History of Rastrakutas of Malkhed and Jainism

SR No.: 006719
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Nagarajaiah Hampa
Publisher: Ankita Pustak
Publication Year: 2000
Total Pages: 374
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 12 MB

Page 68

The Rāstrakūtas Monarchs - A/7
1.4.3. Jainism proceeded on the path of all round prosperity. It sprang to unprecedented grandeur. Jinasena (-I and -II), Virasēna, Mahāvirācārya, Śākațāyana, Guņabhadra, Asaga, and many more monk-scholars belonged to Kannada stock. Their association with Karnātaka is not accidental, where as Gollācārya from Golladēsa, Puşpadanta from north, Nēmicandra Siddhānta Cakravartti from Tamilnādu is worth consideration. During the hey days of the Rāştrakūtas, Karņātaka had become the melting pot of creative genius and other talents. The roads of opportunity for the glow of gift and knack were connected to the Rāstrakūta avenue.
1.4.4. Wether the Rāstrakūtas were Jains ab initio like the Gangas, is not definite. Some of them were Jains ad libitum, at one's pleasure. Like all royal dynasties, the Rāstrakūtas had developed a sense of liberality and catholicism. Whatever be the creed they had adopted as their own, the Rāstrakūtas willingly conceeded to others a similar freedom of choice and action. Many are instances illustrating this phenomenon. All religions and faiths were treated with exemplary tolerance and equal respect to large extent with the following dictum permeating in the kingdom:
God is one His names are many The goal of spiritualism is one
The paths leading to it are numerous 1.4.5. Jaina institution has passed through ages. Its growth and survival has had its wax and wane. De facto advancement of Jainism was from the beginning tied to the fortunes of various ruling houses. Jainas, both the patriarchs and their laics, had remarkable ability of repeatedly being amicus curiae, friend of the court, actively supporting local monarchs. Drawing upon the literary and epigraphical