Jain Journal 1972 04

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

Page 70

APRIL, 1972
207
between the vanquished Jaina leaders and the exultant Hindu reformers of the tenth and the eleventh centuries. Here on the walls of the same temple are found paintings depicting the persecution and impaling of the Jainas at the instance of Tirujnanasambandhar. And what is still more unfortunate is that even now the whole tragedy is gone through at five of the twelve annual festivals at the famous Madura temple." ! (Saletore).
Vijayanagara :
Due to this persecution, Jainism was weakened but not wiped out. Moreover, it found a few patrons among the Vijayanagara rulers. For instance, Bukkaraya I is said to have brought about a reconciliation between the Jainas and the Vaisnavas. Several inscriptions stand testimony to the constant feuds between these two sects. However, Bukka cleverly managed to reconcile both sides. His feudatories and subordinates as also minor dynasties helped the cause of Jainism to some extent.
Jainism under the Muslims :
The ebbing tide of the Jaina influence was further weakened by the ever encroaching waves of Muslim aggression. The glory of Madura was laid down bare and looted by Malik Kafur, general of Allauddin Khalji. Later on with the complete liquidation of the Vijaynagar Empire, religious toleration had no meaning, and with the advent of the Imperial dynasties of Muslims at Delhi, all indigenous religions including Jainism had to face a creed far more aggressive in spirit, policy and execution.
That even among such rulers Jainism could get a few supporters speaks highly of the calibre of Jaina monks. Muhammad Ghori, for instance, is said to have invited and honoured a Jaina monk at the request of his Begam. Allauddin Khalji is said to have honoured an able Digambara Acarya who went all the way from the south to north to explain Jaina tenets to the king. The same king is also said to have honoured a certain Ramacandra Suri.
Other instances of Muslim liberality were those of Firuz Tughlaq who honoured a Jaina a monk Ratnasekhara, and that of Muhammad Tughlaq who received Simhakirti. Among the rulers of Sur dynasty, we have Sikandar Sur who honoured a Jaina monk Visalakirti.