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The Jaina Stupa at Mathura: Art & Icons
in later period). The obtained images of medieval and post medieval period do contain Vikrama year and its months.
6.6 The Influence of Jainism on Socio-religious and Economic life of Common People:
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The dedicatory inscriptions on images and sculptures disclose that they were established by persons following various professions in the society; and mainly by goldsmith (Manikāra/hairaṇyaka/Sauvarṇakāra); worker engaged in metal (Lohikāraka); ironsmith (Lohavāṇiya), cotton dealer (Kārappāsika); dyer (Rāyaka); perfumer (Gandhaka); dancer (Naṭaka); courtesan (Gaṇikā); members of Jaina Sangha particularly by Śrāvaka or Śrāvikā etc. Jaina's contribution in developing cultural life of common people is notable. They established images after performing austerity also. Some of the details of inscriptions are given below
After performing austeriy:
A lady named Vijayśree fasted for a month and then established an image mentioning her austerity21 showing her respect towards Jainism. By gold merchants:
The references of installation of images by gold merchants are available on two images and on an Ayāgapata. The inscription22 dated 20th year of Kuṣāṇa era is regarding the establishment of an image by Mitrā, wife of Haggudeva, daughter of Jayabhatti, the lapidar (Maniakara) and daughter-in- law of an iron monger (Lohavāṇiya). Here a lady has installed a Jaina image whose father was a jeweller and father in law was an iron trader. She included her parentage along with in law's name. Another inscription23 from the site is dated 93 year of Kuṣāṇa era records the establishing an image of Mahāvīra by the daughter of the goldsmith Hairanyaka deva. The term Hairanyaka is explained as treasurer by Luders24.
The record of setting up a tablet of homage (Ayagapata) at the shrine by Nandighosa the goldsmith25.
21 L.L. no. 50, Ep.In. Vo.II- no. 36, pp.209.
22 LL. no. 29, Ep. In. Vo. I- no 4, pp. 384.
23 LL. no. 74, Ep. In. Vo. II, no. 23, pp. 205. 24 Ibid.
25 Ep. In. Vo- I, XLIV no. 35, pp-397, Bulher reads '[te]venikena' while according to Luders in Ind. Anti. XXXIII, 150-151, the word 'Savanikena' (prk.) or' Sauvarnikena' (skt) means by the goldsmith' Luders' view seems to be more correct.
