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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(ii) In the cenotaphs of Bikaner32 there are two inscriptions dated V. E. 1760 (1703 A. D.), which refer to Mathen Samidas. He had his cenotaph constructed while he was still living. The inscriptions record that Samidas was a lay-follower of the Kharataragachchha. of Shevatambar Jains. Sutradhar (architect) Ramchandra had built the above cenotaphs. Dassa and Bissa :
These are two distinct social groups into which the entire Jain community is divided. It seems that hypergamous unions of upper class Jain males with out of the caste or lower class feniales, resulted in the bifurcation of the Jain community into Bissa and Dassa fractions. As already stated one was required to marry within one's own caste. Those who went against this rule were excommunicated. A group of such persons, apparently, formed a new social group, which became known as Dassa. (Half Jains). Dassa Jains were not permitted to dine with and marry among the Bissa Jains; who considered themselves full and unsullied Jains Despite caste-stigma some Dassa Jains were rich and powerful citizens. The earliest known record of a division among the Oswals is known from an inscription dated V. E. 1200 (1143 A. D.) discovered33 at Poshina. (Sirohi). This inscription speaks of a * Brihada-Shakha” (large branch) of the Oswals. The words "Brihada-Sajjaniya" or "Brihada-Shakha" and Laghu-Sajjaniya or "Laghu-Shakha” are repeatedly used in the inscriptions for the two Jain fractions among the Oswals. These terms are now popular as “Bada Sajan” “Loda-Sajan". The Bam nera34 inscription, dated V. E. 1579 (1522 A. D.) the Brahmanvad35 inscription of V. E. 1552 (1495 A. D.) and many other inscriptions also use the term Brihada-Shakha. Similarly there are numerous inscriptions that speak of the “Laghu-Sakha”.
32. Bikaner No. 1973 and 1974. 33. Referred to by Shri Dolatsingh in the introduction of his book the Pragvat
Itihas. Also see The Prithviraj Chauhan and His Times p. 105 fn. 20. by
the Author. 34. Abu V No. 182. 35. ibid No. 234.