Jain Sanctuaries of the Fortress of Gwalior

Author(s): T V G Shastri
Publisher: Kundkund Gyanpith Indore

Page 47

forms show similarities with those of the period of the last temple of the Neminatha group, possibly, the same traditional sculptors had worked on Nemigiri hill even during 12th century A.D.
Although, the temple is Hindu, within the compound there appears to be a Jain temple as well. But its structural remains are not seen today. However, there are few jain sculptures here and there in the compound. Of these one standing Tirthankara, with two devotees on either side can be seen towards the left side of the entrance. (Plate 40)
The Kachhapghatas (950-1156 A.D.) :
The Pal dyanasty of kings during with century A.D. appears in historical records of Kachhapaghatas. They are also identified as Kachawahas. It appears it is a corrupt name of the word kusawaha after Kusa', the latter of the Epic twins of Lava, Kusa in Ramayana. As seen earlier, their original home was Suhania, the place of Gvalipa saint. During this period, they divided their kingdom into three different administrative units with Gwalior in the north, Narwar in the south and Dubkund in the west. The Gwalior branch of the north, came to be identified as Kachawahas. Later they seemed to have conquerred the entire Malwa and some parts of Rajasthan. An ancient map showing their domain is given in this.
Several ancient Jain temples could be seen in the above places. They may be in ruins today but their religious commitment to Jainism and Hinduism cannot escape the attention of the visitors. Most conspicuous and intact temples associated with them are the Sas-Bahu temples.
In the porch of the bigger 'Sasa-Bahu' temple, there is a long rectangular slab with an inscription dated to 1083 A.D. It gives a good account of the geneology of their dynasty. It starts with Lakshman whose son was Vajradaman, who was associated with the temple of Padmanabha (Vishnu). He was said to have subdued Gadhi (Kannouj) and Gwalior. Even in this inscription, there is a clear reference to the name of Gwalior hill as Gopadri. (Plate-41)
Other Kachhapaghata kings mentioned in the record are (1) Mangalraj, (2) Kirtirarj, (3) Maladeva, (4) Devapal, (5) Padmapal and (6) Suraj pal, etc. Evidently, Suraj Pal was the founder of the hill of Gopagiri. As regards the other monuments, built by them, the Dhonda gate is suggested. It appears that when the king Virasimha Deo was ruling the region, his son Dhondapal was entrusted with the task of guarding the northern frontier, to 1. Information from Shri M.C. Joshi, Ex-Director General, Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi.
(27)
(27)