Jain Inscriptions of Rajasthan

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

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Sapadlaksha, Uparamal etc. came in the possession of the Sultans of Delhi. Several important families migrated from Ajmer, Bikampur, Nagaur etc. to Mewar, Malwa, Jalore, Jaisalmer etc. Alauddin Khilji's invasion again affected many changes, and excepting the rulers of Mewar, Jaisalmer and a few Chauhan rulers, no other rulers of Rajasthan were able to regain their kingdoms.
Several new powers sprang up in the 15th and 16th centuries A. D. Among these, the Guhilots of Mewar, the Rathors of Marwar and Bikaner, the Bhatis of Jaisalmer, the Devaras of Sirohi, the Hadas of Bundi, the Khinchis of Gagron, the Khanzadas of Nagaur etc. were of major importance. Practically these Rajput states had a static structure lacking dynamic growth. These were very similar to each other in the it political constitution and administrative structure, and were based on the feudal system with feudal chiefs playing an important role.
Epithets of the rulers :
The earliest notable Jain inscription of Ghatiyala4 dated V. E. 918 (861 A. D.) of the time of Pratihar king Kakkuka does not contain any epithet for the Pratihar rulers of Mandor branch. The Hatundi inscriptions of Balaprasad of V. E. 1053 simply uses unadorned word "Nrip" to indicate the king without adding any hyperbolic expression. The Chauhan rulers of Nadol and Jalore branch used the title “Maharajadhiraj” only. In an inscription from Jhanwaró (District Jodhpur) the Chauhan king Kelhan is described as “Maharajadhiraj Parameshvar”. He too was somewhat reticent not having used the imperial titles like “Param Bhattarak”. The rulers of Abu mostly bore the simple title “Mandalika" or “Mandaleshvar”, which also indicates their subordinate position for most of them remained the vassals of the Chaluky as? of Gujarat.
4. E. 1. Vol. IX pp. 279-81/Journal Royal, Asiatic Society, London 1895 pp.
513-521. 5. ibid Vol. X pp. 10-17. 6. Journal, Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal (NS) 1916 pp. 103-104. 7. Abu II No. 1, 2 and 250.