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Šramana, Vol. 58, No. 4 October-December 2007
Jaina Architecture and Images of Western India under the Western Kșatrapas
Prof. Rasesh Jamindar*
Preamble
The rule of the western Ksatrapadynasty extends from the first quarter of the first century after Christ through the end of the fourth century A.D. i.e. from 23 A.D. to 398 A.D. Thus the western Ksatrapa rulers ruled over the then western India almost for four centuries. It seems that the long-rule by this dynasty was obviously the ever first amongst the royal dynasties of India of the historical age. Alike their long-rule, their geographical limits were also very vast comprising almost what we call the present day western India. This means the extent of their sway included Puskar-Ajmer in the north to Nasik in the south and from Ujjain in the East to the entire sea-shore in the West. Thus in the early history of both Gujarat and India the western kșatrapas had carved out their own specific identity by ruling over the vast territory for almost four centuries and so also by contributing in the making of India's heritage.' State of the Jaina Faith
To understand the prominance and popularity of Jainism and its art and architecture of the present day western India, it would be hopefully useful to briefly review the state of the Jaina art and architecture of that period which witnessed the powerful long-rule of the western kșatrapa dynasty. Of course, this is a question by itself to be answered. Based as it is on the literary sources, there is a general feeling that Jainism was popular in the then western India.
* Former Prof. & Head Dept of History, Gujarat Vidyapeeth Ahmedabad.
