all others who came
into close contact with them were deeply impressed by the simplicity of their
personal life and began to respect the religion which was responsible for their
high morality, their high official position, social status, learning, loyalty
and devotion. They are too numerous to be described but a bare outline of the
life of some of them seems to be necessary.
52. Vimala : We have no information
about the Jaina statesmen of Rajasthan before Vimala1 who is the most famous Jaina
statesman of the eleventh century. He was a son of Vīra, the Mahattama of
the King Mülaräja, and rose to the position of the Minister of Bhīma I by sheer
dint of his military skill. Probably, he fought against Mahamüd Ghaznī with his
master. According to the Prabandhas, he defeated the twelve
Sämantas. It cannot be wholly legendary and may contain some elements of
truth. They may be deputies or generals left by Mahmüd Ghaznī after his return
from India. He also assisted his master in restoring Sauräshtra and Kachchha
which became independent taking advantage of the Muslim
invasion.
Afterwards, Vimala helped his master
Bhīma in capturing Chandrävatī, a place near Abu, from Dhandhuka. Bhīma made him
a governor in recognition of his services. In course of time, Vimala restored
friendship between Dhandhuka and Bhīma. Bhīma returned his kingdom to Dhandhuka
but kept Vimala as his representative of Abu as before.
Vimala was a deeply religious and
self-sacrificing man. He led an extremely simple life and lavished almost all of
his immense personal wealth on the
construction of a wonderful temple on Mount Abu.
52. Udayana : Udayana was the
well-known statesman in the time of Chälukyan rulers namely Siddharäja and
Kumärapäla. He was a native of Marwar, born at Jalor. He was a Jaina by religion
and Árīmäla by caste At the suggestion of some persons, he went to Karîävatī and
stayed at the place of a painter, named Lachhi. Fortune smiled on him and he
became a rich man. In course of time, he won name and fame; and he was appointed
as the governor of Khambhat by Siddharäja.
Udayana was a devout Jaina and
enormously rich. He was responsible for the initiation of Hemachandra at the age
of eight, when he was the governor of Cambay. According to the
Prabandhachintämaîi, it was he who persuaded his father Chächiga to
consent for the initiation of his son. When Kumärapäla was wandering as an exile
persecuted by the fiery wrath of his uncle, it was Udayana who gave him shelter.
Ther is little doubt that he remained in touch with him throughout his exile and
made efforts to secure him the throne.
Udayana was a true follower of
Jainism. Once Kumärapäla sent him against the king of Soraûha. he left his army
in Vardhamänapura and went to Vimalächala. While worshipping, he saw a rat with
a burning wick entering a hole in the wooden temple. Seeing this, Udayana
determined to build a stone temple and vowed to take only one meal till the task
was accomplished. Then he reached the camp and marched against Sunsars. In a
battle, the imperial army was defeated; but he was mortally wounded. The
minister thought that he was dying before having rebuilt the temples of
Vimalächala and Bhôigukachchha. His officers assured him that his sons Vägbhaûa
and Ämrabhaûa would carry out his plans. He passed away peacefully when his sons
assured him to fulfil his vow. When Kumärapäla heard about his death, he was
much grieved. Udayana had four sons Vägbhata, Chähaâa, Ambaâa and Sola. Vägbhaûa
and Ambaâa became the Prime Minister and Minister respectively in his
reign.1
53. Vastupala : Vastupäla, the prime
minister of the Väghela king Vīradhavala of Dhavalaka or Dholka during the
thirteenth century, was not only a statesman but also great patron of art and
literature. Vastupäla and his twin brother Tejapäla were born in an aristocratic
Prägväûa family of Aîahilaväâa in 1205 A.D. They were the sons of Kumäradevī,
the widow remarried to Aávaräja, a military commander of the Väghelas. During
their childhood, they lived with their father in a town called Sumhalakapura
which was given to him by the Chälukyan king as a reward for his
services.1 After the death of Aávaräj, the two
brothers with their mother went to Maîâalī where they lived until the death of
their mother. After that, they seem to have begun their political career. He
served first under Bhīmadeva and his services were lent to the court of
Dhavalakka only afterwards.2 We do not know when Vastupäla
joined the services of Bhīma, but it is certain that he end his brother were
appointed at Dhavalakka in 1220 A.D.
Economic
and Political Consolidation : When Vastupäla was appointed the
governor of Stambatirtha or Khambhat, he improved the economic conditions of the
people and reformed administration. fort this purpose, he devised an excellent
administrative machinery in order to put an end to Matsyanyäya. He put a check
on unscrupulous people who were making money by base means and indulging in
piracy.3 In this way, he succeeded in
checking corruption with an iron hand. All these measures naturally brought
about confidence among the people.4 He also improved the moral tone of
the people. As a result of it, life and property became safe and secure, and
thus it led to the prosperity of trade and commerce.
Warlike
Deeds : After
establishing peace in the kingdom, Vastupäla launched upon the career of
conquests. Saãkha, the ruler of Läûa, claimed the port of Stambha, which was in
the possession of Vīradhavala and attacked it. After a fierce fight at a place
called Vaûakupa (Vaâavä) near Stambatīrtha, Saãkha was defeated. The Yädava King
Siãhana of Devagiri from the south and the four Märwärī rulers from the north
made a joint attack on the kingdom of Vīradhavala. Showing shrewd statesmanship
on this occasion, Vastupäla became successful in making truce with the four
chiefs from Devagiri.
The Prabandhas describe
several other warlike deeds of Vīradhavala and his two ministers. First of all,
they conquered the rulers of Vämanasthalī (Modern Vanthalī, near Junagarh).
Säõgana and Chämunâa, the brothers of Vīradhavala's queen Jayataladevī declined
to pay homage to Vīradhavala.5 They were slain in a combat. The
great riches of the palace of Vanasthalī fell into the hands of Vīradhavala.
Vīradhavala led another attack against Bhīmasiãha of the Pratīhara clan ruling
at Bhadreávara in Kutch but could not conquer him: he had to return only after
making a peace treaty.1 By it, a new friend was made and
Kutch border became free from danger. After this Vīradhavala thought of subduing
Ghüghula, a chief ruling at Godraha (Modern Godhrä) in the Mahītaûa region on
the banks of the river Mahī. Tejapäla, who was sent with a strong force,
captured Ghüghula and put him in a wooden cage.2
During the reign of Vīradhavala,
there was the attack of Sultan Mojdin of Delhi on Gujarat but it was
successfully repulsed by the strategy of Vastupäla. Mojdin may be identified
with the slave ruler IItutmish who ruled from 1211 A.D. to 1236 A.D. The Sultan
Iltutmish undertook a number of expeditions to Rajputana and Gujarat. He
captured Jalor sometimes between 1211A.D. and 1216 A.D. and Mandor about 1226
A.D. In one of these, he might have attacked Gujarat. The enemy was encircled by
Dhärävarsha of Chandrävatī from the north and Vastupäla from the southafter his
army of Cahdruavatī from the north and Vastupäla from the south after his army
had entered a mountain pass near Abu. Consequently, the Sultan had to retreat.
After some time, the Sultan's mother was going on pilgrimage to the holy Mecca
and had come to a port of Gujarat where she was robbed by the pirates. Vastupäla
returned the old woman's property after receiving her with great respect and
also provided for her comfort and safety. While returning from Meccat she took
Vastupäla with her to Delhi and introduced him to the Sultan. Vastupäla obtained
a promise from the Sultan to keep friendship with Vīradhavala and thus made his
kingdom safe. Coming from Delhi, he was received by Vīradhavala with great
honour.3
53. Pilgrimages Of Vastupäla :
According to the Prabandhas, Vastupäla had made thirteen pilgrimages to
Áatruņjaya and Girnar. In childhood, he went to both the places with his father
Aávaräja in 1193 A.D. and 1194 A.D. After becoming a minister, he led the
Saãghas to Áatruņjaya and Girnar in 1221 A.D., 1234 A.D, 1235 A.D., 1236 A.D.
and 1237 A.D. The pilgrimage of 1221 A.D. was probably the most important one as
it is described with remarkable accuracy and poetic skill in contemporary works
like the Kīrtikaumudī, the Sukôitasaãkīrtana and
Dharmäbhyudaya.
Public
Works : Vastupäla
and Tejapäla are remembered more for the cultural activities inspired by their
munificience. They brough about a cultural renaissance. They built a large
number of public works like temples, rest houses, tanks, wells etc. Their
munificience and philanthropy extended to a large number of places in the whole
of Gujarat, Saurashtra and Marwar. Their public works extended to Árīáaila in
the South, Prabhäsa in the West, Kedära in the North and Benares in the
East.1 They were confined not only to the
Jainas but were meant for all. They constructed hospitals, dharmaáäläs,
Maûhas, Áiva temples and even mosques2. Besides, the famous Jaina temple
of Abu at Delaväâä generally known as Luîavasahī temple was constructed by
him.
Patron of
Learning and Literature : Vastupäla was not only a
philanthropist and patron of art but at the same time, a great patron of
learning. He had established three public libraries in Aîahilaväâ, Stambhatīrtha
and Bhrigukachchha by spending an enormous wealth.3 His personal library was also very
rich and contained more than one copy of all important
Áästras.4 He was highly liberal towards poets
and scholars. While giving patronage to scholars, he made no distinction between
Jaina and non-Jaina. He gave large wealth to the Brähmaîas having poetical
skill.
Moreover, Vastupäla was credited
with a critical faculty which enabled him to detect defects in poetic
compositions by others and to make improvements in them. He was himself a poet
too. His poetic name was Vasantapäla. His first poem was the Ädinäthastotra
in the form of hymn in praise of Ädiávara on the Áatruņjaya
hills.5 He has also written several
Stotras like the Neminäthastotra, Ambikästotra and a short
Arädhanä of ten verses. He was also proficient in composition of
Süktis. In the Abu Praáasti, Someávara has spoken highly of his
originality in the field of poetry.6
He
has composed the Naranäräyaîananda of Arjuna and
Kôishîa.
Literary
Circle of Mahämätya Vastupäla : Several poets and the scholars
circled round Vastupäla and not of the royal court of the Väghelas. There is no
doubt that these poets and scholars came to the Väghelas court and sometimes
received gifts from their ruler. But these writers praised the Väghela kings not
so much as they did Vastupäla. It indicates that all of them were dependent upon
Vastupäla, and it was mainly through him that their literary efforts were
appreciated. And hence, we are justified in calling these writers as the
literary circle of Vastupäla. The names of these writers are Someávara,
Harihara, Nänäka, Yaáovīra, Subhaûa, Arisiãha, Amarachandrasüri, Vijayasenasüri,
Udayaprabhasüri, Jinabhadrasüri, Narachandra, Narendraprabhasüri, Bälachandra,
Jayasiãhasüri and Mäîikyachandra.
Jodhpur
State
54. Restoration Of the kingdom by Tejägadahīya To
Mäladeva : In Jodhpur state, there were several leading Jainas who
rendered valuable services to the ruling chiefs. Among them, the name of Tejä
Gadahīyä is well-known. He was a great warriour and a faithful servant of
Mahäräjä Mäladeva. In about 1541 A.D., Shershah attacked Jodhpur with large
forces but he could not defeat the brave Räjputs so easily. He, therefore, took
recourse to treachery and became successful in capturing Jodhpur from the
Räûhoâas. Shershah was so much impressed by their valour that he remarked "I had
nearly lost the empire of Hindustan for a handful of Bäjra
(Millet)."
Shershah appointed his deputy Hamajä
to govern Jodhpur. According to the Osvälavaãáävalī,1 Tejä Gadahīyä restored the kingdom
of Jodhpur to his master Mäladeva after putting Hamajä to death. It shows his
bravery as well as devotion towards his master.
55. Heroic And Philanthropic Deeds of Muhaîota
Jayamala : Muhaîota Jyamala was a great warrior and philanthropist.
The Mughal emperor gave two districts of Jalor and Sanchor to Mahäräja Gajasiãha
who appointed Muhaîota Jayamala as the governor. Jayamala carried on the
administration successfully. He defeated 500 Maräûhäs who invaded Sanchor. When
a dreadful famine broke out in 1630 A.D., he distributed grains free of charge
among the needy and distressed. Besides, he spent his entire property in these
charitable activites.
56. Muhaîota Naiîasī As An
Administrator : The son of Muhaîota Jayamala was Muhaîota Naiîasī,
who was a historian as well as an administrator. He acted as the dīväna
of Jasawantasiãha. He compiled a
history of Marwar on the line of Abul Fuzl. He introduced the census sustem and
improved the administration by removing many lägas and begäras. He
has written a five-yearly report describing the districts, villages, their
income, quality of land, tanks, wells and different castes in Märwari language
on the model of Äini-Akbarī of Abul Fuzl.
Muhaîota Naiîasī was a devout Jaina
and possessed spotless character. He was loyal but frank and brave but lenient.
He led an extremely simple life strictly according to the tenets of
Jainism.
57. Ratanasiãha As A Warrior :
Ratanasimha Bhaîdärī served Abhayasiãha with great zeal and devotion. He was a
great warrior. In 1730 A.D., Mahäräja Abhayasiãha was appointed as a Viceroy of
Ajmer and Gujarat. After a period of 3 years, he placed Ratanasiãha Bhaîdarī in
the sole charge of the province. He worked there from 1733 A.D. to 1737 A.D. The
Mughal power was on decline so that authority of the emperor was defied by the
Maräûhäs on the one hand and by his refractory governors on the other.
Ratanasiãha, therefor, had to spend his whole time either in waging the wars
against the Maräûhäs or putting down the overpowerful
governors.
Ratanasiãha had not been long in his
new office when the Maräûhäs under their leader Jadujī Däbhade visited Gujarat.
In order to save the province from their ravages, he had to purchase their
retreat at an enormous expense.
Bhävasiãha, the hereditary governor
of Vīramagäm, was a source of trouble to him. In 1734 A.D., he had to issue
orders to Jawahmard Khan for the arrest of the delinquent. Jawahmard Khan, of
course went to Viramagam and took him into custody but was forced by his
supporters to release him.
In 1735 A.D., Soharabkhan was
appointed as the governor of Viramagam but Ratanasiãha did not like his
appointment. Soharab Khan leaving Sadak Ali as his deputy in Junagarh marched
for Vīramagam. Ratanasiãha also with assistance of Mominkhan and others
proceeded towards Vīramagam. A battle was fought between the two. The troops of
Soharab Khan fled away and he himself was killed in the battle. Bhävasiãha of
Vīramagam was waiting for the revenge. He, therefore, entered into an alliance
with the Maräûhäs and treacherously admitted them into the city. Dämajī. the
Maräûhä leader, assumed the control of Viramagam and expelled the Märawärī
administrator Kalyäna and left his agent Raõgojī. Raõgojī advanced as far as
Bavla near Dholka pillaging and devastating the country. Ratanasiãha marched
against him and drove him back to Viramagam. He, however, laid siege to it. At
this time, Pratäparäva advanced towards Ahmedabad. When Ratanasiãha knew it, he
at once raised the siege of the town and returned to
Ahmedabad.
In 1737 A.D., Muhammad Shah became
displeased with Abhayasiãha and appointed Meminkhan as the Viceroy of Gujarat in
his place. When Ratanasiãha Bhaîdärī became aware of the change, he at once
wrote to his master for the orders. The reply from Abhaysiãha was that
Ratanasiãha Bhaîâäri should resist Memimkhan if he could. He prepared to defend
Ahmedabad while Meminkhan prepared for the march of his army. Meminkhan also
made his friendship with the Maräûhäs. But Ratanasiãha was a great diplomat and
made attempts not to make the union of these two parties. In the end, he entered
into negotiation with Meminkhan and left the city after receiving a large sum of
money from him.
After the death of Jorävarasiãha,
the chief of Bikaner in 1745 A.D., there started a war of succession between the
two claimants namely Gajasiãha and Amarasiãha. With the aid of Ûhäkura
Kuáalasiãha and Mehatä Bakhtävarasiãha, Gajasiãha succeeded in securing the
gaddi, upon which Amarsiãha took up the cause of the disappointed
claimant and marched a large force in command of Ratansimaha Bhaîdärī against
Gajasiãha. A decisive battle was fought in 1747 A.D. and Ratanasiãha Bhaîâärī
was killed fighting gallantly.1
Professionally a soldier and
statesman, Ratanasiãha was almost a Sädhu in his private life. Naturally,
he was greatly respected not only by Jainas but also by non-Jainas including the
Muslims.
58. Áamasera Bahädura As a General :
Áamasera Bahädura, who was the commander in chief of Mahäräja Vijayasiãha,
participated in several battles. In the battle fought in Gaurwar province, he
showed excellent bravery in 1792 A.D. In recognition of his gallantry and
heroism on battlefields, Mahäräjä Vijayasiãha became highly pleased and
conferred upon him unique honour of Rävä Räjä and a jägīra worth
29,000/-.1 He was a very pious man and stories
regarding his charity and purity are still current in
Marwar.
59. Loyalty Of Dhanaräjä : After
conquering Ajmer from the Maräûhäs in 1787 A.D., the ruling chief of Jodhpur
made Dhanaräja its governor, The Maräûhäs soon recovered their losses and four
years later again invaded Marwar. Two sanguinary battle of Merta and Pätan were
fought in which Märwärīs were defeated.
In the meantime, the Maräûhä General
De Boighe had attacked and invested Ajmer. Dhanaräja, the governor of the place,
stood the siege heroically and successfully. Vijayasiãha, seeing the disastrous
result of Pätan, issued him order to surrender the place to the enemies and
return to Jodhpur. It was too exacting a demand on his brave and chivalrous
nature. He would neither consent to a disgraceful surrender nor would he be
guilty of disobedience to his master. He was thus placed in dilemma. Eventually,
he decided to end his life. He had the diamond ring on his finger he had the gem
pulverised and swallowed the powder. 'Go and tell the prince', cried the
departing hero,'thus only, I could testify my obedience and over my dead body
alone, could a Märäûhä enter Ajmer.'
60. Diplomacy And Loyalty of Indraräja
: Indraräja Siõghī was a real diplomat as well as a loyal servant of his master.
Jagatsiãha, the ruler of Jaipur, espoused the cause of Mänasiãha's rival
Dhoõkalasiãha and attacked Marwar with a large army. Mahäräjä Süratasiãha of
Bikaner, Pinâärī Amirakhan and several other Sardars also joined him. Jaipur
forces took the possession of Märoûha, Merta, Parbatsar, Nagaur, Pälī, Sojat
etc. and even the city of Jodhpur. Only the fort remained under the possession
of Mähäräjä. At this time, Siõghī Indraräja and Bhaîdärī Gangäräma requested
Mäharäjä Mänasiãha to let them out through the secret path of the fort. The
prince acceded to the request and sent them outside the fort. Both of them went
to Merta where they collected a large force. They won Amīrakhan, the leader of
the Pinâärīs, to their side by offering him a bribe of one lakh. After that,
Siõghī Indraräja, Bhaîdärī, Gangäräma and Ûhäkura Áivanäthasiãha of Kuchäman
left for Jaipur. When the Mahäräjä of Jaipur came to know, he sent a large army
under the command of Räya Áivaläla. Several skirmishes took place but not
decisive battle was fought. At last, Amīrakhän and Siõghī Indraräja succeeded in
rounting the Jaipur forces at Fägī near Tonk. When this news reached
Jagatasiãha, he immediately raised the siege of Jodhpur and left for his
counry.
Mahäräjä Mänasiãha highly honoured
Indraräja on his return to Jodhpur and made him his chief minister. After that,
Indraräja besieged Bikaner and compelled the Mahäräjä to pay four lakhs of
rupees as a price for raising his siege. He also saved his master from the
serious plot of Amīrakhan. When he invaded Bikaner, Amīrakhän in his absence got
the pattä of the districts of Parbatsar, Märoûha, Dīdwänä and Sambhar.
The Pathans of Amīrakhan reached Jodhpur and demanded their salaries and the
possession of four districts from Indraräja, who asked them to produce the
relevant document. When it was placed before him, he swallowed it up. This act
infuriated the Pathans who killed the Sõghī then and there. When this news
reached the Mahäräjä, he expressed his deep sorrow over his death and ordered
for the royal funeral. In return of his valuable services, Mahäräjä Mänasiãha
gave the jägīra of twenty-five thousand and dīvänagī to his son
Fateharäja.1
Bikaner
And Jaina Statesmen
61. Restoration of the kingdom to kalyäîasiãha by
the efforts of Nagaräja : In Bikaner State, there were some Jaina
statesmen who not only controlled the civil affairs of the state with great
skill but also took part even in military affairs. Among them, the mane of
Nägaräja is well-known. He was a faithful servant of his master Jaitrasiãha.
When Mäladeva, the ruler of Jodhpur, wanted to conquer Bikaner, Jaitrasiãha sent
Nägaräja to the court of Shershah for help. Jaitrasiãha lost his life fighting
against Mäladeva who took possession of Bikaner. Nägaräja, persuaded Shershah
for the invasion of Marwar. Mäladeva was badly defeated, and it enabled
Kalyäîasiãha, the son of Jaitrasiãha, to restore his hereditary
kingdom.
Tradition has it that Nagaräja was a
great man in all respects. He was a God-fearing man, and his every act was
inspired by lofty ideals. He gave great charities, respected Sädhus and led a
very abstemious life.
62. Military and philanthropic Activities of
karmachandra : Karmachandra was an able statesman, a great general
and a religious man. He was the chief minister of Räyasiãha. When Abhayasiãha,
the ruler of Jaipur, invaded Bikaner, he advised his master to make peace
because the state was not prepared for the disastrous war. By his efforts, Akbar
gave the title of Räjä to Räyasiãha. When Mirza Ibrahim of Nagaur attacked
Bikaner, he repulsed him. Later on, he against Gujarat under Mughal standard. He
extended the bounds of the Bikaner state by occupying Sojat, Jalor and some
portion of Sindh.
Karmachandra rendered valuable
services to his community and religion. he led many Saãghas to the holy places.
In 1555 A.D., he celebrated the official entry of Jinachandrasüri at Bikaner
with great rejoicings. During the famine of 1578 A.D, he made every endeavour to
relieve the starving population by setting up depots for the free distribution
of grain. He redovered a large number of images from the Mohammedans into whose
hands they had fallen and deposited them in the Chintämîi temples at Bikaner. It
was through his efforts that Jainism secured the place in the heart of Akbar. In
1592 A.D., on the suggestion of Karmachandra, Akbar invited Jinachandrasüri from
Cambay and received the holy visitor at Lahore with high
honour.
Karmachandra was a farsighted
statesman. When Räyasiãha, the ruler of Bikaner, was becoming more and
extravagant, he made the last and determined dffort to bring the king to senses
at the cost of his personal loss. The treasury became empty and the future of
the state appeared gloomy. His enemies poisoned the ears of the Räjä against
him. Räyasiãha determined to arrest Karmachandra and to put him to death.
Anyhow, it became known to Karmachandra who at once fled from Bikaner and sought
the protection of Akbar. The emperor treated him with kindness and assigned him
an honourable post in his court.1
63
Suppression of Refrectories by Amarachandra Suräîä : Amarachanda Suränä rose to the
position of eminence during the reign of Mahäräjä Süratasiãha. He was sent with
an army against Zabatakhan, the chief of Bhattis. Zabatakhan fought for 5
months, but in the end, he had to surrender the fort to Amarachanda. In
recognition of his service, Amarachandra was made dīväna of the
state.
In 1808 A.D., Süratasiãha despatched
a large force under the command of Amarachandra to check the march of advancing
army under Indraräja Siõghavī, sent by Mahäräjä Manasiãha of Jodhpur. However,
no major incident took place and it was with the good offices of Amarachanda
that the reconciliation between the two states was brought
about.
Amarachanda was then appointed to
suppress the refractory nobles of Bikaner. He carried out his task most
successfully with iron hand. He exacted a heavy fine from the Ûhäkura of Saraubi
and then attacked Ratanasiãha Baidvant and hanged him on the spot. He next
invaded Bhattis and ruthlessly butchered them all except one. Soon after, he
attacked the leading Ûhäkura chiefs Naharasiãha and imprisoned them. In 1815
A.D., he was sent with an army against Áivasiãha of Churu, who committed
suicide. And thus, Churru fell into the hands of Amarachanda. Mahäräjä
Süratasiãha highly appreciated his svices and conferred on him the special
honour.
The continuous success of
Amarachanda Suräîä could not be borne by his enemies who formed a conspiracy to
bring about his downfall. In 1817 A.D., he was falsely accused of intriguing
with Amīrakhan, the leader of the Piîdärīs, and was executed in a most brutal
manner by the Mahäräjä.1
Udaipur
And Jaina Statesmen
64 Shelter to prince udaisiãha by Äáäáaha
: The Udaipur state was served by a number of Jaina soldiers,
statesmen and administrators with singular devotion and loyalty. One of them is
Äáäáäha who was the Kiledära of Kumbhalmer. He aflorded asylum to the
infant prince Udaisiãha against the clutches of Banavīra. Although in the
beginning, when Pannä Dhäya approached him for protection of Udaisiãha, Äáäáäha
was reluctant to give him shelter. But latr on, it was on the persuasion of his
mother that he acceded to the request of Pannä. In order to maintain secrecy, he
bagan to call Udaisiãha as his nephew. When Udaisiãha came of age, Äáäáaha along
with a handful of chiefs installed Udaisiãha on the gaddī, and this saved
the dynasty from ruin.1
65. Loyalty of Mehta chīlajī : Another
officer who proved loyal to Udaisiãha in his hour of crisis was Mehatä Chīlajī.
Though he was the Kiledära of the fort of Chitor under Banavīra, his real
desire was to restore the fort to the rightful claimant Udaisiãha. When the
latter besieged the fort of Chitor, Mehatua Chīlajī sent all the sectets of the
fort to Udaisiãha and thus helped him in capturing the fort.2
66. Bhämáäha, The Saviour of Mewar
: Bhämäáäha, who was the dīväna of
Mahäräîä Pratäpa, set the noble example of high sense of patriotism and loyalty.
When Mahäräîa Pratäpa was in desperate need of mony to continue the struggle
with the Mughal emperor, Bhämäáäha, the embodiment of truth and loyalty, came to
his help and disclosed the secrecy of the hidden treasure, as it was written in
bhaī, which was under his possession. This enabled Mahäräîä to collect
his scattered forces and to renew war against Akbar. The result was that Räîä
Pratäpa in a short campaign regained the whole Mewar except Chitor, Ajmer and
Mandalgarh.3
67. Military and Philanthropic Deeds of
Dayäladäsa : Saõghavī Dayäladäsa, Dīväna of Mahäräîä Räjasiãha, was a
great general and philanthropist. When Mewar was attacked by Aurangzeb in 1679
A.D., Dayäladäsa fought on the side
of Mahäräîä and gave an example of undaunted heroism. Besides, Dayäladäsa was
also sent to check the advance of the Mughal forces from the side of
Malwa.
Not only the military general but he
was also deeply religious minded and a devout Jaina. It was on accoutn of his
personal efforts that Mahäräîä issued orders for the observance of Ahiãsä
in the area of Upäsarä. Dayäladäsa also constructed a beautiful Jaina
temple in the shape of a fort on the mountain just near
Räjasamanda.4
68. Mehatä Agarachanda As a diplomat and
statesman : Mehatä Agarachanda proved himself to be the successful
diplomat and able statesman of the eighteenth century A.D. At this time, the
politicalsituation of India as well as of Mewar was surcharged with fear and
suspicion and of India as well as of Mewar was surcharged with fear and
suspicion and anarchy was rampant. The props of the Mughal empire seems to be
failing and the Maräûhas taking advantage of such situation were plundering and
devastating the territory. In Rajasthan too, princes were disunited and were
indulgung in mutual quarrels and family feuds. Mahäräîä Arisiãha was a man of
unscrupulous temperament. As a result of it, his faithful Saradäras became
hostile to him and coquetted with the Maräûhä chiefs. The Maräûhäs inflicted a
severe defeat on Mahäräîä and forced him to pay a heavy war indemmity. Mähäränä
could pay only 33 lakhs and for the rest, he gave the districts of Jīvaâä, Jīram
and Nīmach etc. to Sindhia Taking advantage of the weakness of Mahäräîä, Holkar
also occupied the fertile area of Nimbäâä. Under such state of affairs, Mahäräîä
made Mehatä Agarachanda his Dīväna.
With uncommon tactfulness and
personal intrepidity, Mehatä succeeded in bringing about a rapprochement between
the two rival and hostile groups of the Sardäras and thus restord peace. In
order to achieve this object, he occupied Mandalgarh which was the stronghold of
the rebellious Sardäras. Naturally, this pleased Mahäräîä who first appointed
him as the governor of Mandalgarh and afterwards gave him the paûûä of
that place.
Agarachanda again came to Mahäräîä's
rescue when fictitious Ratanasiãha organized a conspiracy with the help of
Sindhia and some of the Mewar chiefs. Though Mahäräîä's forces fought with undaunted heroism,
they were defeated; and Agarachanda and other chiefs were made captives. He was
asked by the Maräûhäs to recognize Ratanasiãha as the righful claimant but, true
to his master's loyalty, he declined to do so. Anyhow with the help of
Áivachanda, he was able to free himself from the clutches of the
enemy.1
Mehatä Agarachanda also served
Mahäräîä Bhīmasiãha who gave shelter to Chüîâävatas of Rämpura. This incited the
anger of Sindhia of Gwalior who sent forces against Mahäräîä under the command
of Äkhä and Läkhä. A dreadful battle was fought and in the end, Mehatä
Agarachanda emerged victorious. When the chief of Shahpura took away the
district of Jahazapur, Mehatä Agarachanda fough against him and seized Jahazapur
back.
Mehatä Agarachanda was not only a
skilful general but also an able administrator. He successfully carried on the
administration of Mandalgarh by providing facilities to the people. He
constructed tanks and repaired the fort. He was also a man of letters. In his
last days, he wrote some works which rflect upon his dipolomatic insight and
scholarship.
69. Farsightedness of Mehatä Devīchanda
: Mehatä Devīchanda was a farsighted statesman. He was also truthful and highly
devoted to his master and state. When under some pressure Mahäräîä Bhīmasiãha
became ready to hand over the fort of Mandalgarh to the famous Jhälä
Jälimasiãha, Devīchanda paid no heed to his instructions and continued to occupy
the fort. Being a farsighted statesman, he knew the future dangers. Jhälä
Jälimasimha made preparations to annex Mandalgarh. First of all, he constructed
a fort at Luhandi near Mandalgarh for invasion. Not only this, he occupied three
villages of Mewar. Devīchanda at once attacked Jhälä, routed his forces and
forced him to flee away. Mahäräîä became highly pleased and wanted to offer him
the post of Chief Ministership. He declined to accept and remained only a chief
councillor.1
Jaina
Statesmen of Jaipur
In the history of Jaipur, the Jaina
statesman occupy a high and prominent place. About fifty Jainas acted as Dīvänas
and rendered valuable services to the state. Under their patronage, Jainism made
a great progress. They got various copies of the Jaina Áästras prepared and
constructed a number of temples and images. They were also warriors and good
administrators. The achievements of some of them shall be described
here.
70. Nänu's contribution to jainism
: Saha Nänu was the
Prime Minister of Mänasiãha Kachchhäväha ruler of Ämber who was deputed as the
Governor of Bangadeáa by Akbar. It seems that Säha Nänu had to visit Bengal
several times in connection with his duties towards his Master. He got the
Yaáodhara Charitra written in V.S. 1659 at Akachchhapura (Akabarapura),
near Champänagarī in Baõgadeáa from Bhaûûäraka Jņänakīrti in the Ädinätha
temple. He built twenty Jaina temples of the Tīrthaõkaras at Sammedaáikhara and
led pilgrimage to this holy place several times.
71. Warlike deeds of Vimaladäsa :
Vimaladäsa was the Dīväna of both Mahäräjä Rämasiãha I (1668 A.D.-1690 A.D.) and
Viáanasiãha. He was a great warrior and lost his life in the battle of Lälasoûa.
A chhatrī was also built in his memory.
72. Restoration of the kingdom of Amber by
RÄmachandra : After Vimaladäsa, his son Rämachandra became the chief
minister who served both Viáanasiãha and his successor Sawäi Jayasiãha. He
restored the kingdom of Amber to Sawäi Jayasiãha. In 1707 A.D., the Mughal
emperor Bahädura Shah invaded Amber and occupied it. He appointed Saiyyad
Hussain as the governor. Jayasiãha abandoned his kingdom along with his chief
minister Rämachandra and took shelter under Mahäräîä of Chitor. Rämachandra
wanted to free Amber from the clutches of the enemy. With this object in view,
he organized his forces which compelled Hussain Khän to leave Amber in favour of
Sawäi Jayasiãha. In recognition of his services, Mahäräja assigned him a piece
of land and his name also began to appear on his coins. Formerly there was
written Dīväna Rämachandra on the golden coin but now 'Bande Dīväna Rämachandra'
was inscribed,1
Rämachandra was also famous as a man
of justice. When there was a possibility of conflict between the chiefs of
Jodhpur and Jaipur over the partition of Sambhar, he was appointed as an
intermediary from both the sides. He divided Sambhar equally between the two
parties and his decision was accepted. In return of his services, he was given
about 5000 maunds of salt yearly.
73. devotion of Kôipärama towards his
master : Another able Jaina statesman of Sawäi Jayasiãha was
Kôipäräma who was and envoy at Delhi. He was the faithful servant of his master.
Vijayasiãha, the rival of Sawäi Jayasiãha, won the Mughal emperor and his vazir
Kamaruddin to his side by a promise to give five crores of rupees and five
thousand cavalry. Räva Kôipäräma knew the secrecy of the plot through Daurankhan
and cautioned his master. Jayasiãha took the measures of safeguard against his
enemies. He became highly pleased with Kôipäräma and gave the village of
Manoharapura to him.2
74. Vijayarama Chhäbarä as a diplomat :
Vijayaräma Chhäbarä was also one of the ministers of Sawäi Jayasiãha. The sister
of Sawai Jayasiãha was going to be married to the Mughal emperor Bahädurshah,
but it was due to the efforts of Vijayaräma Chhäbarä that she was married to
Räva Budhasiãha Hädä, the king of Bundi. Further as a successful diplomat, he
became successful in bringing the hostiliteis betwiin the Mughal emperor
Bahädurshah and Sawäi Jayasiãha to a close.
75. Harisiãha As An Administrator :
Sawäi Jayasiãha obtained the Ijärä of the Áekhävätī district from the
Mughal authorities. He, therefore, invervened in this affair for the first time
in 1726 A.D. and 1727 A.D. He appointed a competent banker named Harisiãha to
collect the tribute. The Qaimkhani Nawabs held this place as watan for
more than a century. At first, the Qaimkhani chief declined to pay the tribute;
and disturbances also took place before the authority could be established. As
the troops under the command of Harisiãha were insufficient to secure the
Darbar's possession in Jhunjhunu, he entered into a series of agreement with
local leaders to secure their assistance in suppressing the trouble. In the end,
he became successful in establishing the authority of Sawäi Jayasiãha in
Áekhävatī.1
76. Rayachnda as a Diplomat : The
marriage question of Kôishîäkumärī between the rulers of Jaipur and Jodhpur was
settled by the efforts of Räyachanda. Kôishîäkumärī, the daughter of Mahäränä
Bhīmasiãha of Udaipur, was first going to be married to the Jodhpur. As the
ruling chief of Jodhpur died before the marriage, it was decided to marry her to
Jagatsiãha, the chief of Jaipur. This was considered to be an insult of the
Jodhpur House by Mahäräjä Mänasiãha. In about 1805 A.D., the preparations for
the struggle started on both the the sides. Anyhow Räyachanda settled the
question peacefully between the two parties. Both Jaipur and Jodhpur chiefs
promised not to marry Kôishîäkumärī. The sister of Jagatasiãha was married to
Mänasiãha and the daughter of Mänasiãha was given to
Jagatsiãha.
The peace thus established could not
last long. Again, there started a struggle on the question of Dhoõkalasiãha.
Hearing the news of the invasion of Jaipur by Räûhoâa forces with the help of
Amīrakhan, Jagatsiãha had to raise the siege of Jodhpur fort and march towards
Jaipur. At this critical time, Räyachanda by giving bribery of one lakh won
Amīrakhän to his side and saved both the town and life of his
master.
77. Áivajīläla As Administrator And
Warrior : Áivajīläla became famous both as an administrator and
warrior. There was no systematic order in the collection of Muamala during the
reign of Mahäräjä Pratäpasiãha and there were several irregularities. Áivajīläla
became successful in removing them all and collecting a large amout of money. He
achieved a remarkable success in the task of the procudtion and the distribution
of salt entrusted to him. He also participated in several battles fought by the
Mahäräjä of Jaipur against the Piîâärīs and Rathoâas. In appreciation of his
services, Mahäräjä of Jaipur gave him special honour.
78. Saõghī Jhotäräma as a Diplomat :
Saõghī Jhotäräma was a shrewd diplomat in the nineteenth century A.D. Such was
his powerful influence in the court of Jaipur that Tod remarked it as the
faithless court, the Jhootä darbära and the Baniyäräja. But these expressions
indicate only the partisan character. It was only due to the prejudice of the
author against the hesitation of
Jaipur state in accepting the British alliance bacause of the influence of
Jhotäräma who knew the future consequences. The British Government took
Bairīsäla of Samod, the leading nobles of the state to their side. Between
Jhotäräma and Rävala Bairīsäla, there came into existence the deadly enmity. In
order to bring the downfall of Jhotäräma, schemes were devised. He was credited
with the crime of murdering his young master in 1835 A.D. When he knew the
jealousy, he himself resigned the post of ministership. He was ordered to go to
Dausä, where he was kept under strict restrictions. He could neither write nor
read. Santris and Chaparasis remained there to gaurd him. Even after that, the
plots were devised by Rävala Bairīsäla who was in power.
79. Kôishîadäsa : Kôishîadäsa, a rich
merchant of the Bagheraväla caste, was the Prime-Minister of Kishore Siãha
Chauhän of Kotah Kishore Siãha was the Sämanta of the Mughal Emperor
Aurangazeb. Kôishîadäsa was highly devoted to Jainism. Even during the reign of
Aurangzeb, Krishnadäsa constructed a Jaina temple of Mahävīra and celebrated the
installation ceremony of the temple as well as images with his wife and sons in
1689 A.D. at Chändkheâī. He could build the Jaina temple because Aurangzeb was
in the South where Kishore Siãha was serving him faithfully. Krīshîadäsa was
sincere to his master Kishore Siãha. Even then repeated explanations were
demanded as to why the temple was being built against the express imperial
policy. But the local authorities continued to send evasive replies because they
knew that the emperor's end was high.
In 1835 A.D., the assault was
committed upon the person on the British Resident Major Alves when he was
returning from a visit of ceremony at the palace. It caused the death of Mr.
Blake, the assistant agent to the Governor Genera. Jhotäräma was residing at
Dausä under confinement. He with his brother and son were arrested because some
letters were seized both at Dausä and Agra. As a matter of fact, these letters
seem to be forged. For the trial of this case, the court met in 1836 A.D. The
judges appointed for the trial were the puppets in the hands of the British
Government. He and his brother were sentenced to death by the court but the
Governor General in Council however took a different view of this case. The
sentences of death in their case was commuted to imprisonment for life and the
fort of Chunar was designated as the place of their
confinement.1
The numerous Jaina statesmen,
soldiers and administrators who served various important states of Rajputana for
several centuries wielded naturally a great influence in the respective states.
Their influence was very helpful to the spread and dissemination of Jainism in
Rajasthan. They secured respect for Jaina Sädhus, arranged maintenance of Jaina
temples, helped in running Jaina schools, encouraged the well-equipped Jaina
libraries and in several other ways ensured respect for Jainism even by those
who were not its followers. Rajasthan has been ruled for the last one thousand
years by Räjputs who had no hesitations in shedding the blood. That Jainism
flourished in their dominious is due to the influence of the Jaina Sädhus and
the leading Jaina house-holders. Besides, there were a large number of Jaina
businessmen and almost in every state, a few of them even multimillionaires.
Some of them were mighty bankers and the Räjput rulers who suffered from the
chronic want of necessary funds for maintaining the armies and running the
administration depended mostly on loans from these rich magnates; and what is
true of the rulers, was true in still greater degree of the people in general in
all the states. Thus, the mercantile Jaina community wielded a great influence
in the society; and their religion was naturally respected by the people. It is
due to the influence of Jainism that the population of Rajasthan ruled by
Rajputs remained vegetarian in larger majority than any other part of
India.
Árävakas
There were some Árävakas who
were great patrons of Jainism. They were wealthy and spent their wealth for the
propagation of Jainism. They were of high character. The important
Árävaks known to us are as follows :
Gujarat
1.
Rähaâa : Rähaâa was
intelligent, popular, religious and noble minded. He worshipped the image
according to the rules of his faith, praised the Jaina monks, listened to their
sermons, gave money in charity to the poor, performed penance to the best of his
abilities and observed the vows of a Jaina layman.
2. Äbhaâa : The Prabandha
chintämaîi gives information about Ähaâa, a rich Jaina of the time of
Kumärapala. Ähaâa began life as a poor man. Once fortune smiled upon him and he
became very rich. He was a follower of Hemasüri, and performed the religious
ceremonies of the Jainas with great faith. He was a great
donor.2
3. Chhaâaka sheth and kubera :
Chhaâaka Sheûh and Kubera were Jaina multi-millionaires of the time of
Kumärapäla.3 According to Yaáahpäla, a
contemporary of Kubera, Kubera had six crore gold coins, 8000 mans
of silver, 80 mans or jewels, 50,000 horses, 1000 elephants, 80,000 cows,
500 ploughs, 500 shops, 500 carriages etc. It seems to be an exaggeration, but
there is no doubt that he was very wealthy.
4. Jagadu : Jagadu was the son of
Sola, Several stories are told about Jagadu. Sarvananda Süri informs us that
fortune smiled upon Jagadu and the
latter became very rich without any great effort on his part. The great famine
occurred for three years from V.S. 1313 to 1315 or V.S. 1315 to 1317. There may
or may not be on exaggeration about the amount of corn distributed by Jagadu but
certain it is that he opened alms-houses in various parts of the country, gave
corn to the poor very viberally and helped Vīsaladeva of Aîahilaväâa and other
kings of India by giving them corn in the days of famine.
Jagadu's several pious and religious
deeds are known. He built several Jaina temples at Bhadreávara, Dhaņka,
Wadhawana, Devakula etc. and set up images also in them. he made three
pilgrimages to Giranära and Áatruņjaya. He dug wells in many villages and
towns.
The date of Jagadu's death is not
known. From Jagaducharitra, it seems that he survived for some years
after the great famine. He must have died bofore V.S. 1331.1
Madhya
pradesh
5. Pethaâa : Pethaâa was another
prominent Jaina of this period. His father's name was Deda. His guru
advised him to seek fortune in Maîâapadurga. Pethaâa acted according to the
advice of his spiritual preceptor and became exceedingly rich King Jayasiãha
Paramära of Malwa honoured him much and gave him ensigns of
royalty.
Dharmaghosha Süri, who had induced
him to seek fortune in Malwa, came to Maîâapadurga and advised Pethaâa to build Jaina temple. Pethaâa acting
according to the Süri's suggestion, built eighty-four Jaina temples in different
parts of India. His edifice at Maîâava gaâha was superb. It was adorned with
gold knob and staff costing eighteen lakhs. On the Áatruņjaya hill,
Pethaâa built a temple Áäntinätha. He also built a Jaina temple at Devagiri. He
spent large sums of money to erect this temple and called it
'Amulyapräsäda'. This temple was completed in 1218-79
A.D.
Pethada made pilgrimage to
Áatruņjaya, Giranära and Mount Äbu. He had taken the vow 'Parigraha-Pramäîa
Vrata' or the fifth vow or a Jaina layman when he was at Vidyäpura
(Vijapura).1
6. Jhäņjhana : Pethada's son Jhäņjhaîa
was a chip of the old block. He
married Saubhägyadevī, daughter of Bhīma Sheth of Delhi. In 1284 A.D., he
started from Maîâapadurga with Dharmaghosha Süri and Jaina Saãgha and
made a pilgrimage to Áatruņjaya and Giranära. On the way, he halted at Balapura,
Chitraküûa (Chitor), Arbudagiri, Chandrävatī, Praáhädanapura (Pälanpura),
Aîahilapura, Täranagiri (Täraõgä), Karîävatī and several other places. At
Baläpura, Jhäņjhaîa set up twenty-four images and built a temple to Pärávanätha
at Karähetaka, at the suggestion of Dharmaghosa, his preceptor. At Karnävatī, he
rewarded a bard for composing a good poem, set free ninety-six prisoners and
took his meals with Säraõgadeva of Gujarat.
According to the
Upadeáataraõginī, Jhaņjhaîa Shäh, hearing that Äbhu Árīmälī of Tharapadra
or Tharada, who had the biruda of 'Paáchima Maîâalika' did not take his
meals without feeding the Jainas that paid visits to this place, went to
Tharapadra with a Jaina congregation of 32,000 and put up at Äbhu's place. Äbhu
Shäh was, on that day, engaged in religious ceremonies, but his brother Jinadäsa
feasted the congregation and gave presents to the Jainas. Next day, Jhäņjhaîa
fell at the feet of Äbhu and begged forgiveness for putting him to a severe
test
Jhäņjhaîa, like his father, was an
excellent follwer of Jina, on influential member of the Jaina, community and
great donor.1
7. Samarasiãha : Samarasiãha, who
repaired the temple of Ädinätha on the Áatruņjaya Hill, belonged to Upakeáa
Vaãáa. Aîahilaväâa was Samarasiãha's domicile of choice. Samarasiãha was
a well-known jeweller in the old capital of Gujarat. He exercised great
influence at court. When Ädinätha's temple on the Áatruņjaya Hill was destroyed
by the Muslims, he obtained a 'firmäna' to repair the temple. When the
Jainas came to know of the 'firmäna, they gave a rousing reception to
Samara Shäh. Samara Shäh, then made up his mind to make tomake a pilgirmage to
the holy hill in the company of the Jaina congregation to set up the image of
Ädinätha in the newly constructed temple. The Jaina monks and the prominent
Jainas joined the congregation. Alapakhana, Subedär of Gujarat, who had
granted permission to rebuild the temple, gave ten guards to protect the
congregation.
When the congregation reached
Pälitänä, Samarasiãha Shäh pitched tents. About this time, his brothers
Sahajapäla from Devagiri and Sähaîa from Khambhat came to Pälithänä with
congregation. In 1315 A.D., Samarasiãha installed the image of Ädinätha in the
completed temple, on the holy hill. The honour of performing the ceremony at the
time of setting up the images is shared by Siddhäsüri of Upakeáa-gachchha and
Ratnäkara Süri of Tapägachchha. A festival was held by Deáala, Samara Shäh's
father to celebrate this event. From Pälitaņä, Samaraáaha went to Giranära with
the congregation and worshipped Neminätha. From Giranära, he went to Devapattana
where he was given a rousing reception by the king. The congregation then went
to Div. From Div, the congregation went to Aîahilaväâa. The Jaina Saãgha gave a
rousing reception to him. According to the Näbhinandanoddhara Prabandha,
Emperor Gyäsuddīn was much pleased with Samaraáäha and highly honoured him. He
was appointed as the 'Subedär' of Telaõgadesa where he set free many
prisoners and obliged many chieftäins.1
8. Karma Áäha : Karma Áäha was the son
of Osavaãáī Toläáäha of Chitor by his wife Lilu. He was a well-known cloth
merchant in Chitor. Once when Bahädura Áäha, prince of Gujarat, paid a visit to
Chitor, he came to know Karma Áäha from whom he bought cloth. The young prince
liked Karma Áäha and soon became his friend. When he wanted money to return to
Gujarat, Karmaáäha gave him a
lakh unconditionally. In 1526 A.D., Bahädura Áäha became the king of
Gujarat. When Karma Áäha came to know this, he went to Ahmedabad where he was
well received by the king who returned the money lent to him and asked the
Baniä merchant if he could do any thing for him. Thereupon, Karmaáäha
requested Bahädura áäha to give him a firmäna to repair the temple on
Áatruņjaya hill. The king granted his request and gave him the
'firmäna'.
In 1531 A.D., Karmaáäha repired
Samarasiãha's temple on the Áatruņjaya hill. Punâarīkasvämi's temple was erected
by him in 1531 A.D. The Räyana Pädukä temple in Adreávaratunka was also erected
by him in 1531 A.D. Chakreávarīdevi's temple in Adeávara-tunka was also erected
by him in 1531 A.D.1
9. Päâäáäha : Päâäáäha was also known
as Bhaãsäáäha. This name originated from Päâä of Bhaiãsä meaning buffalo.
According to traditions, he belonged to Thubona in Bundelakhand. He was of Gahoi
caste. He used to deal in räõgä (brass) and became
prosperous.
Päâäáäha was devoted to Jainism, and
built many temples and images of Áäntinätha. There are beautiful images of
Áäntinätha Kunthunätha, and Aranätha in Käyotsarga pose at Bajaraõga
gaâha. These were installed in V.S. 1236. He also set up the Áäntinätha Jaina
image at Gurilagiri, Muõgävalī Tahasil, Guna District. The Jaina temples at
Aharajī, Khänapurä, Jhälarapäûan, Thubon, Bhiyädanta, Bardi, Bhäbhona, Satna,
Sujhekä, Pahäda, Pacharai Seranajī, Sonägiri etc. were all constructed by
Pädäáäha.
Appendix
canonical
literature of the Svetambaras
The canonical texts are broadly
divided into two groups : (1) Aõgapaiûûha, and (2) Aõgabähira. The
Aõgapaiûûha group include the Aõgas, and the Aõgabähira group is classified into
fivesub-groups. This the canonical texts may be subsumed under six heads
(1) Aõga (2) Upäõga, (3) Paiîîä (4) Cheyasutta
(5) Mülasutta and (6) Cülikäsutta All these works are in
Prakôta.
(1)
Aõga
The Aõgas are twelve in number. They
are as follows : (i) Äyäraõga (ii) Süyagaâaõga,
(iii) Ûhäîäõga (iv) Samaväyäõga, (v) Viyähapaîîtti (Bhagavatī),
(vi) Näyädhammakahäo, (vii) Uväsagadasäo, (viii) Aõtagaâadasäo
(ix) Anuttarovaväiyadasäo, (x) Paîhavägaraîäiã (xi) Vivägasuya and
(xii) Diûûhiväya (not extant now).
(2)
Upaõga
The Upäõgas are also twelve in
number. They are : (i) Ovaväiya, (ii) Räyapaseîaiya
(iii) Jīväbhig (iv) Paîîavaîîä, (v) Süriyapaîîatti,
(vi) Jambuddīvapaîîatti, (vii) Candapaîîtti (viii) Niryävaliyao
(ix) Kappavaâaãsiyäo (x) Pupphiyao, (xi) Pupphaculiyao and
(xii) Vaîhidasäo
(3)
Paiîîä
The Paiîîäs are ten in number :
(i) Causaraîa (ii) Äurapaccakkhäîa, (iii) Mahäpaccakkhäîa
(iv) Bhattapariîîä, (v) Taõdulaveyaliya, (vi) Saãthäraga
(vii) Gacchäyära, (viii) Gaîivijjä, (ix) Deviõdatthaya and (x)
Maraîasamähī
(4)
Cheyasutta
The Cheyasuttas are six in number :
(1) Nisīha, (ii) Mahänisīha, (iii) Vavahära,
(iv) Dasäsuyakkhandha (v) Kappa (Bôhatkalpa) and (vi) Paņcakappa
(Jiyakappa)
(5)
Mülasutta
The Mülasuttas are four in number :
(i) Uttarajjhayaîa, (ii) Dasaveyäliya (iii) Ävassya and
(iv) Piîdanijjutti (Ohanijjutti)
(6) Cülikäsutta
The Cülikäsuttas are two in number :
(i) Nandī and (ii) Anuyogadara.
Thus the told number of Ägamas are
fortyfive. The Sthänakaväsīs and the Teräpaõthis accept only Thirty-two
Ägamas. (1) Eleven Aõgas (2) Twelve Upäõgas, (3) Four cheyasuttas
(leaving asida) Mahänisīha and Jiyakappa) (4) Three Mülasuttas (leaving aside
Piîdanījjutti) and (5) Two Cülikäsuttas. The Digambaras do not accept these
forty-five Agämas.
Canonical
literature of the Digambaras
The canonical texts are broadly
divided into two goups : (i) Aõgapaiûûha and (2) Aõgabähira (1) The
Sarvärthasiddhi of Püjyapäda and the Dhavalä of Vīrsena include in the Aõgapaiûûha group
following twelve Aõgas (i) Äyära, (ii) Südayada, (iii) Ûhäîa,
(iv) Samaväya (v) Viyähapaîîatti, (vi) Nähädhammakahä
(vii) Uväsayajjhayaîa, (viii) Aõtayaâadasä
(ix) Aîuttarovavädiyadarä (x) Paîhaväyaraîa (xi) Vivägasutta and
(xii) Ditûhiväda.
(2) The Aõgabähira group
include the following : (i) Sämäiya, (ii) Cauvīsattho,
(iii) Vaõdaîä (iv) Paâikkmaîa (v) Veîaiya, (vi) Kidiyamma
(vii) Dasaveyäliya, (viii) Uttarajjhayaîa (ix) Kappavavaharo
(x) Kappäkappiya, (xi) Mahäkappiya (xii) Puîdarīya,
(xiii) Mahäpuîdarīya and (xiv) Îisīhiya
The Digambaras believe that the
texts of both the groups are not extant now except some portion of Dīûûhiväya,
the twelfth Aõga.
The Diûûhiväya comprises fourteen
Puvvas, namely, (i) Uppadapuvva, (ii) Aggeîiyapuvva (iii) Vīruyä
îuvädapuvva (iv) Atthiîatthipavädepuvva, (v) Näîapavädapuvva,
(vi) Saccapavädapuvva, (vii) Ädapavädapuvva,
(viii) Kammapavädepuvva (ix) Paccakkhäîanämadheyapuvva
(x) Vijjäîuvädapuvva, (xi) Kalläîanämadheyapuvva.
(xii) Päîäväyapuvva, (xiii) Kiriyävisälapuvva and
(xiv) Lokabiõdusära puvva.
Dherasena (C.A.D.40-75) had a
partial and fragmentary knowledge
of the Aggeniyapuvva ineluded in the twelfth Aõga known as Diûûhivaya. He
imparted the knowledge of this Puvva to Pu˙padanta and Bhutabali, who composed
the Volume known as aûkhaîâägama which deals with the doctrine of Karma
in great detail. Since the work was completed on the fifth day of the bright
fortnight of the month of Jye˙ûha, this day has since been known as the festival
of Sruta-Paņcami.
Like Dharasena there was another
saint named Guîadhara (C.A.D. 25) who had a partial and fragmentary
knowledge of the Îäîapaväd a puvva included in the twelfth Aõga known as
Diûûhivaya. He wrote Ka˙aya-pahuâa which deals with the passion of
attachment, avesion etc.
References
1. Published in JSB, I. 4, p.
71.
2. See R. Narsimhachar, Inscriptions at
Áravaîabelgola (EC, Vol. II, Bangalore, 1923).
3. See Appendix A (iii)
4. Jshi, p. 120.
5. Jsls, pt. II,
No.95.
6. Jainism in Rajasthan, p.
69.
7. Pravachanasära ed. by A.N upadhye
8. Jshi, pp.
134-136.
9. Jshi, p. 148.
10.
Chj, p.
325.
11.
Jshi, pp.
146-147.
12.
Chj, p.
325.
13.
Jshi, pp.
128-131
14.
Jshi, pp.
137-141
15.
Jshi, pp.
153-161.
16.
Chj, p.
327.
17.
Jshi, p.
164
18.
Jshi, pp.
152-153.
19.
Mta, p. 464.
20.
Chj, pp.
328-329.
21.
Purätanaprabandhasaõgraha, pp. 103-05 and
Präbhävakacharitra, pp. 183-212.
22.
Aitihäsika Jaina Kävyasaõgraha, p. 4, Yugapradhäna
Jinachandrasürī, p. 10 &
Kharataragachcha-bôihadguruväedli.
23.
Kharataragachchha Bôihadgurvdvali & Aitihäsika Jaina Kävyasaãgraha,
pp.
14-6.
24.
Aitihäsika Jaina Kävyasaingraha, pp.14, 46 and 363 and
Kharataragachchhabrihadgureäcali.
25.
The Life of Hemachandrächärya.
26.
Dädä Árī Jinakuáalasüri and Kharataragachchha
Bôihadgurvävali.
27.
Akbar the Great by Smith, pp. 116-168 and Sürīávara aura Samräû
Akbar.
28. Kharataragachchha Bôihadgurvävali, Aitihäsika
Jainakävya-Saõgraha, pp. 58, 81 and 82 and Yugapradhäna
Jinachandrasüri.
29.
Jsls, No.
96.
30.
Ibid, No. 100
31.
Jsls, III, No.
165.
32.
Ibid, No. 152, 165, and 155.
33.
Ibid, No. 395.
34.
Ibid, I No. 122.
35.
Ibid, III, No.157.
36.
Ibid, III No. 204.
37.
Jsls, pp.
125-126.
38.
Jsls, III, p.
126.
39. Jsls, III No.
264.
40.
Ibid, No. 264.
41.
Ibid, III No. 296.
42.
Ibid, No. 307, 308 and 411.
43.
Jsls, No. 307.
44.
Ibid, Nos. 154 and 355.
45.
Ibid, No. 411.
46.
Ibid, No.304.
47.
Ibid, No. 305.
48.
Jsls, III, No.
319.
49.
Ibid, III No. 324.
50.
Ibid III No. 348, 362, 363, 381 and 396.
51.
Jsls, III, No.
347.
52.
Ibid, No. 352.
53.
Jsls, III, No.
465.
54.
Ibid, No. 408.
55.
Ibid, No. 429.
56.
Ibid, No. 379.
57.
Ibid, No. 409.
58.
Jsls, III, No.
428.
59.
Ibid, No. 431.
60.
Ibid, No. 437.
61.
Jsls, III, No.
452.
62.
Ibid No. 451.
63.
Ibid No. 540.
64.
Jsls, III, No.
511.
65.
Ibid, No. 581, 585 and 587.
66.
Ibid III, No. 581 and 587.
67.
Ibid No. 609 and 610
68.
Jainism in Gujarat, pp. 5-7.
69.
Ibid, p. 10.
70.
Ibid, p. 10
71.
Ibid, P. 11.
72.
Jainism in Gujarat, p. 88
73.
Ibid, p. 11.
74.
Ibid, p. 88-89.
75.
Ibid, p. 87.
76.
Ibid, p. 89-90.
77.
Jainism in Gujarat, p. 90.
78.
Ibid, p. 90-91.
79.
Ibid, p. 108.
80.
Ibid, p. 113.
81.
Kmta, p.
453.
82.
Jgps, I, p.
5.
83.
Upendra Nath dey :
Medieval Malwa, pp. 422-428.
84.
Ibid.
85.
Upendra Nath Dey :
Medieval Malwa, pp. 422-428.
86.
Ibid.
87.
Upendra nath Dey :
Medieval Malwa, pp. 422-28.
88.
EI, xxxvi, pp.
121-123.
89.
Jupj.
90.
Vimalacharitra. See also Purätanaprabandhasaõgraha
(Vimalavasatiprabandha, pp. 81-82.)
91.
Prabandhachintämani, pp. 67-68 and pp.
104-105.
92.
Vastupälacharitra, Chapter I.
93.
Naranäräyaîananda, Xvi, 35.
94.
Krītikaumudī, IV, 16.
95.
Vastupälacharitra IV, 40.
96.
Prabandhakoáa of Räjaáekhara, p. 103.
97.
Prabanandhaskoáa of Räjaáekhara, pp. 104 f.
98.
Ibid., pp. 107 f.
99.
Ibid., pp. 119 f. See also Prabanandhachintämani, p.
103.
100. Vividhatīrthakalpa, p. 79. see
also Prabandhakoáa, p. 130
101. Prabandhakoáa, pp. 129
f.
102. Ibid.,
103. Vastupälacharitra, p.
80.
104. Naranäräyaîananda. XVI,
39.
105. Prächīna Jaina Lekha Saõgraha, No.
64.
106. Anekänta, II p.
249,
107. Some distinguished Jainas pp. 60-63. and
also Jodhpuraräjya kä Itihasa, pt. II, pp. 638-641.
108. HOO, p. 55.
109. HOO, pp. 59-63.
110. HOO, pp. 100-104. See also
Karmachandravaãáaprabandha and
Karmachandravaãáotkīrtanakävyam.
111. Some Distinguished Jainas, pp.
71-74.
112. HOO. pp. 70-71.
113. Ibid., pp. 71-72.
114. Udaipurarajya ka Itihasa, pp.
1304-05, and Vīravinoda, p. 251.
115. Udaipur Räjya Kä Itihäs, pp.
1304-05.
116. Udaipuraräjya Kä Itihäs, pp. 1311,
and HOO, pp. 77-82.
117. HOO, pp. 87-88 and Udaipur Räjya kä
Itihäsa, pp. 1315-16.
118. Vīraväîī, I pp. 68-83 and
Räjputuana Kä Itihäs by Ojha, pp. 915-16.
119. Annals & Antiquities of
Rajasthan, p. 592.
120. Report on Panchäpana Singhänä, pp.
9-10, See also A report on the Land Tenures and Special powers of certain
Thikanedars of the Jaipur State, pp. 45-46.
121. Jaipur State
Trials.
122. Jainism in Gujarat, p.
102.
123. Ibid, p.
103.
124. Ibid, p,
103.
125. Jainism in Gujarat, pp.
152-158.
126. Jainism in Gujarat, pp.
159-160.
127. Jainism in Gujarat, pp.
161-162.
128. Jainism in Gujarat, pp.
172-180.
129. Jainism in Gujarat, pp.
236-240.