Karnatak Ke Jain Shasak

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The book, "Karnatak ke Jain Shasak" (Jain Rulers of Karnataka), authored by Pandit K. Bhujbali Shastri, highlights the deep and ancient connection between Jainism and South India, particularly the region of Karnataka. The author asserts that Jainism's presence in South India predates many other religions, with evidence suggesting Lord Rishabhdev himself traversed parts of Karnataka. The text draws parallels with Buddhist scriptures like the Mahavamsa, which also confirm the long-standing presence of Jainism in the South.

Early Influence and Pandyan Support:

• The text establishes the strong historical link between Jainism and the Pandya kingdom in Tamil Nadu, where their capital, Madhura, served as a significant Jain center. The Pandya rulers were devout followers of Jainism.
• An inscription of Kharavela indicates that the Pandya king sent a fleet of ships laden with grain as a gift on the occasion of his coronation.
• A branch of the Pandya dynasty also ruled in Barkur in the South Canara district.
• Tamil texts like the Naladiyar mention a large Jain monastic order that migrated south with Shrutakevali Bhadrabahu, with thousands of learned monks remaining in Tamil Nadu for religious propagation.
• Acharya Kundakunda, a revered Jain figure, is believed by some scholars to be the author of the famous Tamil text "Kural."
• The influence of Jains on art, crafts, and literature in South India is noted, with the period of Jain ascendance also being a golden age for Tamil literature.

Jainism's Deep Roots in Karnataka:

• The author emphasizes that Jainism held a uniquely significant place in the history of Karnataka, with its presence dating back to pre-Christian times.
• Many scholars believe that Jainism arrived in Karnataka along with Shrutakevali Bhadrabahu. However, some theories suggest Jainism was present in the South even before Bhadrabahu's journey, as it would have been unlikely for him to lead such a large monastic order to a distant region without existing support.

Royal Patronage and Dynasties:

The book details the patronage of Jainism by various ruling dynasties in Karnataka:

• Kadambas and Pallavas: Rulers of these dynasties after the Mauryas and Andhras were followers of Jainism.
• Chalukyas: The Chalukyas who ruled in Tolav (present-day South Canara district) after the Banavasi Kadambas and Pallavas were undoubtedly Jain adherents. They generously donated to Jain temples.
• Ganga Dynasty: This dynasty, ruling from approximately 250 to 675 CE, was Jain.
  • Initial rulers were disciples of Jain Acharyas like Madhava and Dandin, who were themselves disciples of the Jain Acharya Simhanandi. Simhanandi is credited with establishing the Gangavadi kingdom.
  • King Avinita (reigning around 475 CE) was a learned ruler whose guru was the Jain scholar Vijayakirti. Avinita's son, Durvinita, was a disciple of the renowned Jain Acharya Pujyapad.
  • The Ganga rulers governed Karnataka for a long period, defeating the Pallavas, Cholas, and Chalukyas.
  • Durvinita's son, Mushkar, commissioned the construction of a beautiful Jinamandir (Jain temple) in Lakshmeshwar.
  • The powerful king Marasingha was a staunch Jain who decisively defeated the Chera, Chola, and Pandya kings. He eventually renounced his kingdom, took Jain initiation from Acharya Ajitasen, and attained samadhi maran (a voluntary death by fasting) in Bankapur.
  • Chavundaraya: The minister and commander-in-chief of Marasingha, Chavundaraya, was the one who installed the world-famous statue of Bahubali in Shravanabelagola. He held titles like Tribhuvanavira and Satyayudhisthira. A disciple of the Jain Acharya Nemichandra, Chavundaraya significantly contributed to the advancement of both the Ganga kingdom and Jainism. He was also a scholar of Sanskrit and Kannada. The Ganga dynasty's influence lasted until the 16th century.
• Hoysala Dynasty: After the decline of the Gangas, the Hoysala rulers provided patronage to Jainism.
  • The founder of the dynasty, Sala, established it with the help of the Jain monk Sudatta.
  • King Vinayaditya, blessed by Jain Acharya Shantideva, became the Mahamandalshwar of Gangavadi. He constructed numerous Jain temples and lakes.
  • Vinayaditya's son, Prince Ereyanga, was a great warrior who donated villages to his respected guru, Acharya Gopanandi, for the renovation of Jain temples on Chandragiri in Shravanabelagola.
  • King Ballala, afflicted by a severe illness, was cured by the head of the Shravanabelagola monastery, Charukirti. In gratitude, Ballala bestowed upon him the title 'Ballalajeevarakshak'.
  • Ballala's maternal uncle, Dandanayaka Mariyanna, under the leadership of Sukhacharyaji, built a beautiful Jinamandir in Beleghere.
  • While Ballala's successor, Bittideva, was influenced by Ramanujacharya towards Vaishnavism, he maintained a strong reverence for Jainism.
  • Queen Shantala: Bittideva's chief queen, Shantala, was a devoted disciple of Acharya Shriprabhachandra. She constructed a magnificent stone Jain temple named 'Savathigandhavarana Basadi' in Shravanabelagola and installed an idol of Lord Shri Shantinatha. She ultimately attained sallekhana.
  • The Hoysala kingdom had many influential Jain lay followers in positions of authority.
  • Gangaraaja: Bittideva's prime minister and commander-in-chief, Gangaraaja, was a disciple of Shri Shubachandra. He dedicated the village of Govindavadi to the service of Lord Gommateshwara. He also dedicated a village received from Bittideva for his victory over the Chalukya king Tribhuvanamalla to a Jinamandir built by his mother and wife.
  • Gangaraaja's elder brother, Bammadeva, was also a commander in the Hoysala army.
  • Gangaraaja built the 'Kattale Basadi' in Shravanabelagola in memory of his mother, and his wife Lakshmi built the 'Erdkute Basadi'.
  • Gangaraaja's son, Boppana, also constructed a Jinamandir in Shravanabelagola. Boppana was a skilled commander under Bittideva.
  • Boppana's wife was the younger sister of the commanders Mariyanna and Bharata. These brothers served under the first Narasimha (1141-1173 CE) and built numerous temples, also installing idols of Bharat and Bahubali on Chandragiri in Shravanabelagola.
  • Jakkiyabbe: A Jain warrior woman, Jakkiyabbe, served as a commander alongside her husband, Punisha, in the Hoysala army. Both were disciples of Acharya Ajitasena.
  • Hullala: A devout Jain, Hullala, served as the treasurer during the reigns of Hoysala rulers Bittideva, Narasimha, and Veeraballala. He was renowned for his administrative and political acumen, even surpassing mythical figures like Yogandharayana and Brihaspati in statecraft. A disciple of Mahamandalacharya Devakirti, he built the 'Chaturvimsatitirthankar Basadi' in Shravanabelagola. King Narasimha granted the village of Sabaneru for the worship in this temple, a grant later supported by Ballala II. These prominent Jain lay followers significantly contributed to the promotion of Jainism under the Hoysalas.
• Rashtrakuta Dynasty: Jainism flourished during the reign of the Rashtrakuta dynasty as well.
  • Amoghavarsha I (815-877 CE) was a Jain ruler whose capital was Malkhed or Manyakhet. His kingdom encompassed parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra.
  • His guru was Bhagwan Jinasena, the author of the 'Adi Purana'. Amoghavarsha, also known as Nruptunga and Atishayadhawala, ruled prosperously and eventually took Jain initiation.
  • During his reign, Jain literature thrived, with important works like 'Dhavala', 'Jayadhavala', 'Shakatayana Vyakarana' with the commentary 'Amoghavritti', and 'Ganitasara' being composed.
  • Most Rashtrakuta rulers were Jain followers. Krishna II's guru was Acharya Gunabhadra.
  • The Jain warrior Jakkimbe ruled efficiently in the Nagar Khand region during Krishna II's reign.
  • The last Rashtrakuta ruler, Indra, accepted samadhi maran in Shravanabelagola in 984 CE.
  • Jain feudatories of the Rashtrakutas, such as Bankeya and his son Lokaditya, played a crucial role in the political and cultural advancement of Karnataka.
• Chalukya Dynasty: While not strictly Jain followers, Chalukya rulers were significantly influenced by Jainism.
  • Pulakeshi II's guru was the Jain Acharya Ravikirti.
  • Vinayaditya's spiritual advisor was the Jain scholar Nirvividyadeva.
  • Vikramaditya married into a Jain royal family. His queen, Jakaladevi, the ruler of the Ingilig region, constructed two beautiful Jain temples there.
  • The Chalukyas also provided patronage to Jain poets. Pampa, the author of the Kannada 'Adi Purana', was a luminary of the Chalukya royal court.
  • Arikkesari donated a village for a Jinamandir built by Battiga to Somadevasuri.
• Kalluri Dynasty: According to Ramaswami Ayyangar, the Kalluri dynasty was devoutly Jain, a claim supported by substantial evidence in his work.
• Vijayanagara Empire: Jain warriors continued to hold prominence during the Vijayanagara period.
  • The military leaders of this era, such as Senanayaka Bacchanna, Vira, Shanta, and Dandanayaka Chamupa, were Jains. Their support helped Harihara ascend to the throne.
  • During Bukkaraya's reign, Dandanayaka Mundappa Mallappa and Irugappa (son of Bacchappa) held esteemed positions. Irugappa also served as a minister to Harihara II.
  • Prime Minister Irugappa was a significant figure during the reigns of Harihara II and Devaraya I.
  • Devamaya's wife, Bhimadevi, was a Jain and installed an idol of Lord Parshvanatha in the 'Shrvanabelagolasya Mangayi Basadi'. Devaraya also commissioned the construction of a Parshvanatha Basadi in Vijayanagara.
  • These Vijayanagara rulers, influenced by Jainism, also donated to many Jain temples.
  • An important inscription from 1365 CE in the 'Bhandari Basadi' in Shravanabelagola records that when Jains complained to Bukkaraya about the atrocities committed by Vaishnavas, he brought together influential individuals from both communities and reconciled them, declaring that Jainism and Vaishnavism were inseparable and akin to parts of the same body.
• Feudatory Rulers: Numerous Jain feudatory rulers from regions like Chengalva, Kongalva, and Shanta were also renowned. Notably, the Bairasa rulers of Tuluva (South Canara) and rulers like Banga, Ajila, Moola, Chauta, Sevanta, Binnani, and Konn were staunch Jain followers who ruled prosperously.
  • Bairasa was responsible for the ceremonial installation of the Gommat statue in Karkala.
  • Ajila of Nimmana was responsible for the installation of the Gommat statue in Venur.

Conclusion:

The book concludes by stating that for a significant period, Jainism wielded considerable influence in Karnataka due to its Jain rulers. This era is described as a "golden age" for Jainism in the region.