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News: On Mahavir Jayanti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Samrat Samprati Museum, dedicated to Jain history and Samprati’s legacy.
About Samrat Samprati
- Samrat Samprati was a Mauryan ruler.
- He was the son of Kunala and the grandson of Ashoka.
- Title: He was also known as Indrapalit, Sangat and Vigatashok.
- Reign: His reign is believed to be between 230 BCE and 220 BCE.
- After Ashoka’s death (232 BCE), a theory suggests the Mauryan Empire was divided between Samprati and Dasharatha.
- Religious journey:
- He is described as a Jain from birth, while most accounts say he converted under the monk Suhastin.
- He accepted Suhastin as his guru and followed the ritual conduct of a Jain layman, including daily icon worship.
- Suhastin was the eighth leader of the Jain congregation established by Mahavira.
- In the Shvetambara Jain tradition, he is considered the most central person in the Mauryan dynasty.
- Associated texts: His story first appears in Shvetambara writings related to monastic practice rules.
- Later medieval texts, such as Samprati Nripa Charitra were devoted entirely to his life.
- Contribution to the spread of Jainism:
- Some historians believe that he helped spread Jainism to regions like China, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Nepal, and Bhutan.
- He also strengthened Jainism in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Malwa, and Rajputana.
- Broader interpretations further credit him with extending Jain influence into Central Asia, the Arabian peninsula, and parts of West Asia.
- He also contrributed in building 125,000 new temples, renovating old temples, consecrating stone icons and metal icons and establishing charitable centres for the poor.
About Samrat Samprati Museum
- The Samrat Samprati Sangrahalaya is a major Jain heritage museum located in Koba, Gujarat.
- It is named after Samrat Samprati Maharaj.
- Objective: Its primary objective is to preserve, promote, and showcase the rich artistic and religious traditions of Jainism for present and future generations.
- It has been developed as a Kala-Tirth, meaning it serves both as a cultural centre and a spiritual heritage site dedicated to Jain philosophy and art.
