________________
JAIN HISTORY LITERATURE and SECTS
E01 - History of Jain Traditions and Sects
the situation and they were able to eliminate the Chaityaväsi Yati tradition and curtailed the power of Bhattarak traditions. Today though some Mathas few Bhattäraks have been survived. 07 Jainism in Various Regions of India Jainism in East India
In the Shishunäg dynasty (642-413 B.C.), Bimbisär or Shrenik and Ajätashatru or kunika were the two important kings who extended their full support to Jainism. Both Bimbisär and his son Ajätashatru were the relatives of Bhagawan Mahävir. Ajätashatru was followed by the Nanda dynasty (413-322 B.C.). King Nanda I led a conquering expedition into Kalinga and brought an idol of the first Jain Tirthankar, Bhagawan Rishabhadev. The Nanda dynasty was followed by the Maurya dynasty. Its founder, emperor Chandragupta Maurya (322-298 B.C.), abdicated the throne and joined the Jain migration to the South led by Acharya Bhadrabahu. Before his conversion to Buddhism, emperor Ashok (273-236 B.C.), the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya, embraced Jainism. Emperor Ashok was responsible for introducing Jainism into Kashmir. Emperor Samprati, the grandson and successor of Ashok, is regarded as a strong Jain for his eminent patronage and efforts in spreading Jainism in east India. Like Magadha, the kingdom of Kalinga or Orissa had been a Jain stronghold from the very beginning. Jainism made its way to south India through Kalinga. In the second century B.C. Kalinga was the center of a powerful empire ruled over by Kharavela, who was one of the greatest royal patrons of the Jain faith. Jainism also had its influence in Bengal. Even now, Jain relics, inscriptions, and idols are found in different parts of Bengal. Even the name "Vardhamän" is given to one district in Bengal. The influence of Jainism on the customs, manners, and religions of Bengal is very much visible even at
present. Jainism in South India
Jainism entered into Karnataka and south India during the days of Emperor Chandragupta Maurya when Bhadrabahu, the distinguished leader of Jains at the time and the last of the Jain saints known as Shruta-kevalishruta-kevalis, led the migration of the Jain Sangha to the South after predicting twelve years of famine in north India. Thus, it is stated that Jain history in the South commences from the third century B.C. According to all Jain authors, the Nirvana of Acharya Bhadrabahu took place in 297 B.C. at Shravan-Belgola. Bhadrabähu was in fact the rejuvenator of Jainism in south India. Some historians believe that Jainism had reached south India long before Shruta-kevali Bhadrabähu. In any case, Jainism prevailed in south India in the third century B.C, continued as a popular faith for more than 1000 years, and still has significant following there. It is significant to note that up to the 14th century A.D. Jainism played an important role in the overall history of south India. A few monarchs of the Kadamba rulers of Banaväsi (from the third to the sixth century AD.) were devout Jains, who were responsible for the gradual progress of the Jain religion in Karnataka. Eventually Jainism became a popular religion in the Kadamba Empire. The Ganga Rulers (350 to 999 A.D.) of Talakada in Karnataka patronized the Jain religion to a great extent and naturally, practically all Ganga monarchs championed the cause of Jainism. Chalukya rulers of Badami in Karnataka (500 to 757 A.D.) and Rästrakutas of Malakhed in Karnataka (757 to 973 A.D) were pro-Jain. From the 10th to the 12th century A.D. the Western Chalukya rulers of Kalyän in Karnataka preferred to show the same liberal attitude to Jainism as the attitude that the Kadambas, the Gangas, and the Rästrakutas had shown. The Hoyasala rulers, during their reign from 1006 to 1345 A.D. over the kingdom of Halebid in Karnataka, strongly extended their support to Jainism. In addition to these major dynasties and their rulers, the Kalachuri rulers (from 1156 to 1183 A.D.) of Kalyan were Jains and, naturally, in their time Jainism was the state religion. There were several minor rulers who also professed and promoted Jainism. There are also traces of Jain prevalence in Andhra and Tamilnadu.
Page 270 of 398
Compendium of Jainism - 2015
