Sankshipta Jain Itihas Part 03 Khand 05

This document is the third volume, fifth part of "Sankshipta Jain Itihas" (Concise Jain History) by Kamtaprasad Jain, published by Mulchand Kisandas Kapadia. The catalog link provided is for the Jain Intellectuals Library.

The book focuses on the history of Jainism during the Vijayanagar Empire in South India.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and content, based on the provided text:

Introduction and Context:

• Purpose: The book aims to shed light on the historical situation of Jainism within the Vijayanagar Empire, which emerged after the decline of the Hoysala Empire.
• Historical Background: The text highlights the political and religious climate of South India at the time, emphasizing the threat of Muslim invasions from the north. This led to a need for unity among various Hindu sects (Shaivites, Vaishnavites, Jains, Buddhists, Lingayats) to preserve their religion, culture, and traditions.
• Inclusive Nature of Vijayanagar: The Vijayanagar Empire is presented as a melting pot of various Hindu traditions, with emperors showing equal respect to all faiths. Many Vijayanagar rulers, their feudatories, ministers, and generals were Jains, contributing significantly to the preservation, construction, and resurgence of Jainism during this period.

Early History of Jainism and Tirthankaras:

• Origin: The book delves into the very beginnings of Jainism, tracing its roots to Lord Rishabhadeva (Adinath), the first Tirthankara. It discusses the concept of Tirthankaras as founders of the Jain tradition.
• Rishabhadeva's Role: The text asserts Rishabhadeva's foundational role, stating that he established the Jain dharma and taught humans societal organization, including administration and governance.
• Evidence from Hindu Texts: The book references Hindu scriptures like the Bhagavat Purana and the Rigveda to support the antiquity and importance of Rishabhadeva, arguing that even Hindu traditions acknowledge him as an avatar and a significant spiritual figure, thus validating Jain claims of his primary role.
• Archaeological and Historical Evidence: The author draws upon archaeological findings from the Indus Valley Civilization (Mohenjo-daro, Harappa) and other ancient sites, highlighting the presence of sculptures and seals with imagery and postures (like Kayotsarga) strongly resembling those found in Jain iconography. This is presented as evidence for Jainism being prevalent in India long before other major religions.
• Parsi and Greek Connections: The text also touches upon potential connections with Sumerian civilization and mentions the influence of Jain principles (like non-violence) on figures like Pythagoras in Greece.

The Vijayanagar Empire:

• Establishment: The book details the political circumstances leading to the establishment of the Vijayanagar Empire in 1336 CE (or 1336 CE as per some scholars) by Harihara I and Bukka I, brothers who were powerful feudatories of the Hoysalas. They united various Hindu factions against the growing Muslim threat.
• Dynasties: It discusses the Sangama dynasty as the founding dynasty of Vijayanagar, tracing their lineage back to the Yadava clan. It also covers subsequent dynasties like the Saluva and Tuluva, highlighting their interactions and contributions to Jainism.
• Vastness and Prosperity: The empire's immense territorial extent, its rich geography, and its flourishing trade with foreign countries (Europe, Persia, Arabia) are described, painting a picture of immense wealth and cultural exchange.
• Administration: The book outlines the administrative structure of the empire, including the emperor, the council of ministers, provincial governors, village administration, army organization, and revenue systems.

Jainism during the Vijayanagar Era:

• Patronage: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to illustrating how various rulers, ministers, generals, and wealthy merchants of the Vijayanagar Empire, regardless of their personal religious affiliations (even if they were Vaishnavites or Shaivites), extended patronage to Jainism.
• Religious Tolerance: The overarching theme of religious tolerance within the empire is emphasized, showing how Jainism, along with other faiths, received state support and protection. The text highlights instances of emperors granting land and resources to Jain temples and institutions.
• Prominent Jain Figures: The book mentions several prominent Jain scholars, monks, and patrons who played a vital role in the flourishing of Jainism during this era. Figures like Vadi Vidyananda are highlighted for their intellectual prowess and influence on the royal court.
• Jain Centers: Various Jain religious and cultural centers within the empire are described, including Shravanabelagola, Koppa, Karkala, Mudbidri, Belur, and Humcha. The architectural styles of Jain temples and the significant contributions to art and literature by Jain scholars and artisans are discussed in detail.
• Specific Examples: Numerous inscriptions and historical accounts are cited to support the presence and influence of Jainism. This includes details about:
  • Land grants to Jain temples and monasteries.
  • The establishment and maintenance of Jain institutions.
  • The active participation of Jains in governance, military, and trade.
  • The survival and continuation of Jain traditions and practices despite the influence of other dominant religions.
  • The role of Jain patrons in supporting Sanskrit and Kannada literature, as well as Jain artistic creations.

Challenges and Decline:

• Internal Strife and External Threats: While acknowledging the general prosperity and tolerance, the book also touches upon the factors that contributed to the decline of the Vijayanagar Empire, including internal rivalries among rulers, feuds between powerful generals, and renewed invasions by the Bahmani Sultanate and other Muslim powers.
• Impact on Jainism: The decline of the empire led to a weakening of state patronage for Jainism. While Jainism persisted due to its deep roots in the populace and the continued efforts of its adherents, it faced increased pressure and assimilation due to the dominance of other religious currents.

Conclusion:

The book aims to demonstrate the significant and active role Jains played in the socio-political and cultural landscape of the Vijayanagar Empire, contributing to its rise and enduring legacy. It underscores the rich history of Jainism in South India, supported by historical and archaeological evidence.