Jain Journal 1985 10

SR No.: 520080
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publication Year: 1985
Total Pages: 45
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, India_Jain Journal, & India
File Size: 3 MB

Page 7

OCTOBER, 1985
39
to that found on a black statue of a Jaina Tirthankara recovered from Arrah in Bihar. 23
Samprati not only constructed Jaina temples, stūpas and monasteries within and outside his empire, but tried to spread it by other means also. He called on the neighbouring states to patronise Jainism, so that not only in his kingdom, but in their territories also the monks could practise their religion.24 He sent out emisseries as far as South India 25 to preach Jainism in the Peninsula where his creed secured widespread popularity and made the regions of Amida (Andhra), Damila (Dravida), Maharatta (Maharastra) and Kuduka (Coorg) safe for Jaina monks.26 According to literary traditions, Salisuka, brother of Samprati, contributed to the spread of Jainism in Kathiawad.27 The Jaina religion received such wide acceptance in South India due to the efforts of Samprati that Mr. Rice is justified in affirming that during the first millennium of the Christian era, Jainism became the predominent religion of Mysore.28
For providing better facilities to the Jaina monks in the border areas, Samprati sent his messengers29 there to enlighten them of the requisites and requirements of the monks enjoining them to give such things instead of the usual tax to the revenue collector. Having thus prepared the ground he influenced the Sthaviras to send monks to those countries, for they would find it in no way impossible to live there. By these means, the uncivilized border peoples were brought under the influence of Jainism.
33 Ibid. 24 Parisistaparva, p. 60. 25 It was for the first time in Ancient Indian History that the Svetambara missions were
sent to South India. 26 Vrhatkalpabhasya, III, 3275-89. 17 JBORS, Vol. XVI, pp. 29-30. 18 cf. V. A. Smith, An Early History of India, p. 459. ** M. L. Mehta, Jain Culture, p. 17.