Gyandhara

Author(s): Gunvant Barvalia
Publisher: Saurashtra Kesari Pranguru Jain Philosophical and Literary Research Centre

Page 309

contribution to kannada literature it is belived that the earlist cultivators of the Kannada language were Jainas. Jaina authors luijke Pampa, Ranana have produced excellent works in Kannada and their influence of the life of people was immense. The period of the predomenance of the jainas was an Augustan era of Tamil literature" Tirukurala by Tiruvalvar is the "Jain epics having universal appeal. The institution of Bhattaraka played a vital role in medieval period. Digambara Jainism assumed major role for almost a millennium in south India. This is demonstrated by South Indian literature and archeological and inscriptional evidences. Jainism was a living religion in Souther India for many classes of people.
In the decean, numerous temples, inscriptions and literary texts prove existence of Jainism.
Jainism in Maharastra : Jainism flourished in Maharastra - from ancient times as is proved by inscription of first century A.D. which commences with 'Names Arihantam' Nagpur, Akola, Latur, etc. are main Jain ancient sits with archeological remains. Belgaon Kolhapur, etc. have been main centres of Jainism where huge and magnificient Jaina temples, idols and inscriptions are found. In Maharastra there are excellent ancient cave-temple at Ellora, Arijaneri and at many other places. Furthermore Jainism also got royal patronage in Maharastra before the advent pf Muslim rule.
As a result, it is found that jainism enjoyed prestigious poison in Maharastra which is continued to the present day. It is significant to note that probably the largest Jain population in India today is found in Maharastra.
Today many Jain institutions ideological and research - in different parts of India are doing valuable job of spreading
(જ્ઞાનધારા
૨૯૦)
જૈનસાહિત્ય જ્ઞાનસત્ર-૨)