Jain Inscriptions of Rajasthan

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

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under Gazani Khan Jalori invaded Godawar, a part of the Ranakpur temple was demolished by it. It was renovated during the reign of Maharana Karnasingh as is recorded in an inscription dating V. E. 1678 (1621 A. D.). During Akbar's invasion against Sirohi in V. E. 1633 (1576 A. D.) no less than a thousand and fifty Jain bronzes were captured by Mughal commanders. They were later on handed over to Raisingh85 of Bikaner by Akbar. This big board of inscribed bronzes is very valuable for the students of the history of pre-medieval Rajasthan.
Some Maratha chiefs also attempted to carry plundering raids in the famous temples of Rishabhdeva (Dhuleva) of Udaipur, Nathdwara and Kankroli in the first decade of the 19th century A. D. The aboriginal Bhils, who are ardent worshippers of Rishabhdevaji took arms against the Marathas. During the last quarter of the 19th century A. D., when the Bhils adopted a seditious attitude against the census operations etc. the Mewar army took action against them. Two big inscriptions lying outside the Rishabhdeva temple are witnesses to the above valiant resistance of the Bhils. They were ordered to desist from such seditious activities.
Ancient Geograpbical Data :
The Ghatiyala inscription87 of V. E. 918 (861 A. D.) gives place names such as Valla, Maru, Mada, Tavani, Gurjaratra, etc. The Kuvalayamala88 contains the names Gurjaratra and Maru. The Dharmopadeshamala89 of Jaisingh Suri composed at Nagaur in V. E. 915 (858 A. D.) refers to a tract in the vicinity of Nagaur as Gurjaratra. This is corroborated by the Mangalana plate and other epigraphic records. The word "Ashtadash-Shata-Manda190 is used for the Arbud country in the inscriptions of V. E. 1350 (1293 A.D.), 1378 (1321 A. D.) of Vimal Vasati. In later inscriptions, the word "Gokarna Giri” is also used. A description of Medapat country
85. Bikaner-introduction. 86. These Surah inscriptions were drafted by Kaviraja Shyamaldas. 87. JRAS 1895 pp. 513-520. 88. The Kuvalayamala (SJGM) pp. 282-283. 89. The Dharmopadeshamala (SJGM) Colophon's verses 11, 14, 28, 29 & 31.