Doctrines of Jainism

Author(s): Vallabhsuri Smarak Nidhi
Publisher: Vallabhsuri Smarak Nidhi Godiji Jain Derasar Mumbai

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The Doctrines of the Jainas
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Jainas migrated to Sravana Belgola in Mysore. There they sought refuge under the Ganga Rulers who extended to them their patronage.
The few who remained in the Tamil land led an obscure life devoid of all political influence in the country. Nevertheless they retained in full their intellectual vitality which had in earlier times produced such classical works as the Kural. Thus, during this period of Jaina obscurity, Valaiyapati, Silappadikaram and Jivaka Shintainani, three of the five Tamil Mahakavyas, were composed by Jaina authors. Among the minor Kavyas composed by Jainas Yashodhara Kavya, Chudamani and Nilakeshi are important. Moreover, the Jainas continued to enrich the vocabulary of Tamil by introducing large numbers of Sanskrit derivatives and bringing them into conformity with Tamil phonetics.
The Jainas rendered valuable and extensive services to Kannada literature also. In the words of the Rev. F. Kittel, they wrote “not only from sectarian motives but also from a love for science, and reproduced several scientific works in Kanarese.”1
In the 10th century A.D., the Golden Age of Kannada literature, the greatest Jaina poets were writing. Thus Ponna, a Jaina saint upon whom the Rashtrakuta King Kannara conferred the title Kavichakravarti, composed Shantipurana and Bhuvanaika Ramabhyudaya during the period. Next we come to the great poet. Pampa, regarded as the father of Kannada literature. Pampa was followed by Ranna, Court poet of the Karnataka Emperor Thaiiapa and his son Satyashraya who succeeded him. He composed 1. Indian Antiquary. 1875. Vol. IV, p. 15.