Jain Sanctuaries of the Fortress of Gwalior

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

Page 58

was Narasimha Deva. He reigned for 25 years.
Dunger Singh(1440-1459 A.D.):
Next in the line was Dunger Singh Tomar, who became the king, when the Gwalior citedal was well established as a Tomar stronghold. Besides, his statemanship, he was highly deveoted to Jainism. The kastasangha of Mathura was influential in making him a devotee of Jain religion. Acharyas, Yasahkirti Devasena, etc. were in his court.
Raidhu was his preceptor whose book on Pasandachariu deals with the iconographic details of different Tirthankaras for carving out images in the rock. He got the highest image of Tirthankara Rsabhanatha in Bavan Gaj Cave near the Urwahi gate. It was inaugurated by Dungar Sen when Raidhu served him as the high priest.
Besides, Dungar singh built the Ganesh pole, situated near the third gate of Badalghad. He also caused a well, dug to be called as 'Nagarwav', the waters of which had medicinal properties. It was well guarded and no one was allowed to use them without royal permission. However, even the public were allowed depending on their genuine cause. Dungar Singh had also high glorious days as diplomat.
Although he had not paid taxes to Mubarak Sayyid during 1427, 1429, 1432 A.D. with his friendly gestures, the Sultan had to oblige him and send his forces against Hosang Shah of Malwa when he beseiged Gwalior.
Again, when he found that enemy was strong, he submitted to Buhlal Shah Lodi (1451-89) A.D. After his submission, the Shah, however, died.
Kirti Singh (1459-1479 A.D.)
After the death of Dungar Singh around 1459 A.D., Kirti Singh became the Rajah of Gwalior. He was said to have subdubed many forts. He also appears to be as good a diplomat as his father by keeping good relations with Delhi and neighbouring states. He had entertained Jain scholars under his patronage, and several Jain images were inauguarated.
In Cave I of Ek Pathar-ki-Bavdi, dedicated to Parsvanatha, there is good account of his life as a devotee of Jainism. Also further in the caves of Marimata in Ek-Pathar-ki-Bavdi group, we find the association of the name of Kirti Singh with the installation of several images. Similarly, in Urwahi and Namigiri group of caves, he was shown to have inaugurated several images of Tirthankaras, Adinatha, Santinatha, Parsvanatha, etc.
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