Jain Inscriptions of Rajasthan

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

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instituted. The Samoli inscription48 of V. E. 703 (646 A.D.) from the reign of Siladitya of Mewar records that approval of the local Mahajan-Sabha was sought before constructing the temple of mother goddess, which contains the inscription. The Sewadi inscription of of V. E. 1172 names a Yashodeva Baladhipa, who was duly honoured by the Mahajan-Sabha49 perhaps for some valorous action. The Nadlai inscription50 of V. E. 1200 of the time of Chauhan Rayapal records that the local Mahajan-Sabha had unanimously granted Rajdeva, the local chief of Nadlai, the power to collect certain cesses for the sake of the Mahavir temple which carries the inscription. The Mahajan-Sabha also gave its consent for cesses to be utilised for religious and charitable purposes. Another inscription of V. E. 1200 from the same place informs us that a donation of two Pallikas of oil was made by the afore-mentioned Rajadeva, out of his share from the tax for the Rathayatra festival. This grant was made in presence of the members of the Mahajan-Sabha and the Panch kula (GraminaJanapada). Another inscription of V. E. 1202 also from Nadlaj51 records that certain Banjaras, generally a nomadic people working as carriers or travelling merchants also agreed to give certain donations for the maintenance of Mahavir temple of Nadlai. The Juna Badmer inscription of V. E. 1352 (1295 A. D.) belonging to the reign of Samantsingh52 refers to certain imposts introduced to collect funds for the worship of a Ksetrapal and other images installed in the temple of Adinath. These were duly ratified by the Mahajan-Sabha.
Panchakula :
The Panchakula was another institution which had played an important role in local administration. Generally it had five
48. The Nagari-Pracharini Patrika (NS) I pp. 311-324.
49. Jin Vijay No. 323.
50. ibid 342.
51. ibid 333.
52. ibid No. 334.