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AUTHOR'S NOTE
The Gangas, who ruled from third century to 12th century, C.E., one of the ancient royal dynasties of India, prospered and flourished through Simhanandi, a Jaina sage. A dynasty which owed its origin to the timely help of Jaina ascetic should be staunch supporters to that creed is but natural. The Gangas, obviously, consecrated Jaina images of worship, hallowing out caves for Jaina ascetics, gave liberal grants to Jaina shrines, monks and monasteries.
"... the Ganga kings.... not withstanding their liberal attitude and patronage of the Hindus, still continued to foster the cause of Jainism to which alone their House had owed its origin as a political factor in the land" [Saletore, B.A. : 1938: 30). This monograph aims at crystallising the quintesscence of the Ganga's association with Jainism, based on inscriptional evidences. I have limited the scope of this book to the history of the early Gangas, who are popularly called as the Western Gangas olim the Gangas of Talkād. The reason is, that I have devoted more space to the contribution of the later Gangas in the other monograph, titled "The Later Gangas: Mandali-Thousand", which can easily be considered as the second part of this book. I have not inluded more details of the patriarchs and pontiffs of the Gangas, and the description of the Jaina art and architecture of the period of the Gangas.
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