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Introduction
grammar known as Viṣrantavidyadharavara (probably only Viṣranta Vidyadhara); Yaksha composed a Samhita known as Nimittashṭāngabodhini while Malla wrote his famous treatise on Jaina philosophy known as Nayachakra. Malla went to Broach and defeated his uncle's opponent Buddhananda in a public controversy in the royal assembly. He was given the title of Vădin as a token of victory. There seems to be some truth in this episode. For we find that soon after the fall of Valabhi-power Buddhism gradually disappears from Gujarat and Jainism taking its place. This may be due not a little to the controversies carried on by Mallavadin. *
As to the importance of Valabhi as a centre of trade and commerce we have sufficient evidence. We saw what Yuan - Chang says on this matter in his travels. The story - literature also bears testimony to this. For example, in the Dasakumaracharita of Dandin (before 700 A. D. - almost a contemporary) we find There is a city named Valabhi in Saurashtra. In it there is an owner of ships named Gṛhagupta who can vie with Kubera in riches. He had a daughter named Ratnamati. A merchant - prince named Balabhadra from Madhumati (present day Mahuva) comes to Valabhi and marries her" etc. (p. 225). We find in this story Kheṭaka + associated with Valabhi. So also
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This work V. V. is referred to by Hemachandra in his grammar Siddha-Hema. Vamana is said to be the author of the Viṣranta-Vidyadhara. See the Puratattva, Vol. IV. p. 91. The story is somewhat differently told in the Prabandha. chintamani and the Prabandhakosa. There Malla is associated with Siladitya.
The grants also associate Valabhi and Khetaka.
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