Jain Inscriptions of Rajasthan

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

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The Chauhans of Nadol:
The Chauhans of Nadol and Jalore remained powerful for about 300 years from the 11th to 14th centuries A. D. The Jain epigraphs furnish very useful information for the study of their history. The religious fervour aroused by Shvetambar Jains in Gujrat and Abu had greatly affected Godawar, Bhinmal, Jalore and Sanchor areas too. Indeed, most of the important Jain families of Gujrat claim to have migrated from Western Rajasthan. Laxman, who was the founder of Nadol and Jalore branch of the Chauhans, probably flourished in the last quarter of the 10th century A.D. The Nadlai Jain20 temple inscription of V.E. 1557 (1500 A.D.) states that Bhandhari Oswals are his descendants. From the time of Asvaraj (1110 to 1115 A.D.) we have records of multifarious projects under-taken by the Jains. They found a favourable atmosphere for propagating their teachings in Godawar. Various grants for the maintenance of the Jain temples were given by the rulers, their ministers and other Government officers.
On Sivaratri, Asvaraj's son21 Katukraj, who was then enjoying the Bhukti (Jagir) of Samipati (Sewadi) gave away eight Drammas for the worship of the Jain temple there. Evidently, he was well disposed towards Jains. The Nadlai inscription of Raypal22 dated V.E. 1189, 1195, 1200 and 1202 record benefactions granted to the Jains during his reign. Some interesting details of his family tree are also known from these records. After Asvaraj, his nephew Ratnapala came to the throne. He was extremely hostile to the ruler of Gujrat. The Sewadi23 Jain temple inscription of Simha year 31 (V.E. 1200) of Katukraj reveals that the reign of Rayapal has a gap of about two years. He was removed by Katukraj. Perhaps, the Gujrat King Chalukya Kumarpal actively assisted Katukraj against Rayapal in recovering his kingdom. During a battle fought in V.E. 1202 between Kumarpal and Arnoraj, Rayapal recaptured his patrimony. His son Sahajpal succeeded
20. Jin Vijay No. 336/The Bhavanagar inscription pp. 140-145. 21. E. I, Vol. XI P. 29-31/Jin Vijay No. 325-325. 22. Jin Vijay No. 331, 332, 333, 334 and 342/E.I. Vol. XI pp. 34-43 23. Ibid No. 324.