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tructed several temples and set up images. 19 It is interesting to note that a particular Jaina family had migrated here from Azimganj.20
The other important place where the presence of the Jainas is mentioned is Hajipur. It was just across the Ganges opposite Patna and was a collecting point for textiles and saltpetre obtained in north Bihar before being despatched to Patna. The trader in question is stated to belong to Hajipur but he consecrated stone and metal images at Patna in Samvat 1762 and 1771.21
Thus it is apparent that in course of the seventeenth century a number of Jainas had taken up residence in important commercial centres of the province. Usually they belonged to Rajasthan. Some of them had done exceptionally well and they occupied an important place in the economic life of the province. Quite a few regarded the city in which they lived as their homeland.* It is likely that further researches would indicate that they were much more wide-spread and were also active as middle and lower level merchants.
18 20 21 *
Ibid., Insc. Nos. 137-144. Ibid., Insc. No. 142. Ibid., Insc. Nos. 300, 313-315 and 334 All the Jainas have not migrated to the state from Gujarat or Rajasthan. Some of them like Mahattians were original inhabitants of Bihar. - Editor.
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