Jainism in Maharashtra
Summary
The Maharashtra piece (not available in the scanned text) can be reconstructed from secondary sources. It notes that the earliest Jain inscription in Maharashtra dates to the 2nd century B.C. and was found in a cave near Pale village in Pune district. This inscription, written in Jain Prakrit, includes the Navkar Mantra. The first known Marathi inscription, dated 981 CE, appears at Shravanabelagola in Karnataka. Jainism in Maharashtra was patronised by dynasties such as the Śilaharas and Rāṣṭrakūṭas, whose forts and cities often housed Jain temples. Texts like the Shankardigvijaya and Shivlilamruta suggest that large numbers of Marathi people followed Jainism in ancient times. The article probably surveys important cave complexes (Ellora, Nasik and Manmodi), hilltop shrines like Mangi‑Tungi, and temples such as Shantinath at Ramtek and Gajpanth, which attest to the region’s enduring Jain heritage.
Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.
Conclusion
Maharashtra possesses some of the oldest Jain inscriptions in India and hosts numerous caves and temples. Dynasties like the Åšilaharas and RÄá¹£á¹rakÅ«á¹as fostered the religion, and many historic sites continue to attract pilgrims.