Jain Inscriptions of Rajasthan

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

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to Kumar31 Vihar Chaitya and is dated V. E. 1242 (1185 A. D.). This Chaitya or temple was originally built in V.E. 1221 (1164 A.D.) by Kumarpal. A large part of this temple was badly damaged, perhaps due to an attack of the Turushkas. Under orders from the local ruler, it was renovated by the Shresthi Yashovir. This was the period when Jalore became the centre of the Jain religious movements known as Vidhi-Chaityas movement initiated by Jinvallabh Suri of the Kharatargachchha. The Sundah32 inscription of V.E. 1319 credits Samar singh for the erection of extensive ramparts around Jalore fort and equipping it with military machines of various kinds as well as building the store houses and battlements of the Vidhyadhari32A type.
His son Udai singh was another important ruler. The Sundah inscription records that his possession extended over Nadol, Jalore, Mandor33, Badmer, Surchand, Khed, Ramseniya, Bhinmal, Ratnapur, Sanchor and other towns. He thus had a sizeable kingdom. His minister Yashovir was a staunch Jain. More than six inscritions recording. his meritorious activities have been discovered
ou and Jalore areas. He was a great patron of literature. The epithet "Kavindra-Bandhu' was adopted by him. The Kharatargachchha Pattavali consists several references34 about the Pratistha, Diksa Mahotsavas etc. celebrated at Jalore and in other adjoining towns. A good number of manuscripts were copied in this town during this time. Thus, in the beginning of the 13th century A.D., Jalore became an important centre of Jainism.
31. Ibid P. 55/Jin Vijay No. 352. 32. The Sundah inscription verses 38-40 (E.I, IX. p. 73). 32A. The Vidhyadharies were constructed between the Kosthakas in a rampart
(Raj vallabha Mandan (Varanasi 1947) IV-15-16). This shows that Jalore was well equipped. Hasan Nizami, the author of Taj-ul-Ma-asir calls
Jalore exceedingly strong. (Elliot and Dowson II p. 238). 33. The Sundah inscription verse 8. (EI, IX p 73). 34. Jin Vijay No. 108, 109/Abu II 150, 151 359 and 361. Yashovir continued on
the post up to VE 1300 (The Puratan Prabandh Sangrah (SJGM) p. 50 The Prabandh Kosh (also in the Vastupal Prabandh) contains many details about him and calls him a minister like Yogandharayan (Prabandh Kosh (Ahmad. 1932) pp. 246-247).