Vanthalina Be Navprapta Jain Abhilekh

This document is a critical review of two newly discovered Jain inscriptions from Vanthali, Saurashtra. The inscriptions, dating back to Samvat 1181 and Samvat 1344, were found on the pedestal of a statue of Parshvanath and are currently preserved in the Junagadh Government Museum.

The author, M.A. Dhaky, expresses appreciation for the editors who published these important inscriptions with detailed readings and discussions.

Key Points of the Review:

• Re-evaluation of Dates: Dhaky questions the editors' reading of the date in the first inscription. While the editors read it as Samvat 1181 (1125 CE), Dhaky argues that the last digit is actually a '9', making the date Samvat 1189 (1133 CE). This re-evaluation is supported by similar inscriptions found on Shatrunjaya hill.
• Identification of Shobhanadev: The inscriptions suggest that in Samvat 1181 (or 1189 according to Dhaky), a chieftain named Shobhanadev, from the lineage of Luhnag, commissioned a temple for Parshvanath in Vanthali. The consecration was performed by Pradyumna Suri of the Brahmangachha.
• Connection to Sajjan Mantri: The author connects Shobhanadev to Sajjan Mantri, a prominent minister during the reign of King Siddharaja of Gujarat. Dhaky discusses the traditional accounts of Sajjan Mantri building the Neminath temple on Girnar in Samvat 1185. However, he critically examines the evidence, particularly an inscription from Girnar that might refer to Sajjan as "Sangata Mahamatya" instead of "Sajjan," and suggests that the temple construction might have started earlier than the commonly accepted date.
• Shobhanadev's Role in Saurashtra: Based on the inscriptions and historical context, Dhaky infers that Shobhanadev likely served as a chieftain (Dandadhish) in Saurashtra. He uses this to support his revised dating of the Vanthali inscription.
• Siddharaja's Campaign in Saurashtra: Dhaky refutes the idea that Siddharaja's campaign in Saurashtra was solely due to the harassment of a Jain procession by Khengara. He posits that Siddharaja's primary motivation was political expansion and the ambition to become a "Siddha Chakravarti" (victorious emperor).
• Shri Mali Community: Dhaky notes the presence of "Shri Mali" community members in the inscriptions, including both Sajjan Mantri and Shobhanadev. He suggests that Sajjan Mantri played a role in settling Shri Mali merchants in Saurashtra, hinting at a deeper significance of this connection.
• Prominent Jain Officials: The author concludes by highlighting that Shobhanadev joins a list of other prominent royal officials during Siddharaja's reign who are believed to have been Jains, such as ministers Santva, Udayana, Ashuk, Alig, and Soma.

In essence, the review critically analyzes the newly found inscriptions, offering a revised dating for one of them, and uses this to re-examine historical figures and events related to Jainism in Saurashtra during the 12th century, particularly the roles of Shobhanadev and Sajjan Mantri and their connection to King Siddharaja.