Jain Inscriptions of Rajasthan

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

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small unit resembling modern Tehsil. Likewise, the term Paragana was also constantly used from the 15th century A. D. for a small administrative unit. The Ajahari copper plate of V. E. 1494 issued from Ranakpur41 by Maharana Kumbha also refers to the above unit. The heads of some villages, who made benefactions to the Jain temple of Bijoliya, are also referred to in the inscription of V. E. 1226. We have several references of the groups of the villages. The word "Chaurasi" appears in several medieval records.
Selahath and Talar:
The Selahath was an important government officer. He had to perform multifarious duties. The Kanhadade-Prabandh speaks of this officer as "Nagar Talar-Desh-Selahuth". This reveals that a Talar was posted in a town while another officer, the Selahath, was perhaps given charge of a particular territory as a whole. He was also consulted by the ruler of Jalore, while making preparations for the fight against Alauddin Khilji (Selahath-Sikhamana-Hui). Sometimes he was also selected a member of Panchakula, a local self institution. It can be testified from the Bhinmal42 inscription of Chachigdeva Sonagara, which refers to "Shri-Karaniya-Panch-Selahathada. The Abu inscription43 of V.E. 1350 refers repeatedly to the Selahath and Talaraksh. It gives an idea that every donor in granting a gift was required to refer the grant to the Selahath and the Talar. The Sanchore44 inscription of V. E. 1345 also mentions the Selahath. This interesting inscription records a donation of eight drammas by Mehar Prabha, Padma and others. The Selahath was required to arrange for one and half Kalasas of Moong at the time of Rathayatra celebration, out of the interest from the sum bequested by them. The Delawara45 inscription of
41. Edited by the Author in Maru Bharaii Vol. XVI, No. II, p. 53.
42. Bombay Gazetteer Vol. I Part I p. 480-486.
43. Abu II No. 2.
44. E. I. Vol. XI pp. 57-58.
45. The Maharana Kumbha by the Author p. 370.