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 69

8/The Rāstrakūtas and Jainism
premises of specific periods and localities, Jaina community appears to have sailed safe in the Rästrakūta eon. The period of Jaina ascendancy was fast drawing to its zenith, when the throne was occupied by Amõghavarşa-I, the Rāstrakūta's greatest king and an ardent follower - benefactor of Jainism. He had grown in the bon vivant, good companion of eminent Jainas de novo, from the beginning, which will be explained in the appropriate context.
1.4.6. Similar to other ruling families that preceeded, the Rāştrakūtas actively befriended Jaina faith. Recently, new sculptures and inscriptions have been discovered which prove the popularity of Jaina faith during the time of the Rāștrakūtas.
1.4.7. Without landing in the controversy of whether it was Malkhēd or Mörkhand (Nasik Dt), or Markhandi (Chanda Dt), or Kandara (Nāndēd Dt), or Ellārā or Acalapura (Mahārāstra) that was the main capitol of the Rāstrakūta empire, this monograph subscribes to the largely accepted suggestion of the historians that Maļkhēd was their metropolis.
1.4.8. It is presumed that Amõghavarşa developed Malkhēd (Sk. Mānyakhēța) into a royal residence. But, the distinction of improving the city into celebrity, goes to Govindrāja-III, who as the first maker of Maļkhēd, laid a robust foundation and expanded it into an official seat of the state. Making use of the infrastructure, Amõghavarsa fortified and glorified the place to become the greater capitol of a prosperous monarchy.
1.5. Starting from the period of Govinda-III and Amõghavarşa-I Mānyakheța (Maļkhēd, Malayakhēda), majestic capitol of an ancient kingdom, was the pivotal city of Jaina activities. Vīrasēna, Jinasēna, Srivijaya, sākatāyana, Mahāvirācārya, Indranandi, Ponna, Puşpadanta, Asaga, Kavi-Paramēśvara, Guņabhadra and