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From the village Sainawa situated near Chittor a Jain inscription21 of V. E. 1389 (1342 A. D.) was recovered from the Nishedhika. It speaks of Narasendeva. From village Gangrar (Distt. Chittorgarh) three inscriptions22 of V. E. 1374 (1317 A. D.) and 1375 (1318 A. D.) were discovered from the Nishedhikas of certain Digambar Jain Acharyas. The much acclaimed engraved line drawings of Jain Sadhus were also found in these monuments, revealing that an art of indigenous painting was cultivated here. These Nishedhika inscriptions are quite interesting. We know Chittor and its neighbouring areas were captured by Alauddin Khilji in V. E. 1360 (1303 A. D.). During this invasion several families migrated from Mewar to other places. But many Jain Acharyas continued to reside here, which can be testified by the above inscriptions and a few colophons22A of manuscripts.
Kareda-Parshwanath :
Kareda Parshwanath is among the most important Jain temples of Mewar. It is a massive structure. Its plan is noticeably different from that of other Shvetambar Jain temples, as it does not have Trika-Mandap, Ranga-Mandap, etc. It consists of a Garbh Griha, a Gudh-Mandap, two small shrines on each side of the main structures each with a small porch, Sabhamandap, as well as a circumambulatory passage. This large marble temple is very attractive. The original structure dates before the 10th century A. D. An inscription23 dateable to 7th century A.D. was also seen on a bronze image once housed here, but it is now untraceable. There is an inscription of V. E. 1039 (982 A.D.) on the icon of Shyam Parshwanath24, which records that this icon was
21. History of Mewar by the Author, p. 103. Vir-Bhumi-Chittor by the
Author pp. 268-269. 22. ibid p. 103. 22A. The colophods of MS Kalik acharya Katha dated VE 1365 and 1378
copied at village Bauna (Mewar) prove the fact that in spite of occupation by the Muslims, the Jain monks continued their works (For
details see History of Mewar by the Author pp. 103-104). 23. Nahar II No. 1905. 24. Nahar II No. 1948.
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