Jainism in Rajasthan

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Page 10

TALINIS RATASTIAN
In «onc of them the namics of the contemporary rulers and their ministers have been incntioned and the gencalogics of the ruling dynastics are given.
These inscriptions arc chicfly valuable for the rcligious history of the period. 'They give us information about the Jaina Church organization which was divided into several branches such as Sangha, Gana and Gachchha. I conipletc and connected history of the Gachchlas is impossible without their help. They mention names of the teachers of the various Gachchhas, inauguration ceremonies of the numerous temples etc.; and the inscriptions tell us when the sercral Jaina castes and their Gotras came into cxistcncc.
(b) Monuments: The old Jaina temples and images are another important source of religious history. They show the extent and popularity, of Jainism in Rajasthan at different periods and also indicate the stage which the Jama architecture and iconography had reached.
(2) LITERATURE: (a) Literary works: The carliest literature of Jainism is devoted cyclusively to religion and philosophy. Thc Kalpasitra,
Jolierino-sintra and Uitlaridlyryana-sõitia represent a very carly period of Jainism. The Jaina literary works which were written in Rajasthan belong, however, 10 a latcr period. They throw much light on the condition of Jainism in this state. The Jambīdīrupamath of Padınanandi written in about the tenth century 4.1) at Bārā in Kotah State, Kmalayamüla of Uddyotana written at Jalorc in 779 1.1), Prarāsagītıkätraja of Jayānanda written in 1370 111, 6:THU!!"dialnikura Kvja of Somachāritra Gani written in V.S. 1541 and 1: parci-. Ikalakanna of Veghaviaya of the 18th century are of special importance.
(b) llistorical Writings: There are some ancient historical writings from which we may draw certain conclusions after their critical examination. The D: 376...; and Trishaslıtsalūkap:1145/1c-chantru of Hemachandra are useful for the history of Jainism under the Chalukyas. The Prabhīraka-charitra of Prabhīchandra Sūri written in vs 1361 and Phratanapi abandhusang ala of Rajasekhara written in is. 1495 contain numerous interesting anecdotes abour several Jaina monarchs and caints. The Fustupilachantra written in the 15th century lov Jinaharsha and l'imalacharitra written by Lāvanya
amay? 'n In 1568 are uscful for the history of the faith during this seriod The Dursz:5.: 0f Devasena, written in 1a 909 thiows a great