Jain Inscriptions of Rajasthan

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

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tion52 of V. E. 1287 (1230 A. D.) records that ruler Somsingh of Abu attended in person the opening ceremony of the celebrated Jain temple.
Kayasthas :
The Jain inscriptions speak of Nigam, Gaur and Mathur Kayasthas. The Nadol grant53 dated V. E. 1198 of Rajpal Chauhan mentions a Gaur Kayastha, Thakur Pethad son of Vadig. He was the man, who had very carefully drafted the inscribed charter. The Kayasthas evidently had grounding in legal language. The Narahad grant of V. E. 1215 speaks54 of the Naigam Thakur Talhan son of Vilhan and grandson of Shrichand. Another grant dated V. E. 1218 from Nadol names55 Naigam Shridhar. Naigam Chhitar is referred to in the Bijoliya inscription 56 of V. E. 1226. These references go to prove that the Kayasthas held an important official position as a class during the reign of the Chauhans of Nadol and Ajmer. Their functioning as legal draftsmen has amply been testified in the drafts composed by them. Some Bhinmal inscriptions refer to Mathur Kayasthas. Later on, these Mathur Kayasthas seem to be holding positions of power and influence in Jodhpur State. In Mewar, the Bhatnagar Pancholis, another Kayastha clan, had the privilege of marking Sahi (an emblem of the state) on the royal grants.
Sutradhars :
Several interesting references to Sutradhars are also found. The Sutradhars worked as architects, as masons, engravers, sculptors and the like. The earliest known mention of a Sutradhar in a Jain inscription is available in the Vasantgarh57 inscription of the year
52. Abu No. II No. 250-251. 53. E. 1. Vol. XI pp. 38-41. 54. Prithviraj Chauhan and His Times by the Author. p. 172. 55. E. I. Vol. IX p. 56 56. ibid XXVI pp. 101. 57. Abu V No. 365.