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8 1
paid a lump23 sum, the interest of which was required to be utilised for specific purposes.
Historical inscriptions :
As already stated, Jain epigraphs never aimed to give an account of historical events. But due to some conventions observed in their drafting a certain amount of incidental historical information does become available from them. Inscriptions important for this purpose can be further classified into two groups i.e.(i) big prashastis having detailed genealogy of the ruling families together with antecedents of the Jain Shresthis and (ii) the inscriptions having casual historical informations. The big prashastis may contain the following:
(i) Invocatory verses in the beginning cognizing the Tirthankaras, Shasanadevata, Sarasvati etc. Very few Jain inscriptions contain verses in praise of the divinities of other sects in their invocatory parts. The Vimal Vasati inscription24 of V. E. 1378 (1321 A. D.), which has verses in praise of Lord Shiv in its beginning, can be said to be an exception.
(ii) After the invocatory verses, a few verses are generally found concerning the history of the royal family ruling in the region. This section of the inscription is expressed by the words; the Rajavalli or Rajavamsha Varnana25. In the Chittor inscription 26 of V.E. 1495 (1438 A.D.), the Shatrunjay inscription27 of the family of Karma Shah of Chittor, the Abu inscription28 of V.E. 1378 (1321 A.D.) etc. a geographical account of the surrounding region
23. ibid No. 277/Jin Vijay No. 319, 320, 353, and 363.
24. Abu II No. 1.
25. Sometimes a separate heading is given about Rajavalli. In the Uparganva inscription of V.E. 1461(1404 A D.) the word Rajvamsh-Varnana is used. But generally the description is found without any distinctive heading. 26. Maharana Kumbha by the Author p. 383/J.B.B.R.A.S. Vol. XXIII
P. 50.
27. Jin Vijay No. 1 to 3/E.I. Vol. II. pp. 43-47/The Shatrunjaya Tirthoddhar Prabandh (Edited by Jin Vijay) also contains the account of the family of Karma Shah.
28. Abu II No. I.
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