Jain Inscriptions of Rajasthan

SR No.: 001596
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Ramvallabh Somani
Publisher: Rajasthan Prakrit Bharti Sansthan Jaipur
Publication Year: 1982
Total Pages: 350
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Art, & History
File Size: 17 MB

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V. E. 1221 (1164 A. D.) records that a Shilapatta showingl the monuments of Chittor was installed (Shri Chitra Kutiya-SilaphataSahitam Pradatah) in the Jain temple there. This evinces that Chittor was considered a holy place by Jains living elsewhere, Literary testimony reveals that Haribhadra Suri composed several works here. His preachings against the Chaitya-Vasis2 found good response here. Digambar Jain Acharyas also visited the place from time to time. Several inscriptions from Deccan speak of2A Jain monks who were styled, “Chitrakuta-Amnaya" have been noticed. From Balagambe (Karnatak) an inscription of the 11th century A. D. records the names of Munichandra, Anantkirti and Kesavadeva, who were monks of the sects called Mulasangh and Balatkaragana. They are described as belonging to Chittor. The Surasthagana branch of the Mulasangh was also connected with Chittor. From Soratur Hangud (Karnatak) some inscriptions recording the names of certain Jain monks have been discovered with the word “Chitrakuta Amnaya" attached to their names. Evidently the Digamber Jains of Chittor had close association with Deccan. This fact is also supported by the testimony of literary sources. Indranandi in his Shrutavatar2B records that one Ellacharya was residing at Chittor. He was an able and erudite monk. Several scholars came from Decaan to2C pursue their studies under him. A Kannad inscription is also noticed from Chittor, which I have edited with the help of Shri Bhujbaliji Shastri. This also corroborates the above statement.
During the reign of Maharawal Allat royal patronage was extended to the Jains. The Ekling temple inscription of V. E. 1028 (971 A. D.) reports that religious discussion was held between the Shaivas, the Jains and the Buddhists. The name of Shri-Kirti, a
1. Jin Vijay No. 444. 2. The Sambodh-Prakarana (by Haribhadra Suri) verses 46, 49, 57, 61, 63,
68, 81, 162, 163 and 176. 2A. Jain Sbilalekh Sangrah II No. 208/IV No. 153, 160, 158 Vol. V intro p. 21. 2B, Indranandi Shrutavatar verses. 176-177 20. Vir-Bhumi-Chittor by the Author p. 154 3. J.B.B.R.A.S. Vol. XXII pp. 166-167./ History of Mewar by the Author
pp. 155-156/ Vir-Bhumi-Chittor by the Author p. 154.