Medieval Jainism

SR No.: 006727
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: P S Jain, R M Lodha
Publisher: Ashish Publishing House
Publication Year: 1990
Total Pages: 198
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 8 MB

Page 87

IMPORTANCE OF JAIN LITERATURE OF MEDIEVAL RAJASTHAN 69
Chachigadeva, Raula Devakaran, Raula Jayata Sinha and Lunakaran as being heir-apparent. Devakarana is mentioned as ruling in Samvat 1536. Jayantasimha is referred to as being on the throne in V.S. 1581 also.
The Somsaubhagya Kavyalo has referred to the socialpolitical set-up of the Rajputs which was essentially based on patriarchal system. In several inscriptions of the period we find references to polygamy and joint family system as an established institutions of the age. As regards Vaishyas our Jain sourcesll throw sufficient light on them whose main occupation was trade, banking and finance. They occupied foremost place in the socialhierarchy and displayed intelligence and zeal in promoting the interest of their families from age to age. They imparted a great stimulus to the cause of their religion by subscribing their wealth for construction of temples and organizing congregations of fellow religionists to be held at various centres. They were good warriors as well as administrators. The names of Bhama Shah, Tarachand, Dayaldas, Karmachandra, Inderraj, Singhvi, Budha Singh, Amarchanda are well known for their valour and efficiency.12 For the Kayasthas Manakchand Suril3 reserves high praise for them. He says that from the point of view of education and intelligence, this caste occupied deservedly a high position. As revenue officers, expounders of law and keepers of registers, they rivalled the Vaishyas. The Jain literaturel4 preserves the account of occupations and pursuits of the charanas, Bhatas and Bhils. The Charanas kept them engaged in writing Kliyats, Vartas, Vats, Raso and Vamshavalis. The Bhats are genealogists, according to Pt. Sripal, and concern themselves about the pedigree of families belonging to various classes. As regards the habits of the Bhils, the authors of the Samyakatva and the Samarechhikaha say that