Jain Inscriptions of Rajasthan

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

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worship of two Mulanayak icons of the main temple (Lunig-Vasati) and of Dehari No. 8. This clearly shows that the monthly rate of interest was 23%. This seems to have been the standard rate in the area in which this inscription was issued. We find this confimed from the following inscriptions.
(i) The Bhinmal inscription118 of V. E. 1262 tells us that on 40 drammas an annual interest amounting to 12 drammas was earned.
(ii) The Arasana inscription 119 of V. E. 1344 mentions that the monthly interest on 120 drammas was 3 drammas.
However, in Jalore, the rate of interest was much lower. The Jalore inscription of V. E. 1323 from the reign of Chachig deva120 Sonagara records a donation of 50 drammas, the interest of this sum amounting to 1/2 drammas was required to be utilised for regularly providing Nechakas(flower garlands) to the Chandan Vihar temple. The rate of interest in this case amounts to only 12% per annum. Similar testimony is provided by another inscription dated V. E. 1320 from the same place. This inscription records that Bhattaraka Laxmidhar made a donation 100 drammas. The interest of this amounting to 10 drammas was to be utilised for annual celebration of Ashtanika going121 to be arranged in the month of Asoj.
Weights and measures :
The terms Karsh, Pala, Adhaka, Mana, Sci, Drona, Mudi etc. were constantly used in the medieval122 epigraphs of Rajasthan. A standard pitcher was used for measuring corn and liquid like
118. Bombay Gazetteer Vol. I Pt. I Appendix (Inscription No. 9) 119. Abu V No. 34. 120. Jin Vijay No. 363. 121. ibid No. 362. 122. Dr. Kailash Chandra-Ancient Towns and Cities of Rajasthan (Delhi
1972) pp. 507-509.