________________
Bharata-Khanda. Among the many beautiful countries it contained, an abode of the Jina-dharma, a mine of good discipline, like the dwelling of Padmāsana (Brahmā), having acquired great fame, the birth place of learning and wealth, the home of unequalled splendid earnestness, thus distinguished in many ways the lovely Karṇāṭa country.
Jaina Sangha / 193
[Epigraphia Carnatika, vol. VIII (1902) Sorab. 261. C. E. 1408, Kuppaṭur (Shimoga Dt, Sorab Tk) p. 107].
7.2.1. This is rightly so, because the term at once enlivens up the image of distinct stream of a rich and ancient culture which has contributed immensely to the enrichment of Karnataka's heritage in various branches of knowledge.
7.2.2. The land of Kannada- speaking people, now represented by Karṇāṭaka state, was known from the beginning of this current Era as Kuntala-deśa and Karṇāṭa. The geographical boundaries of this ancient Karṇāta was far larger than the present Karnāṭaka state. In brief, the early Kadambas (Banavāsi/vanavāsi/vaijayanti) ruled the north western region between fourth and sixth century. The early Gangas ruled the southeastern part of Karṇāṭa between fourth and mid eigth century independently and upto the end of tenth century as subordinates. The Gangas had, cordial or otherwise, relationship with the Toṇḍaināḍu (Pallavas) to the south east, and the Kongunādu Adaigamāns to the south west of Karṇātadēśa.
7.2.3. "The real builders of Karṇāta as an eminent and effectual power, its culture unified, potent, and distinctive, were the Calukyas who launched their political career some time late in the fifth century from a small territory in the present Bijapur District. This early Calukya nucleus lay north of Banavāsi, and was a region that gave no evidence of high cultural development until the advent of the Calukyas as rulers. Around the twin cities of this nucleus, Aihole (Ahivalli; Ahivolal/Aryapura) and Badāmi or Bādāmi
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
