Answer

The Bṛhad-gaccha, also called Vaṭagaccha, has more than one lineage account, so its exact beginning is given differently in the sources: one tradition places it in 937 CE, while another gives 994 CE, both linking it with Udyotana Sūri and Sarvadeva Sūri. The best-attested monks in the tradition belong mainly to the 11th–12th centuries CE, and later inscriptions show the gaccha continued to be active for many centuries after that. ( jainqq.org)

Explanation

Here is a compact list of the main monks and their approximate time frame:

• Udyotana Sūri and Sarvadeva Sūri — origin tradition of the Bṛhad-gaccha / Vaṭagaccha, c. 937 CE in one account and c. 994 CE in another. ( jainqq.org)
• Nemicandra Sūri — early 11th century CE; his Mahāvīracarita is dated to 1085 CE. ( jainqq.org)
• Municandra Sūri — active in the 11th–12th century CE; died in 1178 CE. ( jainqq.org)
• Vādi Devasūri — born 1086 CE, initiated in 1096 CE, became ācārya in 1117 CE, and defeated Kumudacandra in debate in 1124 CE. ( jainqq.org)
• Haribhadrasūri — active in the time of Jayasiṃha Siddharāja; his works are dated to 1116 CE and 1129 CE. ( jainqq.org)
• Ratnaprabhasūri — disciple of Vādi Devasūri; active around 1182 CE. ( jainqq.org)
• Padmaprabhasūri — active in 1117 CE; associated with the Nagaur “Nāgaurī Tapā” line. ( jainqq.org)
• Somaprabhasūri — a contemporary of Kumārapāla; known for Kumārapālapratibodha. ( jainqq.org)
• Cakreśvara Sūri and Paramānanda Sūri — attested in inscriptions from 1187 CE, 1208 CE, and 1214 CE. ( jainqq.org)

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain history, the Bṛhad-gaccha is important because it preserved a strong line of learned ācāryas who upheld scriptural study, debate, temple consecration, and monastic discipline. Its later history also shows how one gaccha can give rise to further branches while still keeping a shared spiritual heritage. ( jainqq.org)

Takeaway

So, if you want the short historical frame: Bṛhad-gaccha is mainly an 11th–12th century Śvetāmbara monastic lineage, with roots claimed a little earlier and later documentary traces continuing much further. ( jainqq.org)