Unknown Pilgrims

SR No.: 007014
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: N Shanta
Publisher: Sri Satguru Publications Delhi
Publication Year: 1997
Total Pages: 820
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 19 MB

Page 233

The Followers of the Ever Growing One
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ways.223 Literature, iconography, architecture and sculpture knew at that time a vigour of which traces still remain today. 224
Karņāțaka, the home of the Kannada language, was on account of its geographical situation, the serene beauty of its variegated countryside, its climate and the benevolent attitude adopted by most of the rules of the princely states in its territory, an area highly favourable to a peaceful and deeply-rooted implantation of the Jaina dharma in co-existence with other dharmas. The etymological origin, of Kammāța and its meaning are uncertain. Some have proposed: karnādu, black country, with black soil, good for cotton-growing; or again: kammitu-nādu, fragrant country, because of its forests of candana (sandal-wood) and its numerous pools where the lotus flourishes, 225
In this peaceable countryside the śrāvikās, members of differing classes in society, openly evidenced their faith. Here, probably for the first time in history since Mahāvira, the ladies of the nobility, wives of generals and officials, showed themselves to be zealous disciples of the arhats and gave an initial impulse in which other śrāvikās then
223 Cf. Deo, 1956, pp. 122-129; Singh, 1975, chs. I-II.
224 "Jainism was the dominating religious faith of this region for centuries...Jainism had penetrated into almost every nook and corner of this province; and wherever we go, our searching eyes are confronted with the Jaina relics, temples, sculptures and inscriptions. This is perhaps true in greater measure in respect of the unexplored area of the Hyderabad Karņāțaka." Desai, 1957, p. 174. Cf. Dhaky, 1975 a, b, pp. 185-204; Mankodi, 1975, pp. 205-214. Towards the end of the XIVth c., the sovereigns of the line of the Kalașas, who were fervent Jainas, instigated the erection of numerous temples of great artistic value and the setting-up of bhandāras in the South-East of the country: these treasures are preserved in the districts of Tulunadu, Müdabidure, Karakala and Venuru; cf. Ramesh, 1975, pp. 109-122.
225 Cf. Narasimhacharya, 1969, p.42.