________________
254/The Raṣṭrakūtas and Jainism
influence of Jainistic architectural expression is self-evident. Its variety with deep insight, richness with supreme quality, and ethos combined with unparalleled artistic grace has carved a niche in the hall of art gallery. These marvels would never have been accomplished had the Rāṣṭrakūta monarchs not taken keenest interest in them.
8.9.4. Practically under the hegemony of the Rāṣṭrakūtas and for that matter upto C. E. 1184, there were no challenges or threats, either from within or without, to the ascendancy of sramaņa dharma, the Nirgrantha faith. Jainism, as a state religion, marked a grand era of development to its meredian of temple architecture and related sculpture, painting and allied arts. Jaina images, temples, sanctuaries, monasteries and inscriptions, found in every nook and corner of the kingdom, attest to the flourishing condition of syādvādamata during the period.
8.9.4.1. The spread of sramaņa dharma and the dissemination of Jaina ideals received sufficient impetus, on the advent of very many brilliant anchorite who pioneered in almost all genealogies of southern Jaina culture.
8.9.5. A. D. Pusalkar has crystellized this epoch as the most flourishing history of Jainism in the Deccan : "That the fortunes of Jainism were unaffected by the revival of Hinduism has been ascribed to the state of patronage, and the influence of the pious Jaina saints.... As king makers they secured royal patronage for generations. By winning over generals, feudal lords and provincial governors, their success at provincial centres was assured under the aegis of these officials. By securing popular support, they had among their followers the most important section of the middle class, the Vira Banajigas, and the commercial class, whose financial help went a long way in the cause of Jainism. It enabled them to construct magnificent Jinālayas and images" [The History and Culture of Indian people, vol. IV, The age of imperial Kanauj, pp. 288-89].
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
