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Jainism in a Global Perspective
was entrusted with the reign of one province in view of her proficiency in state administration. In South India women like Ketaldevi, Śantaldevi, Acaladevi are reputed for having constructed temples. As per an edict of 1147 A.D. Princess Pampadevi is known to have composed Aṣṭa Vidyārcana-Mahābhiṣeka' and 'Caturbhakti'. Yākini Mahattara is regarded as a most scholarly woman of the eighth century A.D..
Women also inspired to men in many cases. It was because of the inspiration of Hemacandrācārya's mother Pahini that he was conferred the reputation as the "Ocean of Knowledge", Kavi Dhanpala was inspired by his sister Sundari in writing his monumental work of 'Amarakoṣa'. So also women like Śridevi and AnupamaDevi provided inspiration to their husbands spend their wealth for religious purposes. Even in this century, there have been numerous sädhvis and śrävikas who have earned high reputation in various fields. Impressed by the personality of Mahāsati Ujjvalkumari, Gandhiji himself went to visit her. Harkunvar Sethāni constructed the Hathisinha temples of imense grandeur and sponsored a huge procession of pilgrims and thereby exhibited her skill of management. Mahattara Mṛigavatiśri constructed the Vallabhasmaraka at New Delhi. Sāradābāi Mahāsatiji, Sadhvi Pramukha Kanakaprabhāśriji and many other Sadhvi's have provided fruitful guidance and leadership to the society.
It is because of this emphatic and positive role of Sadhvis and Śravikas that the Jaina religion, did not approve the 'Sati' system which was prevalent in the Middle Ages. So also it has strongly resisted the 'Dasi' system (women slavery) and the practice of the trading of women. 'Dasi' system was regarded as a symbol of affluence and prestige. Many Dāsīs were bought from various countries for the pleasure of Meghakumāra. But Bhagavana Mahavira protested strongly this practice. Sadhvi Yakṣakunvaraji struggled incessantly to end the practice of sacrificing animals. As Jaina religion is fundamentally opposed to the seven vices like polygamy, adultery,addiction to alcoholic drinks,harlotry and gambling, women from this religion are saved from the torture that results from these evils. In Jñātādharma Katha King Drupada asks Draupadi to select husband for herself. As mentioned in 'Upasaka Dasanga', Mahāṣataka does not compel his wife Revati in any way as regards religious faith, food habits and other
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