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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quite active in Gwalior and eastern Rajasthan. The famous Digambar Jain Pandit Raidhu was associated with this gachchha.
The Lat Vagada and Vagada gachchhas were also popular in Mewar and southern Rajasthan.
Shvetambars :
With the expansion of Shvetambar Jains several gachchhas sprang up within the sect. It seems that these were not developed due to differences on doctrinal issues. Except in a few cases their differences were not big. The personal ambition of important Acharyas, who preferred a separate unit of their own often caused such severance.
There are several factors which have gone into the nomenclature of these gachchhas. Sometimes the names are based on the place names or the names of the monks, who found them or shaped them. Most of the gachchhas, which sprang up in Western Rajasthan or northern Gujarat have close association with the ancient towns of the region. For examples, the Sanderak gachchha, Paliwal gachchha, Ramseniya gachchha etc. are those, which began in the towns after which they are named. Some gachchhas took their names from the Acharyas, who had found them. The Maladhari gachchha, Krishnarshigachchha etc. can be quoted as examples. The Kharatar gachchha and Tappa gachchha, are named after celebrated titles granted to the Acharyas. Some gachchhas were distinct because they followed a particular form of ritual. The followers of Anchalgachchha did not believe in keeping the usual piece of cloth before their mouth, while doing worship. They used instead the end of the dhoti, Anchal, they wore for the purpose.
The earliest reference from Rajasthan is the Dhaneshwar gachchha, named in the Ghatiyala inscription24 of V.E. 918. But it does not occur in many other epigraphs or later literary records. During the 10th century A.D., the Nagendragachchha, Rajakul
24. ibid XVIII