Thread by @arpitsinger

The Jain Diplomacy in the courts of Delhi Sultanate & Mughal Empire.
Read the complete thread to know how Acharya Hirvijaysuri, Acharya Jinaprabhsuri, Vastupal-Tejpal, Shantidas Zaveri etc. ensured that Jain interests remained protected
#jain #jainism #history #heritage

In the 13th CE AD Vastupal and Tejpal (ministers of Virdhaval, Vaghela ruler of Gujarat) came to know that Sultan Iltutmish's mother was on her way to conduct Hajj through the port of Khambat in Gujarat. Both brothers went to receive her and made spectacular arrangements for her.

On her return both the brothers received her and accompanied her to Delhi which highly impressed Iltutmish who rewarded them with the assurance of safety of Jain's and pilgrimages along with and a rare marble slab which was used to carve a large idol of Adinath Bhagwan

Vastupal Tejpal with their wives

In 14th CE AD, Acharya Jinaprabhsuri visited the court of Muhammad bin Tughlaq. Acharya impressed Tughlaq with his eloquent poetry and sharp debating skills and was rewarded with a formal order granting protection to all Shwetambar Jains and their pilgrimage sites

In 1582, Emperor Akbar invited Acharya Hiravijaysuri to his court after witnessing 6 month upwas of Champa Shravika. The emperor was so impressed with Acharya Hiravijaysuri that he bestowed on him the title of Jagatguru which means World Teacher or the Preceptor of the World.

Akbar, issued a Firman (a royal mandate/ decree) declaring the land of Shatrunjay (Palitana), Girnar, Taranga, Kesariyaji, Abu, Rajgir and Sammed Shikharji to be handed over to Acharya Hirvijaysuri so that no one may kill any animal on these sacred places.

Shantidas Jhaveri retailed jewellery to the Mughals. As a court jeweller, Shantidas had access to the Mughal household and was addressed as mama (maternal uncle) by Shah Jahan. As the Subedarof Gujarat, Shah Jahan's son Murad Baksh granted Shatrunjay to Shantidas Jhaveri in 1656.