Rajput
Kings
After
King Harshavardhan of Kannauj various small states came into Power. Most of these states
were. Under Rajputs who allowed the Digamber Jain saints to go anywhere without any
obstacle. Some of the Rajput rulers among Parihars etc. were the devotee of Jainism. Their
family deities were the Shashanadevis such as Chakreshvari, Amba etc. Shravtsi, Mathura,
Asaikheda, Deogarh, Varanagar, Ujjayini etc. were the centres of Jainism. Jainism was
state religion in Shravasti upto 11th century. The last king of Shravasti was Suhraddraj.
With his support, Jain ascetics were working for the welfare of common masses. Bhimsen,
king of Varanasi, was the follower of Jainism. He became a Jain ascetic during his last
days. King Ranakitu of Mathtira was also a devotee of Jainism. He worshipped Jain images
daily with his younger brother Gunavarma.
He vacated the throne for Gunavarma and became a Jain ascetic. Jitashatru, the king
of Shauripur was also Jain. He had respect for Jain scholars. He became a Jain saint and
was known as Shantikirti."