Significance Of New Inscriptions From Koppala Karnataka

This document is an academic article by Hampa Nagarajaiah discussing the significance of newly discovered Jaina inscriptions from Koppala, Karnataka.

Key Points:

• Koppala as an Ancient Jaina Center: Koppala is highlighted as a historically significant Jaina pilgrimage site, second only to Śravanabelgola. It was known by various names in inscriptions, including Kopana, Kopanadri, and Kopanatirtha. Local traditions suggest Koppala once had an astonishing 772 Jaina temples and was considered as sacred as Varanasi.
• Discovery of New Inscriptions: In 1992, a portion of Koppala's old fort collapsed, revealing approximately 70 Jaina inscriptions on slabs and pillars. These inscriptions, primarily nisidhikas (memorial stones for those who attained spiritual liberation through fasting), are crucial for understanding Koppala's Jaina past.
• Chronological Span: The newly discovered epigraphs date from the 9th to the 13th century, covering a period of five centuries. They confirm Koppala's role as a primary center for disseminating Jaina teachings, particularly ahimsa (non-violence), for ten centuries.
• Religious and Cultural Significance: The inscriptions are entirely Jaina and focus on the lives and spiritual achievements of monks, nuns, and lay disciples. They provide valuable information about the Yāpaniya sect and the esteemed practice of sanyasana (ritual death by fasting) or sallekhanā. The epigraphs also reveal socio-historical and cultural aspects of Jainism in southern India, embodying the principles of syadvada.
• Political Context: While not primarily political, the inscriptions offer casual references to royalties and nobles, particularly from the Ganga dynasty. The Gangas are noted for their significant patronage and contribution to the flourishing of Jainism in Karnataka, treating it as one of the dominant creeds. The inscriptions help corroborate the historical accounts found in earlier Ganga copper plates.
• Literary and Artistic Contributions: The 10th and 11th centuries are identified as a period of significant literary activity within Jainism, with the composition of major Kannada campu epics and classics. Jainism also stimulated advancements in art, architecture, sculpture, and painting. The inscriptions themselves, though mostly brief, are noted for their archaic language, poetic quality, and adherence to a standard subject matter pattern.
• Devastation of Jaina Monuments: The article touches upon the destruction of Jaina temples and monasteries by invaders like the Cholas and local Shaivites. The final annihilation of Jaina monuments at Koppala is surmised to have occurred in the late 18th century during the construction of a fort, where Jaina temple materials were likely pilfered and damaged.
• Detailed Content of Inscriptions: A significant portion of the article provides summaries of individual inscriptions (K.1 to K.60), detailing:
  • The individuals commemorated (monks, nuns, queens, nobles, merchants).
  • Their gurus and spiritual lineage.
  • The dates of their death and the practice of sanyasana or sallekhanā.
  • Genealogical information, particularly concerning the Ganga dynasty and notable figures like Būtuga II and his consorts (Padmabbarasi, Revakanimmadi, Pariyabbarasi, Asagabbarasi, Revakayye).
  • The inscription of Somadeva Sūri, the author of Yaśastilaka, is highlighted as providing crucial information about his death at Koppala in 984 CE, confirming its importance as a site for samadhi-marana.
• Role of Women in Jainism: The article emphasizes the active participation and achievements of women from various social strata, including queens, in Jaina religious activities. They made liberal grants, engaged in religious ceremonies, and embraced asceticism, with royal ladies demonstrating remarkable resolve in adhering to prescribed rites.
• Preceptors and Spiritual Pedigree: The inscriptions feature portraits of respected preceptors who influenced ruling dynasties like the Gangas, Rashtrakutas, and Kalyana Chalukyas. A list of prominent spiritual leaders, including Abhayanandi Pandita, Ajitasena Muni, and Nemicandra Siddhantadeva, is provided.
• Wider Jaina Network: The existence of other ancient Jaina pilgrimage centers within a 100 km radius of Koppala (e.g., Aihole, Pattadakal, Badami) indicates a strong Jaina nucleus in the region.
• Conclusion: The discovered hoard of nisidhikas provides undeniable proof of the resurgence and supremacy of the Nirgrantha cult at Koppala, significantly augmenting the existing knowledge about Jainism in Karnataka.

In essence, the article argues that these newly found inscriptions from Koppala are of immense historical and religious value, illuminating the depth and breadth of Jaina influence, practices, and societal integration in ancient Karnataka, with a particular focus on the lives and spiritual endeavors of its adherents.