Jain Inscriptions of Rajasthan

Author(s): Ramvallabh Somani
Publisher: Rajasthan Prakrit Bharti Sansthan Jaipur

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Miscellaneous inscriptions :
Kirti Stambhas or the Mana Stambhas were generally erected in front of Jain temples. The earliest epigraphical reference of V.E 918 (861 A.D.) to such erections is from Mandor and Rehinskup (Distt. Jodhpur). Jain Kirti Stambh of Chittor is one of the most imposing Jain monuments of Rajasthan. It was errected by the family of Bagherawal35 Jija and his son Punyasingh.
Another important class of monuments are the Nishedhikas. 36 These were built on the relics of the Digambar Jain ascetics, and serve as Memorials. Inscriptions recorded in these Nishedhikas generally contain details concerning to the Sadhus in whose memories these were built. In Rajasthan, we have such inscriptions dating from as early the 10th century A.D.
Sati and Jujhar inscriptions are comparatively uncommon among the Jains. Few inscriptions37 ranging from 10th to 17th century A.D. are noticed from Nenawa and Bikaner. (C) Places of the findings :
Jain inscriptions of the period we are studying are generally to be found in the precinct of Jain temples. The big Prashastis are separately engraved on the stone slabs and preserved in the temple. The inscriptions pertaining to the construction and repair of the Devakulikas are generally engraved on the Devakulikas themselves. The donations and endowments given for the Jain temples are either recorded on the pillars of temples or in the shape of Surah inscriptions. The inscriptions pertaining to pilgrimages are generally engraved on the pillars or walls of the temples. The inscriptions in the Nishedhikas are recorded on the pillars of the Samadhis, From Gangrar38, three sculpted figures of Digambar Jain Sadhus carrying inscriptions dated V. E. 1374 and V. E. 1375 have also been noticed by this author. The inscriptions
35. Edited by the Author in the Anekant (April, 1969). 36. Early Nishedhika inscriptions are noticed from Rupangarh (V. E. 1076,
and 1236) Jhalarapatan (V. E. 1066, 1180, 1289 etc.) Gangrar (1375 and
1376) Nenawa 10th to 13th century A.D 37. Varada Vol. XIV No. 4 pp. 11-14 (Bikaner-Introduction). 38. Edited by the Author in the Sodh-Patrika Vol. XXVII No. 4 pp. 41-42