The Kharataragaccha Pattavali compiled by Jinapala
By Dasharatha Sharma
Summary
This brief note announces the discovery of a rare Jain Pattavali (succession list) of the Kharataragaccha compiled by Jinapala. The Pattavali comprises three sections: biographical accounts of Acaryas of the Kharataragaccha, a detailed chronicle of three sadhus (Jinendra, Jinesvara, Jinedvara) by Jinapala, and a less detailed continuation up to Samvat 1375. The chronicle provides dates and biographies of Jain teachers and correctly synchronises Muslim rulers like Qutb‑ud‑din Khalji and Ghiyath‑ud‑din Tughluq with Jain chronology. The article emphasises the importance of such pattavalis for reconstructing the history of Jain monastic orders and cross‑referencing events mentioned in Jain texts with political chronology. A critical edition and translation are needed for comprehensive study.
Conclusion
This brief note announces the discovery of an important Jain pattavali documenting the lineage and activities of Kharataragaccha monks. By providing well‑dated biographical details, the text is a valuable source for historians seeking to synchronise Jain tradition with secular chronologies.