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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gachchha and Sanderak-gachchha were quite influential. The following few gachchhas remained quite noteworthy during the medieval times in Rajasthan.
Kharataragachchha :
The title “Khuratar” was bestowed upon Jineshwar Suri by the Chalukya king Durlabhraj, after the former's victory over the Chaitya-vasis, in the religious discussions held in his court. Jineshwar Suri was the follower of Vardhman Suri,1 who consecrated Vimal Vasati in V.E. 1088. Jineshwar's followers later on formed a separate gachchha named "Kharatar gachchha” in between VE 1006-1078. It was an offspring of the “Chandra gachchha" Abhayadeva Jin vallabh, Jindatt, Jin chandra Jinpati Jineshwar, Jio prabodh, Jin chandra, etc. spearheaded the activities of this gachchha making it extremely influential. But only a few inscriptions of their times are known. Jindatt Suri has been regarded as “Dadaguru" and his foot prints on stones have been engraved in nearly all the “Dadawadi's” and other shrines. According to literary sources, Jin vallabh Suri, got two big inscriptions engraved2 at Chittor and Nagaur. But these are now untracable. The text of the Chittor inscription is known on the basis of a MS. The centre of activities of these Acharyas was mainly north western Rajasthan and Chittor, later brutally devastated by the Muslim armies. Consequently, the temples and the icons installed by these Acharyas were demolished. A detailed account of the activities of these Acharyas is available in the Kharataragachchha Puttavali, a perusal of which proves that they upheld their faith with fervour engaging in many religious activities.
Jin kusal Suri, became Acharya in V.E. 1376. He is also famous as “Dudu Guru”. The icons “Mandovar3-Mulanayak" consecrated by him are preserved in the Chintamani temple of Bikaner. His foot prints were engraved on stone at several places.
1. Mohanlal Dalichand Desai-Jain Gurjur Kaviyon (Gujarati) Vol. II p. 672 fo. 2. Vis-Bhumi Chittor by the Author p. 3. Bikaner No. 1 and 2.