________________
234 ]
for the maintenance of 5000 men for 12 years. This magnificient offer enabled Pratap to replenish and mobilize his army again. Tara Chand the younger brother of Bhama Shah, was a great patron of art, music and learning.
The Sadari inscription of V.E. 1654 also throws light on the Kavadia family. It includes a brief account of Bharmal and his wife Karpur devi. A step well and orchard were constructed at Sadari. This family remained very prominent in Mewar. After Bhama Shah his son Jiwa Shah became Pradhan of Mewar. but later on this family declined its influence. In spite of this they were held in high esteem among the Oswal community. A quarrel ensued in the Oswal community of Udaipur about the giving priority in ritual marking of Tilak between the Nagar Seth Bafanas and Kavadiyas. Maharana Swaroop singh after hearing both the parties, decided that the Kavadiyas had the right to be given the highest esteem among the Jains.
The Bacbhawat family :
This family too was influential. Its progenitor was Sagar, whose son was Bohithar, who fought in the battle of Chittor. His son was Shri Karna, who is said to have served in the fort of Matsendra (Mahor in Mewar). Vachharaj was his descendant who assisted the Rathors in occupying Marwar. Later he assisted Bika to get him settled in Bikaner. He also moved to his court and installed several icons there. He served as the minister during the time of Bika. His son was Karma singh, who was very powerful. He served as the minister of Lunkarna. and constructed a temple of Neminath in Bikaner. His younger brother Bara singh and the latter's son Nagraj served as the ministers of Jaitra singh. Nagraj actively assisted Jaitra singh's son Kalyanmal in regaining Bikaner77 from Maldeva. His son Sangram and grandson Karma chand served as the ministers of Kalyanmal and Rai singh. During the last days of Rai singh, Karma chand is reported to have hatched a plot against him. But it
77. Karma Chand-Mantri-Vamshot-Kirtan-Kavyam/Bikaner pp. 84-85 (Intro)/
Ojha-Bikaner Rajya ka Itihas pp. 140-143
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org