Jain Journal 1969 04

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 42

APRIL, 1969
249
The two last-named areas are particularly rich in these antiquities. The very position and nature of these stony couches which are characteristically simple and austere would point to their antiquity. On account of their association, in majority of instances, with inscriptions written in ancient script, it has been possible to determine the age of these monuments. The characters of the records present archaic specimens of the Brahmi script and may be referred to the period of the 3rd century B.C. That these caverns are mostly Jaina can be said for their Jaina associations and environments. Thus we can safely say that after their entry into the Andhradesa the advocates of the Jaina Law appear to have marched deep south into the Tamil country. This explains the existence of ancient relics such as Jaina rock-cut sculptures and inscriptions in the hills of the North Arcot district which comprises one of the northern parts of the Tamil territory adjacent to Telegu region. These preachers proceeded further to the southern parts of the country and crossing the sea entered into the island of Ceylon. This might have taken place approximately during the period of the 5th and the 4th centuries B.C. Another stream of Jaina teachers appears to have flown into the Tamil country from the Karnataka region during the 3rd century B.C. These were the monks belonging to the congregation of Bhadrabahu, who carried out the last wishes of their master under the leadership of Visakhacarya. The influx of this new band of preachers might have accelerated the pace of the proselytising movement in the Tamil country, particularly in its southern parts. It is on this ground that explain the abundance of Jaina monuments and inscriptions in the hills and elsewhere in the Madura and Tinnevelly districts as contrasted with their limited quantity in the northern areas.
Strongholds of Jainism
Kanci Region-Kanci or Kanci region which roughly represents the modern Chingleput district appears to have developed as a favourite resort of Jainism from early times. This area was the home of the Pallava power which was nurtured from the 4th to the 8th century A.D. Mayilappur which is now a part of the modern city of Madras claimed a substantial number of adherents of the Jaina faith among its residents. Tiruvallvar, author of the famous Tamil poem Kurāl who lived in the 1st century A.D. is said to have been a Jaina and a resident of this place.
Coming to Kanci proper, the capital city of the Pallavas, it had the unique privilege of being an eminent resort of the Jaina creed for several centuries. Not only did the doctrine receive help and encourage