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CHAPTER IV Socio-Economic Condition
The formation of various castes amongst the Jains is linked with the settlement of Rajputs in Rajasthan as many distinct groups of the Jains are believed to have descended from them. On the basis of literary and epigraphical evidence, it can be said that most of the present Rajput clans settled in Rajasthan between the 6th and 13th centuries A. D. This was a period of great prosperity for Rajasthan. Several important towns namely Osia, Mandor, Kiradu, Bhinmal, Jalore, Ahad, Chittor, Vasantgarh, Dhod, Chandravati, Bayana, Nagar, Shergarh, Atru, Sambhar, Chatsu, Ladnu, Nagaur, Didwana, Medta etc. grew in wealth and importance. Trade and commerce flourished. The Samaraichcha Kaha of Haribhadra Suri (8th century A. D.) the Kuvalayamala (778 A. D.) of Udhyotan Suri and other Jain tales of the period contain stories of venturing businessmen, travelling to distant lands in order to acquire wealth. Several Jain Acharyas, attracted, no doubt, by peace and prosperity, visited the State to propagate their doctrine. The Kuvalayamala (788 A. D.) speaks of the visit of certain Jain Acharyas from Punjab to Bhinmal and Jalore. The Digambar Jain sources record that Jinasenacharya visited Khandela and succeeded in converting several powerful families to Digambar Jain faith. The sources also speak of the frequent visits made by Digambar Jain Sadhus from Deccan to Chittor.
1. The Colophon of the Kuvalayamala (S.J.G.M.) verses 5 to 8.
2. Dr. Kailash Chandra-Ancient Cities and Towns of Rajasthan (Delhi 1972)
p. 262,
3. The Shrutavatar by Indranandi verse 176/ The Vir Bhumi Chittor p. 154 by
the Author.
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