Jain Inscriptions of Rajasthan

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

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families to Jainism. Therefore a number of Maheshwari gotras are identical with the Oswals. Some references to Maheshwaris are to be found in the inscriptions, we are studying. The Suparshvanath temple inscription of Jaisalmer of V. E. 1869 (1812 A. D.) records the name of Sarupsingh66 Maheshwari as the Prime Minister of the State. Bafna Himatram's temple inscription from Jaisalmer recorded by Patawas, which contains much information regarding a community piligrimage of the Jains (Sangh) of the town, speaks of a Maheshwari Saligram, who had accompanied the Sangh. The Lunig-Vasati inscriptions dated V. E. 1287 (1230 A. D.) and V. E. 1360 (1303 A. D.) contain the names of certain Rathis, 67 who were Maheshwaris and perhaps residents of Mount Abu. In V. E. 1360 (1303 A. D.) when Padihar Sihad etc. gave away 400 drammas to the temple, Rathi Pata was also associated with the grant.
Mehar or Mer :
Mehars or Mers belonging to an important tribe are spoken of in several Jain inscriptions of both Rajasthan and Gujarat. In. Ghangbani (Jodhpur) certain Jain temple inscriptions 68 of V. E. 1250 (1193 A.D.) from the reign of Sodhaldeva speak of the Mehars together with the Ksatriyas and Baniks. It seems that the caste was quite populous. Though some people so surmise, it is not clear whether they had any connection with the ancient caste known as Mayuraka. The Jodhpur inscription of the Pratihar king Bauk refers to his battle with a Mayur king who perhaps belonged to this caste. This caste also had relations with the Jains. The Sanchore inscription69 of V. E. 1345 mentions the grant of 8 Vishalpriya drammas for a Rathayatra made by Mehar Prabha, Aspal and Kalu. Similarly some of individuals of the Mer caste
65. Nahar III 2585. 66. ibid III No. 2175. 67. Abu II No. 285-251. 68. Journal, Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal (NS). Vol. XIII 69. E. I. Vol. XI p. 56