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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Pravachan-Sar copied at Toda. He was succeeded by Jinchandras before V.E. 1502 (1445 A.D.) under whose instructions some icons were installed by Shresthi Rajadeva. Jinchandra remained Bhattarak for a long time. A number of inscriptions and colophons from Gwalior, Toda, Hisar, Jhunjhnu and other places speak of his many religious activities. Papadiwala Jiwagajo arranged a large scale Pratishıha ceremony at Modasa in V. E. 1548 (1491 A.D.), wherein Jinchandra consecrated many icons. It was the biggest Pratishtha celebrated in the 15th century A.D. All important Digambar Jain temples of northern India contain icons consecrated during this celebration.
Prabhachandra was his successor. He became a Bhattarak in V.E. 1571 and was celebrated for his eloquent preaching. He shifted his seat from Delhi to Chittor. Mewar was then ruled by Maharana Sanga, who was a powerful ruler. The inscriptions10 of V.E. 1571, 1573, 1578 and 1583 of Dash-Lakshan Yantras and Chaubisis bear testimony to the activities of Prabhachandra. Simila arly, colophons of the Jasahar-Chariu dated V.E. 1575, the Sidhachakra Katha dated 1579, (copied at Tonk) the Ratnakarand dated V.E. 1582 and many other manuscripts copied right upto V.E. 1613, are a witness to his influence. At Anwall (Distt. Tonk) his pupil Dharmachandra consecrated a beautiful icon of Shantinath in V.E 1593 when a detailed inscription was also engraved there.
After Prabhachandra, Chandra kirti and Devendra kirti became Bhattarakas the one following the other. When Mewar became entangled in a war with the Mughals, these Bhattarakas shifted their seat to Amer. Narendra kirti12 was an important Bhattarak of Amer. He established the Amer Shastra Bhandar. A big Pratishtha was performed by him at Malpura in V.E. 1710. The Amer inscription (Singhvi Jhuntharam's temple inscription) records his name as Pratishthapaka Bhattaraka, which proves that
8. Kasliwal Rajasthan Ke Jain Sant (Jaipur 1967) pp. 180-181. 9. ibid pp 183-6. 10. ibid p. 184-185. 11. Vir Vani Vol. X. p. 129. 12. Dr. Kasaliwal op. cit. p. 165-168.