ग्वालियर क्षेत्र और बलात्कार गण की भट्टारक परम्परा

Summary

The article examines the role of the **Bhattaraka tradition of the Balatkara Gana** in the spread and preservation of Jainism in the Gwalior and Chambal region during the medieval period. According to the author, Bhattarakas played a crucial role in safeguarding Jain religion and culture when northern India increasingly came under Muslim political influence. Through guru–disciple lineages, they maintained religious continuity, established seats (*pīṭhas*), promoted Jain teachings, and contributed significantly to Jain cultural and artistic activity. The article notes that the **Balatkara Gana**, historically referred to in inscriptions under related forms of the name, originated in early records connected with Karnataka and later became associated with terms such as **Saraswati Gaccha**, *Bharati*, *Vageshwari*, and *Sharada*, alongside the designation **Kundakundanvaya** from about the fourteenth century. Its northern branch developed a succession of Bhattarakas beginning with **Basantakirti**, followed by **Vishalakirti, Shubhakirti, Dharmachandra, Ratnakirti, Prabhachandra, and Padmanandi**, whose disciples established important regional branches. A genealogical structure outlined in the article traces the emergence of the **Delhi–Jaipur, Idar, Surat, Nagaur, and Ater branches**, of which the Delhi–Jaipur, Idar, and Ater traditions influenced the Gwalior region. Among early figures, **Bhattaraka Ratnakirti**, a disciple of Dharmachandra, is identified as one of the earliest Bhattarakas associated with the Gwalior region. Inscriptional evidence from Gudhar (Shivpuri district) linked with image consecrations suggests his influence extended into the fourteenth century. **Padmanandi**, succeeding Prabhachandra, is described as another significant figure, though direct evidence of his activity in Gwalior is limited; references to disciples and image consecrations indicate continued institutional presence. Within the **Delhi–Jaipur branch**, **Bhattaraka Jinachandra** emerges as the most influential figure. The article credits him with overseeing a major consecration event at Mudaasa (Rajasthan) in 1491 CE, where more than one thousand Jain images were installed in a single *Panchakalyanaka* ceremony sponsored by merchant Jivaraj Papdiwal. Such images later spread widely across Jain temples, including those in the Gwalior region. Jinachandra’s influence is further evidenced through consecrations at **Gwalior Fort**, **Joura**, and manuscript-copying activities such as *Paumacharit* and *Nagakumara Charita* undertaken within his lineage during the Tomara period. The **Idar branch**, established by **Sakalakirti**, is represented in the region through consecrated Mahavira and *Tritirthi* images, while **Jnanabhushana**, linked through the disciple-line of Bhuvanakirti, is associated with inscriptional evidence from Ater. These records suggest the circulation of Bhattarakas through religious journeys and the promotion of Jain religious activity in the region. The article gives particular importance to the **Ater branch**, founded by **Singhakirti**, a disciple of Jinachandra. Singhakirti is credited with consecrating images and ritual objects at Narwar, Ater, Gwalior Fort, and Panihar, including inscriptions related to several Tirthankara images. He is also associated with the early rock-cut Jain installations near Koteshwar Mahadev at Gwalior Fort and with artistic activity during the reign of Tomara ruler Kirtisimha. The author concludes that the various Bhattaraka traditions of the Balatkara Gana played an essential role in the religious expansion, institutional continuity, and artistic patronage of Jainism in the Gwalior region.