Excerpt from Tughluq Dynasty
Summary
This section presents a translation of passages from the 14th‑century text “Vividhatīrthakalpa,” which describes Jain experiences during the Delhi Sultanate. The narrative begins by noting that early rulers such as Muhammad Ghori and Alauddin Khalji had notable relations with Jain institutions. The focus then shifts to Muhammad bin Tughluq (r.1325–1351). Jain scholar Jinaprabha Sūri travels to Delhi to recover a sacred image taken from a temple. By demonstrating mastery of various religious and philosophical systems, he impresses the Sultan and successfully petitions for the idol’s return. In a subsequent episode, Jinaprabha is invited back to resolve religious disputes. After retrieving the image from the royal treasury, he is paraded through the city on an elephant—a public recognition of his erudition and the Sultan’s favour. The Sultan grants the Jain community a quarter of Tughluqābād, including a hall for lectures, and issues firmans permitting Jains to undertake pilgrimages without harm or taxes. Jinaprabha interprets temple desecrations as manifestations of the Kali Yuga and presents their restoration as opportunities for accruing merit. The excerpt also recounts the origin of the Bhattāraka institution in Delhi. Prabhachandra of the Mūla Saṅgha travels from Gujarat to Delhi, where the ruler—identified as Muhammad bin Tughluq—anoints him as the first Bhattāraka of Delhi. Through such episodes, the text portrays the Jain community negotiating a precarious existence under Muslim rule, balancing periods of persecution with moments of royal patronage. The translator’s commentary situates these events within the broader history of the Delhi Sultanate and highlights the resilience of Jain laypeople and monks. The review underscores that this historical vignette demonstrates the power of intellectual diplomacy. Jinaprabha’s successes illustrate how scholars could secure concessions even during politically fraught times. The excerpt invites readers to reconsider simplistic narratives of Hindu‑Muslim relations and to appreciate the nuanced interactions between religious communities in medieval India.
Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.
Conclusion
By chronicling Jinaprabha Sūri’s encounters with Muhammad bin Tughluq, the excerpt reveals a complex interplay of persecution, patronage and negotiation. It shows that Jain scholars used eloquence and scholarship to protect their communities and secure freedoms. Although temples were sometimes desecrated, firmans granting autonomy demonstrate moments of tolerance. The piece concludes that the Jain community’s adaptability and resilience allowed it to survive and even thrive under the Tughluq dynasty’s fluctuating policies.