History of Early Ganga Monarchy and Jainism

Author(s): Nagarajaiah Hampa
Publisher: Ankita Pustak

Page 69

26 / Ganga Monarchy & Jainism
Śivamāra-II And His Bounty 5.3 From the close of the seventh century C.E., Jainism had
a special attraction for the Ganga monarchs and it continued to enjoy greater popularity till the end of their rule. The last four centuries of the Ganga rule happened to be the most crucial period in the history of Jainism in Karnataka, when Jainisam became the religion of the state. "In fact it can rightly be observed that the later Ganga period was a golden age for Jainism when royal patronage was extended to it and all facilities were provided for its progress. Sivamāra-II embraced Jainism and threw open all possible avenues for its further develop
ment" [Krishna Rao: 309]. 5.3.1 Since Jainism was in their blood, nobody in the Ganga
dynasty need embrace it afresh. As noticed earlier, "Simhanandi, the great Jaina ācharya, who assisted the foundation of the Ganga dynasty about A.D. 350, insisted that if the people were to accept the faith, the princess should lead the way and enter the Jains fold. Consolidation of the Jains followed in Gangavādi as a matter of course" [ibid, 204]. As such, Sivamāra-II was also benevolent to Jainism, at par with his ancestors , he zeal
ously patronised it. 5.3.2 During the reign of Śivamāra-II (788-816), Vittarasa alias
Vişnurāja was administering the division of Tagarenādu70 which was a part of the Sindanādu-8000 province. Vittarasa's father Mādhavendra was a king of Kadambakula [1WG: No. 85: pp. 274-75]. Another inscription notes that kali-Vittarasa was ruling Banavāsi-12,000 (EC. VII -i (BLR), Sk. 219 C.E. 918. Bandaļike (Sh dt, sk tk) p. 298]. The Vittarasa donated an endowment of black soil to the cediya of the village Tollar (MAR 1920.p.24 9th cent NR pura), which is identical with Tollagrāma mentioned in paragraph 5.2; thecaityalaya of Tollagrāma and the cediya of Tollar are one and the same [1WG:No. 71: