A Vijnaptipatra is a formal letter in the form of a scroll, often illustrated with miniature paintings that depict current events. It constitutes an appeal from a Jain sangha, usually of the Shwetambara sect, inviting a revered guru to grace them with his presence. The composition of such patras was prevalent from the late 14th to the 18th century.
What is the Baroda Vijñaptipatra?
The Baroda Vijñaptipatra is a fascinating historical document that provides a comprehensive view of Baroda (now Vadodara) in the late 18th century. Initially cataloged as five photographs of old Baroda city, it has since been identified as a valuable Vijñaptipatra—a kind of visual and textual document used for recording and communicating important information.
Physical Description:
The Baroda Vijñaptipatra, cataloged under Accession No. 21398, dates back to Vikrama Samvat 1852, equivalent to 1796 AD. This document was received by the Oriental Institute on March 22, 1963, from Dr. U. P. Shah, who donated it. The original scroll, which measures an impressive 42.2 feet in length and 10.5 inches in width, originates from the private collection of Pravartaka-muni-Kantivijaya. The scroll comprises 32.6 feet of illustrations and 9.4 feet of text, providing a detailed visual and textual representation of Baroda during the late 18th century.
Content of the Vijñaptipatra:
1. Illustrations:
Palace Scenes:
Photograph 1: This image captures a meeting in the royal palace. It shows the king in discussion with two astrologers. The scene includes a umbrella carrier by the king’s side and an attender by the astrologer’s side.
Decorative Figure: Adjacent to the discussion, there’s a detailed illustration of Parshvanath, a revered Jain figure, accompanied by two umbrella carriers.
Religious and Social Life:
Photograph 2: This depicts a monk preaching to his disciples, including female disciples. It features two nuns instructing high-class women dressed in precious jewels and a mix of Marathi and Gujarati attire.
City of Baroda:
Market Scene: The illustrations provide a vivid portrayal of a bustling market. It shows ten shops selling a variety of goods such as jewelry, sweets, clothes, and weapons. Notably, the market also includes shops run by a washerman, cobbler, potter, and blacksmith. An elephant with a mahout is depicted in the middle of the market.
Champaner Gate: Following the market scene, the Champaner Gate is illustrated with goats grazing nearby. This scene transitions to the residential areas, including possibly Old (Juna) Sarkarwada.
Residential Area: Detailed illustrations of houses and streets, with an emphasis on the architectural style of the buildings and the presence of soldiers dressed in British-style attire.
Architectural Highlights:
Temples and Havelis: The scroll illustrates Jain temples, a Krishna temple, and detailed depictions of havelis, including intricate filigree, screen windows, pavilions, and balconies.
Mandvi Gate and Aggad Rampart: A notable illustration of the Mandvi Gate and the Aggad rampart, highlighting the city’s defensive architecture.
Procession Scenes:
Photograph 3: This part of the scroll illustrates a grand procession, featuring soldiers with flags, a chief on an elephant (likely Govindarao Gaekwad), and various other figures including chiefs on horseback and in palanquins.
Lake and Temple: The scene includes a lake (possibly Raje Talav) and a Jain temple. It portrays flag bearers, musicians, and religious figures in a vibrant display of local enthusiasm and festivity.
Outskirts of the City:
Photograph 4: The outskirts of Baroda are shown with a small temple, trees, and houses. This section provides a glimpse into the rural or semi-urban areas surrounding the city.
2. Text:
Beginning Lines: The text portion of the Vijñaptipatra is not fully captured in the photographs. However, some lines from the beginning of the text are available. The full text, as published by Bhogilal Sandesara, provides additional context and details about the Vijñaptipatra’s purpose and contents.
Significance of the Vijñaptipatra:
Historical Record: The Vijñaptipatra serves as a crucial historical record of Baroda during the Gaekwad rule. It offers detailed insights into the city’s layout, architectural styles, and daily life.
Cultural Insights: The illustrations depict various aspects of cultural and social life, including market activities, religious practices, and royal processions.
Architectural Details: The scroll captures the intricate details of Baroda’s architecture, including temples, residential buildings, and defensive structures.
Current Status and Conclusion:
While the original Vijñaptipatra scroll remains missing, the existing photographs and published text continue to be invaluable for understanding Baroda’s history. They provide a detailed view of the city’s historical and cultural landscape in the late 18th century. This exploration not only highlights the rich heritage of Baroda but also underscores the ongoing efforts to uncover and preserve its historical artifacts.
The following work has been researched & worked by Sweta Prajapati from Oriental Institute. More info on Baroda Vijnaptipatra can be found here.
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