Jainism And Karnataka Culture

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jainism and Karnataka Culture" by S. R. Sharma, based on the provided pages:

Overview:

"Jainism and Karnataka Culture" by S. R. Sharma, published by the Karnatak Historical Research Society, Dharwar, is a detailed study exploring the profound and reciprocal relationship between Jainism and the culture of the Karnataka region. The book aims to assess the impact of Jainism on Karnataka's cultural development, particularly in its literature, art, and architecture, and how Karnataka's environment, in turn, influenced Jainism. The work is presented as a Silver Jubilee Publication of the Karnatak Historical Research Society.

Key Themes and Structure:

The book is structured into several sections, each delving into specific aspects of this historical and cultural interplay:

• Introduction: Highlights the relative under-studied nature of both Jainism in Karnataka and Karnataka culture. It clarifies that the book is an introductory essay, not an exhaustive study, focusing on the bearing of one upon the other. The author emphasizes a fresh approach, a critical scrutiny of epigraphical and other references, and an avoidance of sentimental exaggeration common in sectarian histories.

• Historical Survey: This extensive section meticulously traces the presence and influence of Jainism in Karnataka across various dynasties and periods:

  • Antiquity: Examines the tradition of Bhadrabāhu and Candragupta, the distinction between patrons and converts, and the early evidence of Jainism, including inscriptions dating back to the 6th century CE. It discusses the Maurya Empire's reach into Karnataka and the possible presence of Śramaņas (Jainas). The migration of Jain missionaries and the early existence of Svetāmbaras in North Deccan are also noted.
  • Kadambas and Gangas: Details the patronage of Jainism by the Kadamba rulers, despite their personal leanings towards Hinduism. It highlights grants made to Jaina institutions and ascetics. The founding of the Ganga kingdom is attributed to the influence of the Jaina teacher Simhanandi, marking a "Jaina Golden Age" under the Gangas, with rulers like Mārasimha and minister Cāmuṇḍarāya being significant patrons and practitioners.
  • Cālukyas and Rāṣṭrakūtas: Explores the patronage of Jainism by the Cālukya rulers, despite their Hindu faith, noting figures like Pulakēśī II and Jayasiṁha II. The period is also characterized by conflicts and the rise of Viraśaivism, which impacted Jainism. The Rāṣṭrakūṭas, particularly Amoghavarṣa I, are identified as major patrons, fostering significant literary activity among Jainas. However, the period also saw Brahmanical revival and religious movements that challenged Jainism.
  • Hoysala, Vijayanagara, and Mysore Rulers: Charts the decline of Jainism's dominance, with the Hoysalas initially patronizing it until Viṣṇuvardhana's conversion to Vaiṣṇavism. Despite this, Queen Śāntaladevi and minister Gangarāja remained staunch supporters. The Vijayanagara rulers continued a policy of religious compromise, protecting Jainism. The present ruling family of Mysore is also noted for its continued patronage.
  • Minor Rulers: Discusses the support for Jainism from feudatories like the Śilāhāras and Rațțas, and the significant Jaina centers on the West Coast like Gersoppa. The impact of the Naiks of Ikkeri and Bednore is noted as contributing to the final decline of Jainism on the West Coast.

• Contributions: Literature, Art, and Architecture: This section delves into the tangible contributions of Jainism:

  • Jaina Writers: Highlights the significant role of Jaina scholars in developing Prakrit, Sanskrit, and Kannada literature. Kundakundācārya, Umāsvāti, Samantabhadra, Pūjyapāda, and Akalanka are discussed as pivotal figures. The influence of Jaina writers on grammar, prosody, medicine, and philosophy is detailed, alongside the Jaina versions of Hindu epics like the Rāmāyaṇa and Mahābhārata. The book lists numerous Kannada poets and their works, emphasizing Jaina contributions to vernacular literature.
  • Jaina Art: Focuses on Jainism's distinctive impact on art, particularly iconography. The colossal statues of Bahubali (Gommata) at Śravaņa Beļgoļa, Kārkaļa, and Yêņūr are presented as unique achievements. The text discusses Jaina architectural styles, including pillared chambers, free-standing pillars (Mānasthambas), and unique temple designs like the Caturmukha-basti. It also touches upon Jaina caves and the relative scarcity of Jaina paintings compared to Buddhist ones. The influence of Dravidian, Himalayan, and even Islamic styles on Jaina architecture is considered.

• Idealism and Realism (Characteristics: Religious and Social): This section analyzes the core tenets of Jainism and how they evolved in the Karnataka context:

  • Jainism as it Was: Describes the original principles of Jainism, including its atheism, belief in the eternity of the soul, the law of Karma, and Ahimsā. It highlights the rigorous discipline, the organization of the community into Yatis and Śrāvakas, and the hylozoistic theory of life. The initial stance on social equality and the non-observance of caste among Jainas are emphasized, contrasting with contemporary Brahmanical society. The Digambara view on the denial of salvation to women is also discussed.
  • Jainism as it Came to Be: Examines the transformations Jainism underwent in Karnataka. This includes the practical vanishing of atheism, the rise of bhakti (devotion) towards Jinas, the emergence of castes and sub-castes within the Jaina community (influenced by Aryan and Dravidian social structures), and the adoption of practices like wearing the sacred thread. The text notes the controversial stance on women's salvation and the eventual recognition of nuns, though often within strictures. The influence of local customs, the rise of new religious movements, and internal divisions are presented as factors in its adaptation and eventual decline.

• Karnataka Culture: This chapter synthesizes the impact of Jainism on Karnataka's culture. It defines culture broadly and then focuses on how Jainism contributed through literature, art, and architecture. The chapter acknowledges the reciprocal influence, where Karnataka's culture also shaped Jainism. It notes that while Jainism enriched Kannada literature and art, attributing military and political achievements solely to the creed is not warranted. The author emphasizes the spirit of tolerance, self-abnegation (like sallekhana), and the promotion of Kannada language and learning as key Jaina contributions. The concept of syādvāda is presented as a contributing factor to this tolerance.

• Appendices: Include genealogical lists of Digambara and Svetāmbara teachers, highlighting the divergence after Bhadrabahu, and a bibliography of sources and literature.

• Notes: Elucidate the technical terms Syādvāda (the doctrine of alternative possibilities) and Sallekhana (the Jaina rite of voluntary fasting unto death).

Key Arguments and Observations:

• Early Presence and Dominance: Jainism had a significant presence in Karnataka from early centuries CE, becoming a dominant religious force influencing various dynasties.
• Reciprocal Influence: The culture of Karnataka profoundly influenced Jainism, leading to adaptations in practices and beliefs, while Jainism, in turn, deeply shaped Karnataka's literature, art, and architecture.
• Literary Contributions: Jaina writers were instrumental in the development of Prakrit, Sanskrit, and especially Kannada literature, contributing significantly to various genres.
• Artistic Legacy: The colossal statues of Bahubali and unique architectural styles represent Jainism's enduring artistic legacy in Karnataka.
• Transformation of Jainism: In Karnataka, Jainism, originally austere, saw a shift towards bhakti, the adoption of local customs, and the emergence of internal social divisions (castes), which ultimately contributed to its decline as a distinct religious force.
• Ahimsa as a Core Contribution: Despite adaptations and compromises, the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) is identified as Jainism's most significant and lasting contribution to Karnataka's culture, influencing dietary habits and general temperament.
• Persecutions and Decline: The book acknowledges real instances of persecution of Jainas by other religious groups, which, alongside internal issues, led to the decline of Jainism in the region.
• The Meaning of "Pessimism": The author challenges the notion that Jainism is inherently pessimistic, arguing that its focus on asceticism and liberation from the cycle of rebirth is a fundamental goal shared by many Indian religions and is a testament to its idealism.

In essence, Sharma's work provides a scholarly and detailed account of Jainism's historical trajectory and cultural impact in Karnataka, offering insights into the complex interplay of religion, society, and art in ancient and medieval South India.