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Jain Society in the Nagpur State
Dr. Prabhakar Gadre
Social aspect of the rise and decline of the Nagpur state in 18th and 19th century is yet in deci derium. This is a pioneer attempt to reconstruct this little known aspect on the basis of recently edited and published sources in the Marathi languages with the assistance of well known English and Persian sources.
Jain religion in Central Province and Berar which comprised most of the Nagpur state is dated since the 9th and 10th century an iconological evidences. Hence it may be said that the arrival of the religion may be synchronized with the arrival of Rastrakutas of Manakhet. Dantidurga conquered all Madhya Pradesh and Berar till 750 AD and his successor Krishna I retained the family holdings till 773 AD. Thus, established the Rastrakutas family spread her branches and made substantial contribution towards the society and culture of Berer which is obvious from the iconological evidences spread all over Berer.'
After the lapse of time during the 18th century, Jain society of Berer was divided in various castes and professions. Major castes among the Jain society were Chetwal, Gagarde, Golsagade, Padmavati Pariwar, Lad-Pariwar, Agarwar, Kusub Gujar etc. Their sirnames may be classified in the profession groups as well as place of origin.? Jain marriage ceremony was similar to that of Vaisha Varna. However, Brahmins are mentioned instead of Munis. They did not ask or give Dowry.
It is specifically mentioned in the text that the Jain society does not enjoy dinner except in marriage. They maintained perfect silence during lunch and breakfast. However, this tradition does not survive in 18th century except in the month of Bhadrapad. They also observe a perfect fast on Chaturthi and Ashtami, during the fast they did not drink even water.
Jain society followed most of the Hindu profession except agriculture. They are mostly in trade and money business. Parwar are described as an industrious people of Jain sect.
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