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Shrimal (Srimal) Jain is an ancient Jain and Hindu community originally from Rajasthan, Shrimal or Bhinmal town in southern Rajasthan. They were traditionally wealthy merchants and money lenders and were prominent at the court of Rajput kings as treasurers and ministers, holding the titles of Dewan or Durbari. This caste is claimed to descend from the Goddess Lakshmi and their descendants are well known for business acumen and are in possession of Havelis and mansions given to them as gifts from kings for their service as royal treasurers, ministers, courtiers and advisors. The Shrimal (Srimal) Jain are thought to be the highest gotra in the Oswal merchant and minister caste that is found primarily in the north of India.

Creation of the Śrīmali clan

Jain scriptural accounts of Acharya Swayamprabhasuri's life describe his visit to Rajasthan 57 years after Mahavira's nirvana which was in 527 BCE. This would date his visit to Śrīmal in 470 BCE. Most of the non-canonical texts of the Śvetāmbara sect agree upon this account and describe him as one of the first few Jain monks to visit Rajasthan. Following is a brief scriptural account of the establishment of the Śrīmali clan by Swayamprabhasuri.

In Maru Pradesh (modern-day Rajasthan), monks neither of Jainism, nor of Buddhism had preached due to the difficult terrain (desert). Brahmins had a monopoly in this part of India. It is said that practices of Kundapanth and Caliyapanth, branches of Tantric Hinduism, were very popular. It is believed that they promoted several tantric malpractices in the name of religion. It is further stated that Śrīmal (modern-day Bhinmal), a town in Rajasthan, was at the center of such practices.

Once, Swayamprabhasuri was wandering with his disciples near Mount Abu for the first time after visiting Palitana temples. Several merchants from Śrīmal visited Mount Abu for business. Some of them happened to come across Swayamprabhasuri's sermons on non-violence. They insisted upon him to visit Śrīmal to end such malpractices. Later, he visited Śrīmal where preparations for an Ashvamedha Yagya were being made. Several animals were readied for sacrifice. When his disciples went out to beg for food, they returned without any food stating that only meat being cooked at all households they went to and that they could not find food 'free from 42 faults' in the town.

Upon hearing this, Swayamprabhasuri immediately went to King Jayasen's palace where Brahmins were preparing for the animal sacrifice. The king welcomed him and asked about the reason for his visit. Swayamprabhasuri clearly stated the Jain principle of "Ahimsa parmo dharma" (transl. non-violence is the first act of righteousness). Interrupting his sermon, the Brahmin leader for the sacrificial ritual told the king that Jains do not follow the Vedas and must not be heeded to. However, Swayamprabhasuri stayed determined on his point and a lengthy debate followed. Swayamprabhasuri emerged victorious in the debate and King Jayasen, along with 90000 households of the town turned towards non-violence and eventually, Jainism after Swayamprabhasuri preached them about the 12 vows for householders.

Later on, residents of this large town moved to various parts of Rajasthan and their clan was named Śrīmali after their hometown Śrīmal.

It is believed that Swayamprabhasuri consecrated a temple and an idol of the 1st Tirthankara Rishabhanatha at Śrīmal. A pilgrimage procession to Palitana temples was also organized by the Jain Sangha at Śrīmal. It is further stated that they also renovated Jain temples at Mount Abu.

Parasnath Temple

The Court Jewelers to the Viceroy and Governor General of British India built Calcutta Jain Temple, Parasnath Temple, in 1867. It is built in Belgian glass. It is also known as Mookim's temple garden.

Prominent Shrimals

• Rai Badridas Bahadoor Mukeem was son of Kalkadas Mukeem. He migrated from Lucknow to Kolkata. He built Jain temples in Sammet Shikhar and Purimatal (Allahabad).
• Thakkar Pheru of Delhi, author of 14th century texts on precious metals and gems and courtier to Alauddin Khalji and later Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq .

Asiapac Books Pte Ltd, p. 138-139, ISBN 981-229-427-9</ref> of Agra

• Bhamashah a financier, general and minister in the court of the great Rana Pratap of Mewar.
• Bharmal Shah, qiledar of Ranthambore fort appointed by Rana Sanga and was later prime minister under Maharana Udai Singh.
• Rai Bahadur Badri Das, the builder of the famous Calcutta Jain Temple dedicated to Lord Shitalnath in 1867.
• Sarabhai family of Ahmedabad

See also

• Porwal
• Oswal
• Thakkar Pheru

References

1. Jain, Bhupraj. "Jain Vidyalaya Granth". jainqq.org. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
2. ^ Baya, D S. "Oswals and Other Jains of Rajasthan". jainqq.org. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
3. "Demographics of Rajasthan".
4. Rajputana (Agency) (1879). The Rajputana Gazetteer. Office of the Superintendent of Government Print.
5. "कुडा एवं ऊंदऱ्या पंथ कुडा एवं ऊंदऱ्या पंथ - Hindi". bookstruck.app. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
6. ^ Cite error: The named reference :2 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
7. ^ Dodhia, Rati. "Rise and Glory History of Halari Visa Oshwals". jainqq.org. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
8. Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
9. Maharaj, Hastimal. "Jain Legend Volume 2". jainqq.org. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
10. Sangve, Vilas. "Jaina Community, a Social Survey". jainqq.org. Retrieved 14 June 2024.

External links

• Gateway to Indian Classical Literature By Various, Poornima Pillai,Published 2005 Asiapac Books Pte Ltd, p. 138–139, ISBN 981-229-427-9
• Thacker's Guide to Calcutta By Walter Kelly Firminger, Published 1906, Thacker, Spink & Co. p. 65
• Vane Russell, Robert (1916). "Tribes and castes of the central provinces of India", p. 111–161. 'Forgotten books. ISBN 978-144004892-0.

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