Jainism In South India And Some Jaina Epigraphs - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of P. B. Desai's "Jainism in South India and Some Jaina Epigraphs":

This book provides an in-depth historical and archaeological study of the presence and influence of Jainism in South India, focusing on the regions of Andhra Desa, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. The author, P. B. Desai, draws extensively from original sources, primarily epigraphical material (inscriptions on stone and copper plates), along with literary traditions and archaeological findings.

Key Themes and Structure:

The book is structured into four main chapters, followed by detailed epigraphical analysis, and concludes with a review and retrospective.

Chapter I: General Remarks: This chapter sets the stage by outlining the scattered and often unexplored nature of Jainism's historical sources in South India. It categorizes these sources into local traditions and literature, antiquities (structures, sculptures), and inscriptions. It also introduces four key traditions regarding the origins of Jainism in South India, emphasizing the possibility of its presence even before the well-known Bhadrabahu-Chandragupta tradition, and hints at the significant influence of Jainism on early Tamil works.
Chapter II: Jainism in Andhra Desa: This chapter traces Jainism's journey to the Andhra region, suggesting its origins date back to the 6th century BC, even during Mahavira's lifetime. It details the conflict with Buddhism in this region, highlighting narratives like Nayasena's and Harisena's versions which reflect this rivalry. The author discusses Sātavāhana patronage and the Simhanandi tradition, crucial for understanding the Western Gangas. The chapter concludes with an examination of antiquities and inscriptions, notably the Hathigumpha inscription of Kharavela, which points to Kalinga's role and Jainism's early establishment in Andhra. It also notes a significant gap in epigraphical evidence for several centuries, attributing this to the dominance of other faiths and political shifts, but also highlights the perseverance of Jainism through later periods under the Eastern Chalukyas and the impact of Tantricism.
Chapter III: Jainism in Tamil Nadu: This chapter presents Jainism in a more advantageous light compared to Andhra, with abundant sources available. It delves into the antiquity of Jainism in Tamil Nadu, citing the Mahāvamsa's mention of Niganthas in Ceylon (4th century BC) as evidence of early contact. The author connects rock-cut beds and inscriptions found in hills and caverns (like those in Madura and Tinnevelly districts) as the earliest Jaina monuments, dating back to the 3rd-2nd century BC. The chapter highlights the problem of interpreting these epigraphs due to unknown symbols and debated language. It asserts the Jaina origin of many "Panchapandava beds" based on Jaina sculptures found in association and the absence of Buddhist vestiges in many such sites. Key Jaina strongholds like Kanchi, Anandamangalam, Panchapandavamalai, Vallimalai, Tirumalai, Kalugumalai, and Sittannavāśal are discussed extensively, detailing their archaeological and epigraphical evidence. Special features of Jainism in Tamil Nadu are explored, including the prominence of the hill feature for monastic life, the significant Yakshi cult (especially Ambika and Siddhāyikā, often depicted with prominence), the influence of Jvālāmālini and Helāchārya, the development of ceremonial practices, the crucial role of teachers and lady teachers (Kurattiyārs), royal patronage, and the concept of Pallichchandam (Jaina land grants). The chapter also touches upon the "Jaina Period" in Tamil literature, citing Silappadikaram as a vital source for understanding contemporary Jaina life, the role of Charanas, and the challenges Jainism faced from the rise of Saivism and Vaishnavism, leading to periods of decline and eventual recovery.
Chapter IV: Jainism in Karnataka: This chapter highlights Karnataka as a particularly strong and pervasive center for Jainism, thriving for nearly a thousand years. It begins with a preliminary review, noting the presence of Śvētāmbara and Yāpanīya orders alongside the dominant Digambaras, dispelling the notion that South India was exclusively Digambara. The author details the activities of Yāpanīya monks, their monastic organizations (like the Kandur and Vamdiyur ganas), and their influence on religious thought. The chapter then systematically explores Jaina presence in different regions:
- Hyderabad Karnataka: Mentions Ellora caves, Dhārāśiva caves (with debate on its early dating), and the Sātavāhana traditions. Bōdhan is discussed as an early Jaina center with significant relics.
- Bombay Karnataka: Covers districts like Bijapur, Belgaum, Dharwar, and North Kanara, detailing numerous Jaina sites and inscriptions. Specific locations like Aihole (Ravikirti's inscription), Marol, Arasibidi, Honwād, Hungund, Chandakavate, Kalbhāvi, Saundatti, Hūli, Mugad, Morab, Jāvūr, Soraṭūr, Bankūr, and Malkhēḍ are analyzed for their Jaina antiquities, teachers, and patrons. The prevalence of the Yāpanīya Samgha and its various ganas (Kandur, Vamdiyur, Maduva, Kāreya) is emphasized. The rise of influential teachers like Ajitasena, Nayasena, Mallishēņa Sūri, Akalanka, and Bhattākalanka is detailed, along with the significant role of Attimabbe. The chapter also discusses reformist trends, the liberal position of women (especially nuns and lady teachers), the influence of royal patronage, and the prevalence of Jainābhāsas (misunderstood Jainas). The Yakshi cult, particularly Padmavati and Jvālāmālini, is explored for its Tantric associations and wide popularity in Karnataka.
- Madras Karnataka: Focuses on districts like Bellary, Anantapur, and Salem, discussing centers like Adoni, Kōgali, Nandi Bēvūr, Rayadurg, Kondakunde (identified as Kondakunda's probable birthplace), Amarapuram, Pātasivaram, Penugouda, and Dharmapuri. The prominence of Padmaprabha Maladhari and his connection to Kondakunde is highlighted.
- South Kanara District: Briefly mentions its richness in Jaina antiquities of a later period.
Chapter V: Some Notable Facts: This concluding chapter synthesizes several key observations about Jainism in Karnataka. It reiterates the significant role of the Yāpaniyas, discusses their reformist doctrines (like liberation for women and householders), and highlights the liberal attitude towards women. It further examines the Yakshi cult, particularly Padmavati and Jvālāmālini, and their Tantric associations, noting the greater prevalence of these cults in Karnataka. The chapter closes with observations on the age of decadence of Jainism, attributing it to religious persecution, vandalism, and the rise of rival faiths, but also noting the persistence of Jaina communities and the survival of Jaina traditions in certain areas.
Jaina Epigraphs (Parts I, II, and III): This extensive section forms the core of the book, presenting the edited texts, introductions, and abstracts of 53 inscriptions.
- Part I: General Survey of Antiquities: This part provides a critical examination of Jaina antiquities discovered during the author's extensive fieldwork, particularly in the Gulbarga and Kopbal districts of Hyderabad State. It details findings at places like Ādaki, Aland, Bankūr, Haḍagali, Harasūr, Hattanūru, Huṇasi-Hadagali, Malkhēḍ, and Sēdam, offering insights into their Jaina past.
- Part II: Inscriptions in the Gulbarga District: This section presents 17 inscriptions from the Gulbarga District, with detailed analyses of their historical, geographical, linguistic, and literary significance. It includes the important Ingalgi inscription detailing the queen Jākaladevi's patronage and the conflict between Jaina and Brahmanical faiths, as well as inscriptions from Sēdam shedding light on Jaina teachers, Mahajanas, and the cult of Jvālāmālini.
- Part III: Inscriptions in the Kopbal District: This section contains 36 inscriptions from the former Kopbal District. It highlights Kopbal's importance as a Jaina holy center (Mahātirtha), the early presence of Jainism, and the prolific Jaina activities, including numerous inscriptions related to monastic orders, teachers, and royal patronage. It also discusses the political history of the region and the prevalence of various monastic branches.
Review and Retrospect: This section provides a summary and reflection on the findings. It emphasizes Jainism's deep roots and pervasive influence in Karnataka, its contribution to social uplift through literacy and literature, and the Jaina monk as a symbol of knowledge. It also addresses the decline of Jainism due to persecution and the refutation of Western critics' views. The author highlights Karnataka's profound debt to Jaina teachers for its cultural development.

Key Contributions and Approach:

Primary Source Emphasis: The book's strength lies in its rigorous use of epigraphical evidence, presenting original texts and critical analysis.
Comprehensive Regional Coverage: It offers a systematic study of Jainism across the three major linguistic and cultural regions of South India.
Detailed Analysis of Teachers and Monastic Orders: The work meticulously traces the lineages and activities of various Jaina teachers and monastic orders (Sanghas, Ganas, Gachchhas), particularly the Yāpaniya Samgha, revealing their unique contributions.
Focus on Cultural and Social Impact: Beyond religious aspects, the book explores Jainism's influence on language, literature, art, social customs (like the Yakshi cult and the status of women), and political patronage.
Reconstruction of Early History: Desai makes significant contributions to understanding the early advent and spread of Jainism, challenging existing chronologies and highlighting regional variations.
Identification of Jaina Centers: The book identifies numerous Jaina strongholds and pilgrimage sites, many of which were previously overlooked or misidentified.

In essence, P. B. Desai's "Jainism in South India and Some Jaina Epigraphs" is a monumental scholarly work that meticulously reconstructs the rich history and enduring impact of Jainism across South India, relying heavily on primary epigraphical sources and offering a nuanced understanding of its development, regional variations, and cultural contributions.