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

Page 72

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The division was not limited to the Oswals36, but was apparently found in other castes too. The words “Vrihada-Pragvat-Jati” or “Pragvat-Vrihada-Sakha" are found in the inscriptions37 of Madar dated V. E. 1624 (1567 A. D.) and Satasena38 dated 1721 (1664 A. D.). Similarly the phrase "Pragvat-Laghu-Sakha" is used in the Tharad39 inscription of V. E. 1537 (1480 A. D.). A similar division is also known among the Shrimals. The words Vrihada-Sakha are used in Tharad inscription40 of V. E. 1854 (1797 A. D) and many others. The phrase Laghu-Samtaniya or Laghu-Sakha appear in the inscriptions of Tharad41 dated V. E. 1519 (1462 A. D.) and Bikaner dated V. E. 1903 (1846 A. D.) and many others.
Ramifications of the castes :
Every Jain caste contained yet smaller groups namely the gotras. These were formed on the following grounds :
(i) Some gotras indicate close association with specific towns providing long sojourn of a group or branch there. On their migration to a new place the name of the old place was sometimes appended to their caste in order to give them a more specific mark of identification. The Mandovara, Sonagara, Pipada, Mithadiya, Gundecha, Jojarecha etc. gotras of the Oswals are clearly connected with the particular towns. Among Shrimals some gotras reveal the association of groups with ancient provinces or tracts. Thus the Tank-Shrimal, Hariyana Shrimal, Svarnagiriya-Shrimal, Gurjar Shrimal etc. show that families bearing these gotras had at sometimes migrated from a particular area.
36. Some families of Laghu-Sakha, remained quite prosperous.
37. Abu V No. 91 38. ibid No. 109.
39, Daulat Singh Lodha No. 167. 40. ibid No. 80/Bikaner No. 1588 and 1827. 41. ibid No. 88