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The contribution of Jainas in the field of Art and... 109
permanent residents (mathavasis) of monasteries or mathas even though they were representatives of the renunciates, and their main job was confined to protection and enhancement of the wealth and property of the mathas. In both north and south India there were the seats of these Bhattārakas at different places and they gradually started ruling their followers and administering their respective zones and acting like feudal lords. Even among Bhattárakas there were many sects such as Kāstā, Māthuras, Mūlas, Lādavāgada and Drávidas, which were further divided in their ganas and gacchas. As to the question of Svetāmbara tradition, Saṁvigna or Suvihita monks were not completely absent. However, here also, Caityavāsi-yatis were still in prominence and the class of Yatis had their hold on the Jaina society and their status was also quite like the Bhattārakas. The Yati class was also inclined towards mantra, tantra and medicine along with the religious rituals. It was a class of renunciates only in name but in fact, from the point of view of conduct, they had all the necessary requisites available to them for enjoyment and comforts in accordance to those times. This class of Yatis was so powerful that they were able to stop the entry of Samvigna and Suvihita monks in the areas within their jurisdiction.
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