Jain Agam Sahitya Me Bharatiya Samaj - Book Summary

This book, "Jaina Āgam Sāhitya Me Bhāratīya Samāja" (Social Life in Jain Canonical Literature) by Dr. Jagadīshchandra Jain, published by Chaukhambha Vidyabhavan in Varanasi in 1965, is a comprehensive study of Indian society as depicted in Jain canonical literature. The catalog link provided is: https://jainqq.org/explore/007281/1.

Here's a summary of the book's content based on the provided text, covering its key themes and structure:

Overall Scope: The book aims to provide a detailed understanding of Indian social life, governance, economy, culture, religion, and customs from approximately 600 BCE to 1600 AD, drawing exclusively from Jain canonical literature (Āgamas) and its extensive commentary literature (Tikas, Bhāshyas, Chūrṇis, etc.). The author highlights the value of this literature as a crucial source for understanding the nuances of Indian history and society, often overlooked in favor of Vedic or Buddhist texts.

Structure and Content:

The book is divided into five major sections, each with multiple chapters, and includes appendices that delve into specific areas:

Part 1: History of Jainism (Jain Dharma Ka Itihas)

Chapter 1: History of the Jain Sangha (Jain Sangh Ka Itihas): This chapter likely covers the lineage of the Tirthankaras, starting with Rishabhadeva (the first) and proceeding chronologically through prominent figures like Parshvanatha (highlighted as a historical figure) and Vardhamana Mahavira. It would also discuss the foundational principles of Jainism, its spread, and the early organizational structures. It touches upon the philosophical debates and the eventual split into Digambara and Shvetambara traditions.
Chapter 2: Jain Āgamas and Their Commentaries (Jain Āgam Aur Unki Tikayen): This chapter focuses on the Jain canon itself, discussing the number of Āgamas, their languages, the process of their compilation, and the critical need for extensive commentary literature to understand their profound meaning. It mentions the various types of commentaries (Niyukti, Bhāshya, Chūrṇi, Tikā) and their historical development up to the 16th century. The author also addresses the challenges of textual variations and the efforts to preserve and interpret these ancient texts.

Part 2: Governance System (Shasan Vyavastha)

Chapter 1: Central Governance (Kendriya Shasan Vyavastha): This section explores the monarchy, the king's role, succession principles, royal courts, and the king's inner circle. It outlines the concept of the king as the protector of the people and the importance of his qualities and duties.
Chapter 2: Judicial System (Nyay Vyavastha): This chapter discusses judges, legal proceedings, and the administration of justice, emphasizing the principles of fairness and impartiality.
Chapter 3: Crime and Punishment (Apradh Aur Dand): This part details various types of crimes such as theft, burglary, and murder, and the corresponding punishments implemented, including imprisonment, fines, and capital punishment. It also touches upon the king's authority and the justice system's role in maintaining order.
Chapter 4: Military System (Sainya Vyavastha): This chapter covers the causes of war, the composition of the army (chaturangini sena), military strategies, and the types of weapons used.
Chapter 5: Revenue System (Rajkar Vyavastha): This section examines the various taxes levied, the royal treasury, and the methods of revenue collection, highlighting potential corruption and exploitation by tax collectors.
Chapter 6: Local Governance (Sthaniya Shasan): This chapter focuses on village administration, the role of village heads, and the functioning of local governing bodies.

Part 3: Economic Situation (Aarthik Sthiti)

Chapter 1: Production (Utpadan): This is a very detailed section covering land, agriculture (methods, crops, grains, spices, sugarcane, cotton), horticulture, animal husbandry, forestry, hunting, crafts (spinning, weaving, pottery, metallurgy), mining, jewelry, construction, and other trades. It also discusses the critical role of labor, including slavery and wage labor.
Chapter 2: Distribution (Vibhajan): This chapter explores concepts of rent, wages, interest, and profit, examining how wealth was distributed within society.
Chapter 3: Exchange (Vinimay): This covers internal trade, imports-exports, transportation (riverine and maritime), trade centers, pricing, currency, purchasing power, credit, and weights and measures.
Chapter 4: Consumption (Upabhog): This section discusses food items, beverages (alcohol), meat consumption, types of clothing, footwear, housing, and forms of entertainment and recreation.

Part 4: Social System (Samajik Vyavastha)

Chapter 1: Social Organization (Samajik Sangathan): This chapter analyzes the caste system (Varna and Jati), the status of Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras, as well as the concept of untouchability. It also discusses the organization of guilds (Shreni).
Chapter 2: Family System (Kutumb-Parivar): This section delves into family life, relationships with relatives and friends, childcare, pregnancy, childbirth, and abortion.
Chapter 3: Status of Women (Striyon Ki Sthiti): This is another extensive chapter discussing the general perception of women, marriage customs (age, types, dowry, svayamvara, Gandharva marriage), polygamy and polyandry, widow remarriage, Sati, purdah system, and the role of courtesans (Ganikas).
Chapter 4: Education and Learning (Shiksha Aur Vidyābhyas): This chapter covers the guru-shishya tradition, student life, curriculum (seventy-two arts), centers of learning, and the respect accorded to scholars.
Chapter 5: Arts and Sciences (Kala Aur Vigyan): This part is a survey of various artistic and scientific achievements, including calligraphy (18 scripts), mathematics, astrology, Ayurveda (diseases, treatments, surgery), archery, music and dance, painting, sculpture, and architecture.
Chapter 6: Customs and Rituals (Riti-Rivaj): This chapter examines beliefs in magic, superstition, occult practices, yogic powers, auspicious and inauspicious omens, festivals, and funeral rites.

Part 5: Religious System (Dharmik Vyavastha)

Chapter 1: The Shramana Sects (Shramana Sampradaya): This chapter discusses the Shramana tradition, its ascetic practices, various monastic orders (Nigrantha, Shakya, Tapasa, Parivrajaka, Ajivika), their beliefs, and their interactions with the broader society and other religious groups. It highlights the challenges faced by Shramanas in their ascetic practices.
Chapter 2: Folk Deities and Worship (Laokik Devi-Devata): This section explores the worship of various folk deities and spirits like Indra, Skanda, Rudra, Shiva, Vaishravana, Naga, and Yaksha, and the rituals associated with them.

Appendices:

Appendix 1: Geographical Material in Jain Āgamas (Jain Āgamon Me Bhaugolik Samagri): This appendix provides a detailed analysis of geographical references in Jain texts, discussing mythological geography and scientific geography, and tracing the spread of Jainism and the travel routes of Jain ascetics.
Appendix 2: Kings and Emperors Mentioned in Āgama Literature (Āgam Sahitya Me Ullekhit Raja-Maharaja): This appendix lists and discusses the historical figures, particularly kings and rulers, mentioned in Jain texts, along with their interactions with Jainism, their historical context, and the influence of Jainism on them.
Appendix 3: Selected Linguistic Terms (Bṛhatkalpabhāṣya, Vyavahārbhāṣya, Niśīthabhāṣya, Piṇḍanīyukti, and Oghaniryukti): This appendix offers a linguistic analysis of significant words from key Jain texts, highlighting their etymology and usage, which often shed light on social and cultural practices.

Author's Approach and Significance:

Dr. Jagadīshchandra Jain's work is a meticulous compilation and analysis of information from a vast range of Jain canonical sources. He emphasizes the historical and sociological value of this literature, which provides a unique perspective on the development of Indian society. The book also acknowledges the influence of contemporary social and environmental factors on the formulation of Jain monastic rules and practices. The author's personal journey, starting with his PhD thesis "Life in Ancient India as Depicted in Jain Canons," is also mentioned, indicating the evolution and expansion of his research into this comprehensive Hindi work.

In essence, this book serves as an invaluable resource for anyone interested in a deep and detailed understanding of ancient Indian society through the lens of Jain religious and philosophical traditions.