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The Early Epigraphic Records of Mathura
A genealogy of Acāryas after Mahāvīra is discussed in many scripturesKalpasūtra, Nandisutra, Paṭṭāvali-parāga, Himavantācāryas's Theravali etc. Among all these available genealogies (Sthavirāvalis), kalpasūtra is the oldest. The Sutra narrates that the monastic order was divided into several schools and units known as school (Gana), family (Kula) and branch (Śākhā) based on that particular area. Out of obtainable nearly about 86 inscriptions from Mathura, 48 comprise of the names of inspired ascetics with their lineage. These dedicatory records mention three ganas
Kottiya Gaṇa available on 20 images.
Vāraṇa Gaṇa
available on 12 images
Udhikiya or Udesa/Udeha Gana available on 2 images.
The reference of 13 kulas is available in inscriptions while the same is accounted in Kalpa-theravali is 27.
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The number of branches (śākhās) available from record of donation is 8. The synonyms for ascetics except Acārya, Upadhyāya and Sadhu used in inscription are as per their categories.
Vācaka the title Vacaka is used for the preacher (E.I. vol.-I, nos. 3, 4). Ganin- The title Ganin is used for the head of the school (gana). Ganini - The female ascetic having the title Ganini.
Śramana - Sthavira-The monk is generally called by this name but also sometimes by Samana.
Anuyogadhara - the renowned Acāryas or most senior ascetics having vast knowledge of Anuyoga48 (narratives) of that period. Till the time of Arya Vera/Vaira, they were not classified but the system came into existence at the time of Arya Rakṣitsuri49.
Kṣapaka - A monk.
Ārya/Ajja - All Jaina senior monks called Arya, but sometimes any Jaina monk are also called Arya/Ajja.
Antevāsi/śisya- The ordinary male disciple called Antevasi of his
Guru.
48 Anuyoga (Exposition) - Jaina scripture were grouped into four Anuyoga as per its contentsi. Dharma-kathānuyoga. ii. Carananuyoga. iii Gaṇitānuyoga. iv. Dravyānuyoga 49 Srimad Rajendrasuri smarak Grantha pp-39.
