Jainism In South India

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided text from "Jainism in South India" by T. K. Tukol:

The provided text argues against common misconceptions that Jainism is an offshoot of Buddhism or a revolt from Hinduism. It asserts that Jainism is an ancient, independent religion that predates even the Vedas. Evidence cited includes references to Tirthankaras like Arishtanemi, Rishabha, Suparsva, and Neminath in the Rigveda and Yajurveda. The Manusmriti also mentions the first Jina born to Marudevi and Nabhi Manu. Furthermore, excavations at Harappa and Mohenjo-daro reveal seals with figures resembling Jaina yogis in the kayotsarga posture, suggesting a presence over 4,000 years ago. This leads to the conclusion that Jainism was flourishing centuries before Christ and was a pre-Vedic religion.

The text then focuses on the presence of Jainism in South India. Literary traditions suggest Lord Mahavira visited the northern frontiers of Andhra Pradesh (Kalinga desa) in the 6th century BC. Historical evidence points to Jain prince Dhanada ruling over Vengi Mandala and the Maurya emperor Samprati sending Jain missionaries to the South. The Satavahana rulers were also known patrons of Jainism.

A significant event highlighted is the migration of Bhadrabahu, along with Chandragupta Maurya and 1200 disciples, to the South to escape a severe famine in the North. Inscriptions on Chandragiri Hill at Sravanabelgola detail this event, mentioning Bhadrabahu's lineage and his foretelling of the calamity. The hill's name and the presence of the Chandragupta basti and Bhadrabahu cave with footprints, along with numerous inscriptions, support the historicity of this migration. This migration implies a substantial Jain population in the South to support the influx of monks and royal devotees.

The text traces the spread of Jainism to Tamil Nadu, citing Brahmi script inscriptions in caves in Ramanad and Tinnevelly, and the influence of Jaina concepts in Tamil literature like Tirukkurral and Tolkappiyam. King Pandukabhaya of Anuradhapura (4th century BC) is noted for constructing caves and rest houses for Jain ascetics. The presence of Jaina relics, rock-cut beds in caves, and sculptures of Parsvanath and Jaina deities in districts like Pudukottai, Madura, and Tinnevelly further attest to its ancient presence. Kanchi and its surroundings were important centers under the Pallava Kings, with monasteries and temples attributed to Pallava rulers and their gurus.

Karnataka is identified as the richest state in South India in terms of Jaina art, architecture, and literature. Sravanabelgola is a major pilgrimage center, famous for the colossal monolithic statue of Bahubali (Gommateshvara) erected by Chamundaraya. Similar statues at Karkala and Venur are also mentioned. The text praises the grandeur and meditative expression of these statues as symbols of Jainism's message.

Jaina temples and manasthambhas (pillars) across South India are highlighted as significant contributions to Indian architecture. Temples at Mudbidri, Coorg, Sravanabelgola, Jananathpura, Hansoge, and Halebeedu are described for their exquisite beauty and unique architectural features, such as polished pillars that reflect distorted images. Chaturmukha-bastis are also noted as significant models.

The text mentions Jaina temples in Aihole, Bijapur, Banavasi, and Bhatkal, featuring idols of Tirthankaras and deities. Wall paintings found in temples at Sravanabelgola and Badami, depicting scenes from Jain scriptures, are also mentioned, as are similar paintings in Tamil Nadu.

The flourishing of Jaina art and architecture is attributed to the strong presence of Jainism in the South. Several ruling dynasties, including the Nandas, Mauryas, Satavahanas, Kadambas, Gangas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas, Kalachuris, and Rattas, are identified as patrons of Jainism. Notable figures like Simhanandi (Guru of Ganga Kings), Pujyapada (Guru of Durvinita), Amoghavarsha (Rashtrakuta king and patron), Shantaladevi (Hoysala queen), and Chamundaraya (minister and patron of art and literature) are recognized for their contributions.

The period of the Rashtrakutas is described as glorious for Jainism in Karnataka, with Amoghavarsha being a prominent patron. The Hoysala kings also played a significant role, with Queen Shantaladevi being a notable patron of art and literature. The text also mentions the Kalachuris and Rattas as ruling dynasties with Jaina affiliations. It notes periods of persecution of Jains during the dominance of Vaishnavism and Saivism.

The literary contributions of Jainas are deemed extensive, requiring a large volume to fully document. Kundakunda is identified as a key writer in South India, with over 84 works. Umaswati's Tattvarthasutra is called the "Jaina Bible," and several South Indian scholars contributed commentaries. Samantabhadra's Ratnakardanda-Sravakachara is mentioned for its focus on Jaina ethics. Jaina teachers are credited with cultivating vernacular languages and producing significant works in Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada. The period of Jaina writers in Kannada is referred to as the "Augustan Age." Prominent Kannada poets like Pampa, Ponna, and Ranna are highlighted for their secular and religious works. Nagachandra, Kesiraja, and Bhattakalanka Deva are also noted for their contributions to Kannada literature and linguistics. The text also mentions Jaina writers in Telugu, though many works are not available. The broad outlook and linguistic mastery of Jaina writers, who enriched the spiritual, social, and literary thoughts of the regions they settled in, are emphasized.

Despite the "insignificant religious minority" status of Jains today in many of these areas, their contributions to the cultural heritage of South India are described as rich and varied, evident in their art, architecture, and literature.