Godwad Ke Jain Shilalekh

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Godwad ke Jain Shilalekh" by Ramvallabh Somani:

This text is an exploration and analysis of ancient Jain inscriptions found in the Godwad region of Rajasthan, India. The author, Ramvallabh Somani, details the historical and religious significance of these inscriptions, shedding light on the prevalence and influence of Jainism in the area over centuries.

Key Themes and Content:

• Godwad as a Jain Center: The book establishes Godwad as a significant hub for Jainism. Numerous ancient temples in places like Nadol, Madlai, Barkana, Sadri, Ranakpur, Bali, Hathandi, Sevadi, and Sanderao are highlighted for their historical importance.

• Political History and Jainism: The inscriptions provide insights into the political landscape of the region, often linking Jain religious activities with the ruling dynasties.

  • The region was initially under the sway of the Pratiharas, followed by the Chauhans and later the Rathods.
  • Inscriptions from the Sirohi region, though technically outside Godwad, are also mentioned as they sometimes refer to the Parmaras as feudal lords of Godwad.
  • The region later came under the rule of the Maharanas of Mewar and eventually became part of Marwar.

• Detailed Analysis of Specific Inscriptions: The author meticulously examines inscriptions from various locations:

  • Rata Mahavir (Hathandi): Inscriptions here are particularly noted for providing genealogies of local Rathod rulers. One inscription from VS 1053 (996 AD) mentions Rathod Dhaval offering refuge to the ruler of Mewar when defeated by Munja, assisting Mahendra of Chauhan against the Gujarat ruler Durlabhraj, and aiding Dharani Varaha of Abu against Mulraj Chalukya. The inscription also mentions various Sadhus. It's suggested that an older inscription (VS 173 and 126) was re-engraved with the VS 1053 inscription due to the continuity of donations. The Mahavir temple here also has other inscriptions related to donations from VS 1335, 1336, 1345, and 1346, with one mentioning the village "Hathudi."

  • Sevadi: This place was prominent in the early medieval period. Inscriptions from VS 1167, 1172, and 1200 are related to Chauhan Katukraj. The VS 1167 inscription in the Baban Jinlay mentions donations from villagers. The VS 1172 inscription on the Shantinath temple wall refers to Varshdev Baladhip and his grandson Thallak who donated "8 Drams" for the temple's worship. Other inscriptions from VS 1213 mention donations for the Parshvanath temple.

  • Nadol: This city became the capital under Chauhan Lakshman. The Shreshti Shubhankar from Nadol is famous for securing an "Amari Ghoshana" (a declaration of non-violence or cessation of trade restrictions) from several rulers. Two inscriptions from VS 1206 from Ratnapur and Kiradu mention this Ghoshana being implemented at the request of Shubhankar's family. Inscriptions from VS 1218 mention donations by Alhan and Prince Kirtipal. Alhan's minister, Jain Sukarma, requested a donation for the Sandherakgachh Mahavir temple. Kirtipal's donation from VS 1218 pertains to contributions from villages for the Nadlai temple. The text also mentions various Pratishthas (consecrations) by different Jain monks and gacchas from VS 1181 to 1686.

  • Nadlai: This place is considered a major center for the Sandherakgachh, dating back to the 10th century when Yashobhadrasuri visited. The Adinath temple has inscriptions from VS 1186, 1165, 1200, and 1202 during the reign of Maharaja Raypal. Notably, these inscriptions do not mention Raypal acknowledging Gujarat's Chalukya rulers as his overlords. An inscription from VS 1186 mentions donations by Queen Meenaldevi and her sons. A lengthy inscription from VS 1194 details a donation of half of the local revenue from merchants by Guhilot Thakur Uddharan's son, Rajdev, for a Jain temple. Inscriptions from VS 1200 mention arrangements for Rathayatra and donations by all Mahajans for the Mahavir temple's worship. A VS 1202 inscription details donations by local and foreign merchants. A VS 1215 inscription relates to local ruler Medlok Pratapsingh and mentions the consensus of Mahajans, Brahmins, and Bhattarakas in a donation from the "Badarya Mandapika," highlighting the inter-religious cooperation. The text also refers to the Bhandari family and mentions the VS 1557 inscription as significant for mentioning Maharajkumar Prithviraj (son of Raymal) ruling Godwad. The VS 1674 (1618 AD) inscription is crucial for noting the reconstruction and consecration of the Nadlai temple by Vijadev Suri of the Tapagachh after the destruction caused by Gajnikhan Jalori during Jahangir's reign.

  • Sanderao: Jain inscriptions from the Chauhan period (VS 1221 and 1236) are found in the Mahavir temple. The VS 1221 inscription mentions donations by Maharani Aanaldavi, Rashtrakuta Patu Kelhan, and others for the Mahavir Kalyanaka festival. The VS 1236 inscription details donations for the Parshvanath temple by Kelhan's queen and his brothers. It is speculated that the original idol in the VS 1221 inscription might have been replaced after Sultan Muhammad Ghori's invasion of Nadol in VS 1234.

  • Ghanerao: Famous for the Muchhala Mahavir temple, it has several ancient, yet unpublished, inscriptions. One recently published inscription mentions arrangements for "Necha" (likely a form of offering or service).

  • Ranakpur: The Ranakpur temple is highly significant, built by Shreshti Dharanashah. The famous VS 1466 inscription here is extensively discussed. Som Saubhagya Kavya and Mahakavi Hem's Ranakpur Stavan also detail its consecration. The VS 1466 inscription is considered valuable for historical study, especially for its genealogical information and details about Maharana Kumbha's conquests and titles. It mentions Kumbha's victories in various forts and cities and that Dharanashah built the temple under Kumbha's orders. The inscription also mentions the renovation of Jain temples in Salera, Pindwada, and Ajari by his family. The temple construction continued until VS 1515. The Meghnad Mandap was built by a Jain family from Ahmedabad and renovated in 1621 AD.

  • Barkana: The temples here have two unpublished inscriptions, one related to Maharana Jagat Singh and the other to Jagat Singh II. These inscriptions mention tax exemptions during melas (fairs).

  • Other Locations: Inscriptions have also been found from Nana, Beda, Jakoda, Koranta, Lalrai, Khivanadi, Sensali, Bali, Khomel, and Khudala.

• Evidence of Religious Harmony: The inscription from Nadlai (VS 1215) is particularly noteworthy for its mention of the consent of Mahajans, Brahmins, and Bhattarakas (potentially Shaivite scholars) for a Jain temple donation, indicating a degree of religious tolerance and cooperation.

In essence, "Godwad ke Jain Shilalekh" is a scholarly work that uses epigraphy to reconstruct the religious and socio-political history of the Godwad region, highlighting the enduring presence and significant contributions of Jainism and its adherents over several centuries.