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it can be said that this was the site of a prosperous town. Kakkuka, a good poet in Sanskrit patronised the Jain among other religious groups. A Jain temple was built by him in V.E. 918 (861 A.D.) the ruins of which are now locally known as Mataji-Ki-Shal. The inscription mentions that the above temple was entrusted to the Jain community under the leadership of Jain ascetics named Jambava and Ambak of the Dhaneshvar-Gachchha. It is also recorded that Kakkuka erected two Kirtistambhas one at Mandor and the other at Ghatiyala. A pillar still standing in Ghatiyala is locally known as Khakhu-Devala. A figure of Ganesh and a finely carved icon of Parvati seated on a lion have been recovered from this place. This town was repeatedly invaded by the Abhirs and other hostile armies. The evidence of several inscriptions (edited by the9 Author), reveals that the local rulers put up a valiant resistance against attacking forces. Few memorials were also noticed from the place which were edited by the Author.
Osia :
Also situated about 35 kms. from Jodhpur, this site is now well-known for its richly carved ancient temples. According to the Upakesh-gachchha Pattavali this town was founded10 by a prince from Bhinmal. We have no other source to corroborate this account. But on the basis of several memorials having103 the dates VE 803 (746 AD) VE 885 (826 AD) VE 1010 etc. recently noticed at the site, it can be said that this town is quite old. There are two Jain temples of Mahavir and Sachchika. The Mahavir temple was originally built during the reign of the Pratihar king Vatsaraj (783-92 A.D.). It is situated on a Jagati (plinth) and consists of Garbh-Griha,11 Gudh Mandap, Trika-Mandap, Toran,
9. Edited by the Author in Varada,
10. Kailash Chand Jain-Ancient Cities and towns of Rajasthan (Delhi 1972) PP. 180-183/I. A. Vol. XIX P.
10A-Indian Archaeology-A Review 72-73 p. 34 Twenty eight fascimiles of recently discovered epigraphs were supplied to me by Shri Prakash Bafna,
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