Jain Inscriptions of Rajasthan

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

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and Gurjars. The Digambar Jain Kirti Stambh inscriptions from Chittor, edited48 by the Author, reveal that Digambar Jain ascetics were venerated by Hamir Chauhan as well as many rulers of Deccan. The period falling between Jaitra singh and Samar singh (13th century A.D.) was glorious period for Chittor when several beautiful Jain temples were constructed and many festivities were arranged. Regular patronage was extended for the purpose of building these temples by rulers and the members of the royal family. Many inscriptions testify to this fact, which is corroborated by literary references too. During the 14th and 15th century A.D. Maharana Kheta, Lakha, Mokal and Kumbha made several donations to Jain temples. They believed in religious tolerance and patronising all religions. The Chittor inscription of V.E. 1495 (1438 A.D.) and the Ranakpur inscription49 of V.E. 1496 (1439 A.D.) provide crucial data for study of the history of Mewar. The genealogy of the rulers of Mewar given in the Ranakpur inscription provides authentic information and remains the main source for studying the achievements of Kumbha during the early years of his reign. Likewise, the Nadlai inscription50 of V.E. 1557 (1500 A.D.) of the time of Maharana Raymal, the Sadari inscription5l of V.E. 1654 (1595 A.D.) and the Shatrunjay inscription52 of V.E. 1587 (1530 A.D) containing the genealogy of the rulers of Mewar also furnish valuable details concerning the medieval history of Mewar. On the basis of the Sadari inscription53 of V.E. 1654 (1595 A.D.), belonging to the family of Bhama Shah, when read alongwith the colophons of the MSS. of Gora Badal
Edited by the Author in the Anekant Vol. XXII No. I/Joharapurakar. Jain Lekh Sangrah (Delhi 1974) Vol. V. pp. 153-155. An Rep A.S.I. 1907-1908 pp.21/Jin Vijay No, 307/The Maharana Kumbha by the Author p. 425. Jin Vijay No. 336. The year 1597 (150AD) given in the text is incorrect. The correct date of it is V, E, 1557 (1500 A, D.). The Etihasika Sodh Sangrah by the Author pp. 69-71/The Bhavanagar inscriptions pp. 144. Jin Vijay No. I/E. I, Vol. II pp. 42-47. For details-see Author's paper on Bhama Shah published in the Murudhar Kesari Abhinandan-Granth pp. 173-177,
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