Jain Inscriptions Of Rajasthan

This document is a comprehensive summary of "Jain Inscriptions of Rajasthan" by Ramvallabh Somani, published by Rajasthan Prakrit Bharti Sansthan, Jaipur, in 1982. The book meticulously analyzes Jain inscriptions found in Rajasthan, providing valuable insights into the socio-economic, political, artistic, and religious history of the region.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects covered in the book, as presented by the table of contents and the initial chapters:

Overall Aim: The book aims to highlight medieval Jain epigraphs from Rajasthan, acknowledging the importance of inscriptions as historical sources. While acknowledging earlier inscriptions, the focus is on the period from the 10th to the 17th century AD, which provides a vast amount of material for understanding the socio-economic and political history of medieval Rajasthan.

Key Themes and Chapters:

• Classification of Jain Inscriptions:

  • Jainism has a long history in Rajasthan, with contiguous ancient Jain sites like Mathura, Ujjain, and Vallabhi influencing the region.
  • Rajasthan possesses a significant corpus of Jain epigraphical material from the 10th to 17th centuries AD, crucial for historical study.
  • The paucity of early Jain inscriptions (pre-10th century AD) is noted, possibly due to the Chaitya-vasi Sadhus not prioritizing stone inscriptions of their activities. However, literary and architectural evidence points to Jain shrines existing earlier.
  • The role of the Vaishya community in patronizing Jainism and funding temple construction and philanthropic activities is emphasized.
  • Most Jain inscriptions are private, un-official records aiming to perpetuate the memory of benevolent acts.
  • The inscriptions are categorized into:
    • Construction and renovation of temples, including consecration of icons.
    • Grants for temple maintenance and specific celebrations (e.g., Rathayatra, Asthanika).
    • Historical Jain inscriptions.
    • Inscriptions pertaining to pilgrimages (Sangha yatra).
    • Miscellaneous inscriptions (Kirti Stambhas, Nishedhikas).

• Historical Importance of Jain Inscriptions:

  • While not primarily intended as historical chronicles, Jain inscriptions provide valuable incidental historical information.
  • They offer a more detailed and authentic account of ruling families and events compared to some Brahminical inscriptions.
  • The book highlights the historical significance of inscriptions related to various dynasties like the Pratiharas, Rastrakutas of Hatundi, Chauhans of Ajmer, Nadol, and Jalore, as well as rulers of Mewar, Abu, and Jaisalmer.
  • Inscriptions serve as crucial sources for understanding invasions by Muslim armies, temple destructions, and subsequent renovations.
  • They provide geographical data, mention trade routes, and shed light on administrative structures and revenue systems.

• Polity and Administration:

  • The book details the ruling classes of Rajput kingdoms in Rajasthan, the feudal system, and the political landscape.
  • It analyzes the epithets used for rulers and the nature of kingship, emphasizing the ideal of a benevolent ruler serving the public.
  • Information about the administrative setup, including the role of the Yuvaraj, queens, royal family members, feudal chiefs, and the King's Cabinet (Ministers, Senapati, Sandhi-Vigrahaka) is presented.
  • District administration, local self-governing institutions like the Mahajan-Sabha and Panch-Kula, and sources of revenue (land revenue, market taxes, etc.) are discussed.
  • The duties of officers like Selahath and Talaraksh are explained.

• Socio-Economic Condition:

  • The formation of Jain castes like Oswals, Dharkats, Khandelwals, Shrimals, Pragavats, and others is discussed, tracing their origins and historical development through epigraphical and literary evidence.
  • The practice of Sati, Goverdhan and Jujhar inscriptions, marriage ceremonies, food and drinks, costumes, and ornaments are explored.
  • The language and literature of the inscriptions, including the use of Sanskrit, Prakrit, Apabhramsha, and vernacular dialects, are analyzed.
  • Details about coins, their denominations, rates of interest, weights and measures, wages, and commodity prices are provided.
  • The prevalence of the joint family system and the position of women in Jain society are highlighted.
  • The migration of families and conversion of families to Jainism are also discussed.

• Art and Architecture:

  • The book identifies various terms used for Jain temples (Griha, Vihar, Chaitya, Bhawan, Devakula, Vasati, Tirth, Mandir) and mentions secular architecture.
  • It describes the installation of Tirthankara and Shashanadevata icons, Pattas, construction of temples, Devakulikas, Kirtistambhas, Hastishalas, stepwells, and Nishedhikas.
  • The evolution of Jain temple architecture, from simpler early plans to more elaborate structures with additional elements like Trika-Mandap, Ranga-Mandap, and Devakulikas, is traced.
  • A significant portion of the book is dedicated to a detailed survey of major Jain temples and sites across Rajasthan, including Western Rajasthan (Ganganagar, Mandor, Osia, Ghatiyala), Mewar (Chittor, Kareda, Ahar, Udaipur, Dhuleva, Jawar), Abu and Sirohi, Hadoti (Atru, Shergarh, Jhalarapatan, Bundi), Eastern Rajasthan (Ajmer, Narena, Amer, Sanganer, Chatsu), and other important towns like Jaisalmer, Nagaur, Phalodi, Merta, Ladnu, and more.
  • The inscriptions themselves are often quoted to provide dates of construction, renovation, and the names of patrons and architects (Sutradhars).

• Jain Sects, Schools, and Celebrations:

  • The book briefly touches upon the division into Shvetambar and Digambar sects and their various sub-sects (Gana, Kula, Shakha, Gachchha).
  • It discusses the prominent Digambar Sanghas (Mula, Kastha, Dravid, Mathur) and their branches in Rajasthan, highlighting the activities of the Delhi-Jaipur, Nagaur, Idar, and Bhanpura branches of the Balatkaragana.
  • The influence of Shvetambar Gachchhas like Kharatara, Tapa, Sanderaka, and others is detailed, with extensive information on the lineage and activities of Kharatara and Tapa Acharyas.
  • Various celebrations are described, including Pratishtha-Mahotsava, Diksa-Mahotsava, Praveshotsava, Varsh-granthi, Nandi-Mahotsava, Tuladan, Kalyanika-Rath-yatra, Shantisnatra, Asthanika, and Satar-Bheda Puja.
  • The inscriptions provide details on donations for daily worship, arrangements for flowers, oil, and incense, as well as the imposition of taxes and the role of Mandapikas.
  • The practice of non-violence (Ahimsa) is highlighted through inscriptions that mention bans on animal slaughter.
  • The worship of minor deities like Shashan-devatas (Sachika, Ksetrapal, Sarasvati) is also noted.
  • The important religious journeys or "Sangh-Yatras" are described, including their scale, leadership, participants, and the arrangements made.
  • The role of "Gosthikas" in the management of temples is discussed, along with their selection and functions.

• Important Jain Families:

  • This chapter focuses on specific prominent Jain families identified through inscriptions and manuscripts, detailing their philanthropic activities, contributions to architecture, and service to the state.
  • Families from Nadol, Bijoliya, Baghera, and the influential families of Vimal Shah, Vastupal Tejpal, Muhnot Nenasi, Bafna, Chopara, and others are discussed in detail.
  • The inscriptions provide genealogical information, dates of important events, and the extent of their religious and charitable contributions.

• Appendices:

  • Appendix I: Discusses early Jain inscriptions from Rajasthan, specifically the Badali inscription and others from Noh and Darah, analyzing their dating and Jain identity.
  • Appendix II: Focuses on the date of construction of the Jain Kirtistambha at Chittor, examining various epigraphical evidence.
  • Appendix III: Analyzes the Bijoliya Rock Inscriptions, providing details of their content and significance.

Overall Significance: "Jain Inscriptions of Rajasthan" is a monumental work that systematically compiles and interprets Jain epigraphs. It serves as an invaluable resource for historians, archaeologists, art historians, and scholars of Jainism, offering a detailed and nuanced understanding of Jainism's profound impact on the culture, society, and history of Rajasthan. The detailed analysis of inscriptions, coupled with architectural descriptions and genealogical information, makes this book a cornerstone for studying the Jain heritage of the region.