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IMPORTANCE OF JAIN LITERATURE OF MEDIEVAL RAJASTHAN 71
period we get reference to another coin as tanka of gold, silver and copper. According to Prakrit pengalam20 the weight of our tanka was equivalent to four mashas. Later-on tanka was used as a weight of weighing medicinal and costly articles. The records21 of Jaina religious places mention several types of coins Alam Shahi, Narang-Shahi, Firozi, Akbari, Chittori, Guman Shahi, Chalni, etc. which were offered to the deity by the devotees coming to Rajasthan from various regions of the country. The literature of our period supplies ample evidence of the existence of bankers and brokers, in almost all the important trade centres who according to Bhagya Sunder23 changed money, purchased and sold bullions and lended money to agriculturists, craftsmen and even to the princes.
Our Jain sourees also speak very high about the religious position of Jainism in Rajasthan. Amongst the still existing Indian sects, Jainism appears to be more rational than any other system of thought. Rigorous courses of penance and fasting have been emphasised as means to set soul free from the bondage of Karma in this cult. A mass of literature has been produced emphasising on kindness, non-violence, renunciation, prayers, purity in dealings and living. A system of moral and spiritual discipline has been preached through lecturers with a view to appreciate the value of kindness and honesty in personal life and mutual relations. From our literature copious information is available regarding several schools of Jain monks-the Kharatara, Tapa, Anehala, Sander, Luka, Kamal Kalash, Braliman, and Sangar gachhas. Hundreds of such names have been referred to who constructed temples and under whose guidance they were constructed. We propose to select a few examples of temples and Gurus of importance. During the reign of Bhima, Vardhaman Suri of Gujarat
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