Epigraphia Indica Vol 15

This is a summary of the key information presented in Volume 15 of the Epigraphia Indica, focusing on the Jain texts and related content within the provided pages.

Overall Publication Information:

• Title: Epigraphia Indica, Vol. XV (1919-20)
• Publisher: Archaeological Survey of India (New Delhi)
• Reprint Year: 1982
• Original Publication Context: Published as a supplement to the "Indian Antiquary."
• Editors: F. W. Thomas, M.A.
• Contributors: R. D. Banerji, Lionel D. Barnett, Radhagovinda Basak, Ramesh Chandra Chanda, K. N. Dikshit, T. A. Gopinatha Rao, B. L. Rai Bahadur, H. Krishna Sastri, C. R. Krishnamachari, K. V. Lakshmana Rao, Sylvain Levi, Ramesh Chandra Mazumdar, J. Ramayya Pantulu, Robert Sewell, K. B. Pathak, K. N. Dikshit, Tarini Charan Rath, V. S. Sukthankar, S. V. Venkatesvara.

Jain Texts and Related Content:

While the title Epigraphia Indica suggests a broader scope of Indian inscriptions, the provided pages indicate a focus on historical and archaeological records that might include those relevant to Jainism, even if not exclusively Jain texts. The summary will highlight inscriptions or discussions that touch upon Jainism or have connections to it, based on the names of kings, places, or the nature of the records.

Key Inscriptions and Their Relevance (where inferable or directly mentioned):

While a direct "Jain text" is not explicitly identified in the title or index, several entries discuss rulers, periods, and geographical locations relevant to the history of Jainism in India. The volume is a collection of inscriptions, which often shed light on religious patronage, societal structures, and the spread of various religions, including Jainism.

1. No. 3. Two Inscriptions from Mutgi:

   • This section details inscriptions from Mutgi, which historically was an important city, the chief town of the "Murttage Thirty."
   • A. Of Vikramaditya VI (A.D. 1110): Discusses a grant for a Saiva sanctuary, but the context of kings and administrative structures in regions where Jainism was prevalent is relevant.
   • B. Of the Kalacharya Bhillama (A.D. 1189): Mentions the Kalacharya Bhillama. The Kalachuris were patrons of Jainism in certain periods and regions. The inscription refers to the grant of the town of Bivavura for the maintenance of the temple of Lakshmi-Narasimha, originally established by Chandi Setti (II). The mention of Saiva sanctuary and the religious context are important for understanding the religious landscape of the time.

2. No. 6. Inscriptions of Sudi:

   • This extensive section covers various inscriptions from Sudi, an important city historically, serving as the capital of the Kisukād seventy under the Chalukyas of Kalyani. The period covered ranges from about 900 A.D. to the latter half of the 12th century.
   • Several inscriptions mention the administration of Kisukad by Akka-devi, sister of Vikramaditya V. Akka-devi was known to be a patron of Jainism.
   • The inscriptions detail grants, administrative officers, and religious endowments, providing a socio-historical context that would include the presence and activities of Jain communities.
   • Specific inscriptions (C, D, E(1), E(2), F, G, H, I, J, K, L) span reigns of various dynasties (Chalukyas, Kalachuryas), whose patronage of Jainism varied. The mention of Sudi as an important center implies its significance for various religious sects present at the time.

3. No. 7. The Five Damodarpur Copper-Plate Inscriptions of the Gupta Period:

   • While primarily focused on the Gupta period and Brahmanical activities (grants to Brahmins, temples), these inscriptions are crucial for understanding the broader religious and administrative landscape. The Gupta period saw the flourishing of various religions, including Jainism. The administrative structure and the mention of land transactions and official titles provide context for the socio-religious environment in which Jainism also existed. The discussion on the Gupta empire's territorial limits and administrative practices indirectly informs the historical background relevant to Jainism's presence in regions like North Bengal.

4. No. 12. Bhavnagar Plates of Dhruvasena I: [Valabhi-]Samvat 210:

   • This inscription belongs to the reign of Dhruvasena I of the Valabhi dynasty. The Valabhi rulers, particularly Dhruvasena I, were significant patrons of Jainism. The inscription itself is a land grant, and while it doesn't explicitly state Jain religious context, the ruler's patronage of Jainism makes any record from his reign relevant. The Valabhi era (Gupta era) is also important for dating Jain historical records from Gujarat.

5. General Observation on Jain Relevance:

   • The volume, by its nature as Epigraphia Indica, focuses on the decipherment and publication of inscriptions. These inscriptions often record land grants, donations, administrative decisions, and genealogies of rulers.
   • The presence of Jainism in ancient and medieval India is often attested through the mention of:
     • Jain Tirthas and Monasteries: Land grants to Jain monasteries or institutions.
     • Jain Ascetics and Teachers: Donations made to them or their approval sought.
     • Jain Rulers or Patrons: Kings or queens known for their patronage of Jainism (e.g., the Valabhi rulers, possibly Kalachuris, and Chalukyas like Akka-devi).
     • Jain Religious Symbols or Texts: While not explicitly mentioned in the index provided, such elements could be present in the inscriptions.
     • Places associated with Jainism: Cities or regions known for Jain monastic establishments or historical significance.

Summary of Jain-relevant content:

• Kalacharya Bhillama and Jain Patronage: The mention of Kalacharya Bhillama in inscription No. 3 suggests a context where Jainism might have been patronized, given the historical association of some Kalachuri rulers with Jainism.
• Akka-devi and Jain Patronage: The inscriptions from Sudi (No. 6) mentioning Akka-devi are particularly relevant, as she is historically known as a significant patron of Jainism. Her administrative activities and potential religious endowments would be of interest to Jain history.
• Valabhi Dynasty and Jainism: The Bhavnagar Plates of Dhruvasena I (No. 12) are relevant due to the strong Jain leanings of the Valabhi rulers. Dhruvasena I himself was a devout patron of Jainism.
• Gupta Period Context: While the Damodarpur plates (No. 7) primarily discuss Brahmanical activities, they provide crucial insights into the religious landscape of North Bengal during the Gupta period, a time when Jainism also existed and was patronized by some rulers. Understanding the broader religious environment is essential for historical context.

This summary highlights the inscriptions and figures that are most likely to have direct or indirect connections to Jainism, based on the provided index and names. Further detailed study of the full texts within Epigraphia Indica, Vol. XV would be necessary to extract specific mentions of Jain tenets, practices, or individuals.