Jain Journal 2010 07

SR No.: 520279
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Satyaranjan Banerjee
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publication Year: 2010
Total Pages: 60
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, India_Jain Journal, & India
File Size: 7 MB

Page 20

THE KELLAS: A PROFILE Nadoja Prof. Hampana*
The Kellas:
The diaspora of Kellas, a warrior family of faith, lead to the spread of its branches with different nomenclature by prefixing separate adjectives such as Arakella, Elakella, Kalikella, Kesugella, Bhaṭārujekkam Magundarakella, Murasakella, Mahākella, Payidara Kella, Sarakella, Sebyakella, Sevyakella, Siyakella and Siyagella [Nagarajaiah, Hampa: CandrakoDe: 1997-B: 470-74]. Significantly, Citrasēna, the Kaikeya king (Circa sixth cent. CE), describes himself, in the Honavara (North Karnataka Dt.) copper-plates datable to early sixth century CE, as Citrasena Kella and Maha Kella. [El. XXXVII, pp. 33-341]. This Buddha inscription, recording the gift of a garden to a moastery by Citrasena Kella while he was of Simha-dvīpa (Anjadive), was drafted and written by a Jaina, Jinanandi Senapati, son of Simha Senapati, general of Ravi Mahārāja. Analogous to this, the early records of the Alupas from Udyāvara region, refer to the dynasty as Arakellas. The Kellaputtige in South Canara was the bulwork of the Kellas. Palmiḍi and KellangeṚe (Bastihalli) near Halebīḍu were closely connected. KellangeṚe, mentioned as 'Aditirtha', an early Jaina Holy seat of pilgrimage, was the parents home of the Kellas, from where they branched off to distant places. Ādi-Tīrtha Kellangere is identified with the modern village Kelagere [Mandya Dt. Nāgamangala Tk.] where Maghanandi Bhațara flourished.
Probably, Sarakella Bhatari, and his dear son Vija Arasa who figure in the Halmiḍi inscription (CE 430) from Hassan District, and Carakki Murusa Kellan and his son Mātṛvarman (Circa 5th cent.), were the forerunners of the ancient Jaina family. During the days of
* Renowned Jain scholar and Formerly professor of karnataka University.