________________
90
History of Jainism with Special Reference to Mathurā
as early as the sixth century bc, and that its association with the Tamil region dates from the fourth century BC. 137
But this is certain that Jainism was one of the powerful influences that moulded the religious and cultural life of south India in the ancient and medieval period of its history. 138 Jainism played a significant role in the political life of south India also. Epigraphic records and literature of Karnataka, Telugu and Tamil lands reveal that Jainism made a remarkable contribution to the success and stability of many kingdoms in south India, including the magnificent Vijayanagara empire. 139 Karnataka was the favourite resort of Jainism in south India for nearly one thousand years; the area from Bidar in the north to Mysore in the south in Karnataka is replete with the antiquities of Jainism.140 These antiquities bear testimony to the glory of Jainism in this part of India. For nearly twelve centuries (second century AD to thirteenth century AD), Jainism guided the fortunes of some of the most powerful and well-known royal families of Karnataka.141 Many rulers of the Ganga,142 the Kadamba,143 the Rāstrakūta 144 and the western Calukya145 dynasties of south India patronised Jainism. It was also patronised by the feudatories of the kings of Karnataka.146
Jainism in other parts of India
We have already stated that both Pārsvanātha and Mahāvīra had preached
137. JISI, Preface, ix. 138. Ibid., p. 1. 139. MJ, p. 2. 140. JISI, Preface x. 141. MJ, p. 6. 142. Ibid., pp. 8-30; JSAI, p. 247; CA, pp. 406-7; CHAI, III, p. 289; HJM, pp. 123-4; ACHI, p.
102.
143. Ibid., p. 30; HJM, pp. 124-6; JSAI, p. 247; ACHI, p. 102. 144. HJM, p. 117; JSAI, p. 247; MJ, p. 30; ACHI, p. 102. 145. SFE, p. 429; JSAI, p. 247; MJ, p. 42; CHAI, III, p. 289; HJM, pp. 119-20; ACHI, p. 102. 146. MJ, p. 87.
