Answer

In Jain community tradition, the claim that Shrimalis have links to older Kshatriya/Rajput groups generally comes from community genealogical traditions, not from core Jain scriptures.

The main types of sources usually cited are:

• Jati-vamshavalis — caste/community genealogies
• Kula-vrittantas — family or clan histories
• Bhats and Charans’ records — traditional genealogist accounts in Rajasthan and Gujarat
• Community histories of the Shrimal / Shrimali Jain community
• Local traditions connected with Shrimal / Bhinmal in Rajasthan

Explanation

The word Shrimal is traditionally associated with the ancient town of Shrimal, commonly identified with Bhinmal in present-day Rajasthan.

According to community traditions, some families connected with this region were originally associated with ruling, warrior, or Kshatriya social backgrounds, and later became part of Jain mercantile communities after accepting Jain Dharma and adopting non-violent livelihoods.

However, this is a matter of social and community tradition, not a doctrine of Jain Dharma.

Jain scriptures do not teach spiritual superiority based on caste, clan, or birth. In Jain Dharma, a person’s spiritual worth is determined by:

• Right faith
• Right knowledge
• Right conduct
• Ahimsa
• Self-discipline
• Purification of karma

Spiritual Understanding

From the Jain point of view, whether a community had a Kshatriya, Rajput, Vaishya, or any other historical background is secondary.

What matters most is:

• Living with ahimsa
• Practicing truthfulness
• Reducing attachment and pride
• Following Jain values sincerely

Many Jain communities preserve such genealogical memories, but Jain Dharma always places dharma above birth-identity.

Takeaway

The source for the Shrimalis’ claimed Kshatriya/Rajput connection is mainly traditional community genealogy and regional history, especially linked with Shrimal/Bhinmal, rather than canonical Jain scripture.