Which of the following statements is / are correct?
- 1. Shantidas was a leading Jain jeweler and banker in Ahmedabad
- 2. Shajahan granted land to build poshalas to Shantidas
- 3. In 1656 Murad Baksh granted village Palitana to Shantidas for the use of Jain pilgrims. The grant was later confirmed by Aurangzeb in 1660
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
1 only
1 and 3 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
Answer is Wrong!
Answer is Right!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC Geoscientist – 2020
Statement 2 is correct: Emperor Shah Jahan had interactions with Shantidas, notably concerning the restoration of a Jain temple in Ahmedabad that had been converted into a mosque. Shah Jahan ordered the restoration and compensated Shantidas. Shah Jahan also issued firmans granting land and privileges to Shantidas and the Jain community for religious purposes, which could include facilities like poshalas (animal shelters important in Jain practice).
Statement 3 is correct: Prince Murad Baksh, then Viceroy of Gujarat, granted the village of Palitana, located at the foot of Shatrunjaya hill (a major Jain pilgrimage site), to Shantidas in 1656 for the use of Jain pilgrims. After becoming emperor, Aurangzeb confirmed this grant to Shantidas in 1660 through a royal farman, demonstrating pragmatism despite his general policies towards non-Muslims.
All three statements accurately reflect historical facts about Shantidas Zaveri and his relationship with the Mughal emperors.