Quite a few websites have popped up that claim Akharas were set up by Adi Shankaracharya. Some sites have even claimed that the Naga Sadhu order was organized into a mitary order by Adi Shankaracharya which I find preposterous.
I could not find reference to Akharas being associated with any mathas or sampradaya within mathas at time of Adi Shankaracharya in Mahanushasanam
Please point out to some valid sources that have traced the history of Akharas. Not looking for a western account written centuries later.