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The ritual of Sati was common.51 Women did not ware a Weil; there are mentions of princely women coming to the courtyard and meeting people without Weils.52
Deval smruti is an important document written in around 9th century. Mentioning about cast systems. In an interesting chapter it mentions how the converted Muslims both men and women were reabsorbed in the Hindu mainstream, indicating the elasticity of social fiber.53 The notes of Al Biruni too support this phenomenon.
Vegetarianism was more popular. However even non-vegetarian food was consumed. Wheat and rice were staple food grains. Wine was not uncommon.54
People were fond of ornaments, women painted their lips. Backed earth beads and bead of semiprecious stones were in vogue.
A belt fastened loincloth extending to knees. Both men and women kept the uper-half of body uncovered or covered by wrap. People covered their heads by headgears.
Strangely, no coin of Maitrak ruler has been found. Some Vallabhi coins found were of silver or copper with a silver glaze indicating shortage of silver in that period. Some coins of Rastrakut king Krisnaraj Akal varsh, and some Indo-Sassanian coins popularly known as Gadhaiyas are found.
Sanskrit was the state language. Most of the copper engravings are written in Sanskrit. Prakrut was chiefly used in Jain literatures however even they used Sanskrit occasionally.
Marked literary activity and profuse writings were whole mark. In Gujarat Vallabhi was the center for literary activity. Brahmin, Jain and Buddhist scholars were busy in updating and writing their religious scriptures.
Brahmin, Jain and Buddhist were the main religions followed. In the later part of this period the Islam entered Gujarat.
The main differences between this epoch and the epoch discussed previously are : 1 Unified central rule in the first, while multiple, changing and smaller dynasties in the later. 2 Marked foreign influence, while foreign rulers in the first and diminished influence and
local rulers in the second. 3 The language was chiefly Prakrut in the first, while Sanskrit in the later period.
Barring such differences these epochs have more or less similar patterns in culture and religious belief, administrative structure and trade relations.55
Now we will have a brief look at the Solanki period from10th century onwards. Siddharaj Jay Singh (1094 to 1142 AD) and his descendant Kumar Pal (1142 to 1172AD) ruled over the greater part of Gujarat and even some portion beyond the state. The state received the present day name from Gurjar during this period. In the remaining period the state was under number of small dynasties and
51 52 53 54 55
Durgashanker Shastri, Upayukta Ejan page 32 M.R.Majmudar, Chronology of Guj.part 1 page 254 Ejan page no.143 Ejan page no. 143
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