કતિપય ધાતુમય જિન-પ્રતિમાના અભિલેખ
By Madhusudan Dhanki, Lakshmanbhai Bhojak
Summary
The final article catalogues inscriptions engraved on bronze and copper‑alloy Jain idols. Madhusudan Gandhi and Bhaskar Bhogil observe that such inscriptions are often overlooked despite providing valuable information about provenance. For each example, the authors describe the metal image’s size and iconography and transcribe the short inscription. The texts, written in old Gujarati or Sanskrit, typically record the date of consecration, the names of donors and presiding monks and sometimes the donors’ caste or profession. Palaeographical analysis allows the authors to propose dates; for instance, an inscription on a small bronze image of Adinatha mentions V.S. 1333 (1276 CE) and names a merchant family. Another inscription from V.S. 1347 records the installation of a metal image by merchants of the Khateddiya community. Comparative discussion with published catalogues and museum records helps verify readings and correct earlier misinterpretations. The article concludes with a concise list of references for further research. By bringing together these brief epigraphs, the authors highlight their importance for dating portable images and understanding patterns of patronage.
Conclusion
Gandhi and Bhogil conclude that inscriptions on metal Jain idols, though short, are valuable historical sources. They reveal patterns of patronage by merchant families and help date the production of portable images. The authors encourage collectors and temple authorities to document such epigraphs carefully so that they can enrich studies of Jain art and social history.