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श्रमण / अप्रैल-जून/ १९९६
a period, nearly 1200 years after their origin, when the Yapaniya tradition had almost become part of the history. Secondly, as the Ratnanandi's account is not substantiated by any other literary as well as epigraphic evidence. Thirdly, the very existence of Kalyāṇa, prior to 10th century, is doubtful. It appears that the Digambara theory of Southern origin of Yapaniya, came into being because Digambaras had come into contact with Yapaniya in Southern India.
: 1919
Inscriptional Evidences of the Yapaniya Sect
6
We come to know about the preceptors, Bhaṭṭārakas and house-holders of Yapaniya Sect from literary sources and epigraphic evidences. Of the two, the inscriptional evidences, being contemporary and shunning the possibility of tampering with, are more authentic. There are a number of inscriptions pertaining to Yapaniya Sect. Prof. A. N. Upadhye has exploited these inscriptions, in his article, fully. I have presented my observation making first hand study of the relevant inscriptions, available so far, in addition to Prof. Upadhye's article. Earliest inscription relating to Yapaniya sect, is that of Mṛgesa Varman of Kadamba dynasty (C. 479-490 A. D.). This inscription refers to the grant of land, made to Yapaniyas, Nirgranthas and Kūrcakas. Another inscription, approximately of the same period ( C. 497-537 A.D.) as above, referred to four Yapaniya preceptors, ācāryas and monks Dāmakirti, Jayakīrti Pratihāra, Nimittajñāna Pāragāmī preceptor Bandhusena and Tapodhana knower of scriptures, Kumārdatta.' Herein, the Yapaniyas have been designated as ascetic ( Yapanīyastapasvinaḥ) and engroved on the path of true religion ( Saddharmamārgapratisthitaḥ ). The title 'Suri' herein, has been used for Acaryas. The above inscriptions indicated that the king has made donation for worship in temple, for its security, for its routine expenses in addition to that for eight day festival ( Aṣṭāhnika Mahotsava) and maintenance of Yapaniya monks. Thus, it is clear that at the time of or even prior to these inscriptions, the specific
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