Jainism

Author(s): N R Guseva
Publisher: Sindu Publications P L

Page 72

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JAINISM
The incidents of destruction of Jain temples and their alterations as Hindu temples are known. Also incidents of persecutions and executions of Jains are known.16
During the rule of the Mohammedan dynasties, Jains were not subjected to persecution. This can be explained by the fact that they held in their hands many key positions in taxation-fiscal department, in trade and usury and also gave loans to the Moghuls." Jains were rich and influential and precisely in this period built from their own resources richest temples in Rajputana and Gujarat, which are famous in the whole world. The Jains profited by the patronage of many Rajput kings and were ministers at their court. These Jains who were engaged in trade and usury in Rajputana and Gujarat formed the basis of the communities which was later known by the name of Marwari (from the place of its formation-Marwar).
They did not only engage in trade, usury and in granting big loans to Rajput feudals but also in collecting taxes in buying up handicraft products, in extensively transporting and re-selling and in granting credits in other regions of India and in other similar operations.18
16.
V. A. Sangave, op. cit., pp. 409-410.
17. V. I. Pavlov, Formation of India Bourgeoise, pp. 40, 45-46. 18. A. I. Chicherov, Economic Development of India Before British Conquest, p. 162.