________________
(B) Categories of the inscriptions :
The Jain inscriptions of Rajasthan provide a rich and valuable source for study of history. They may be classified into the following categories :
(i) Inscriptions pertaining to construction and renovation of
temples including consecration of the icons. (ii) Grants made for maintenance of temples together with
arrangements of certain celebrations. (iii) Historical Jain inscriptions. (iv) Inscriptions pertaining to pilgrimages (Sangha yatra) etc. (v) Others.
Inscriptions pertaining to construction of temples :
The Jain inscriptions throw interesting light on the history of various architectural sites. Sometimes temples were badly destroyed by the invading forces of the Muslim Sultans causing renovation of old statues and installation of new icons in the temples necessary. Muhammad Ghori, who invaded westerno Rajasthan in V. E. 1234 (1178 A.D.) and Sapadalaksa7 in V.E.1248 (1192 A. D.), destroyed several temples. Alauddin Khilji's forces brutally devastated the Jain temples of Mungathala8, Jiravala,
6. The inscriptions of the temples of Osia (V. E. 1234, 1235 and 1336)
Kiradu (V.E. 1235) Sanderao (V. E. 1236) Kayandara (V.E. 1234) etc. mention of the renovations of the temples. The Vividh-Tirth-Kalpa (SJGM) states that Phalodi-Parshwanath-temple was invaded by the forces
of the Ghori (The Etihasika-Sodh-Sangraha by the Author, pp. 195) 7. The Kanyanayaniya-Mahavira-Pratima-Kalpa (Vividh Tirth Kalpa (SJGM
P. 46/Author's paper 'Prithviraj Chauhan-ke Antima Din' Published in
the Maru-Bharati Vol. XXVII No. 1. P. 53. 8. Author's paper Abu-Ksetra-ka. Ek-Prachin-Nagar (published in the
Varada XVI PP. 30-34./Abu-II No. 10, 11, 58, 254 & 405/Abu Vol. V. No. 48, 50, and 51 pp. 30-34/Visal Vijayji-Mundasthala Mahatirth
(Gujarati) pp. 20-24. 9. The Jiravala-Parshwanath Stavana (verse 7) specifically mentions that the
Jain temple of Jiravala was demolished by the forces of Alauddin in V.E. 1368.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
