________________
[ 252
Mathura, therefore influence of Jainism might have remained there.
(ii) From Nagari, an inscribed21 fragment has been noticed having some letters, the purport of which stands as "for the welfare of all living beings." Generally it is attributed to Buddhism. Nagari also had a close relation with Jainism and looking to stress on the feelings of compassion in it. we may also consider this inscription as a Jain record.
(iii) From Darah (Distt. Kota) some22 inscriptions datable to 2nd century B. C. have been noticed by Vijay Kumar. He at first gave the reading as "Sipisena Samano" resident of Awara. However, he later revised its reading. No serious attempt has been made to decipher these early writings. The word "Samana" has a definite link with Jainism.
Besides these no other early records attributable to Jainism have been noticed. As already stated, purport of these records too are conjectural and no definite evidence about their Jain identity can be given.
21. Ojha-Udaipur Rajya Ka Itihas p. 26. 22.
Varada XXI No. 4 pp. 3-4/ The Cultural Contours of India (Delhi 1981) pp. 283-285.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org