Jain Journal 1991 04

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

Page 37

APRIL, 1991
181
and truthfulness. His greatest legacy is the erection of statue of Gommațeśvara, which is a unique masterpiece of sculpture. It is indeed a monumental evidence to the contemporary Jaina world that the religion of ahimsā had successfully, claimed the good-will of the people. The vibration of Câmundaraya's benevolent ideals have spread far and wide.
With the decline of the Ganga regime by the end of 10th Century A.D., the power of the Jaina rulers was rejuvenated and it was undertaken by Acarya Sudatta. Sudattăcārya who had established his reputation in the Malnad region of south Mysore forests around Chikamagalore area helped the local energetic youth leader, Sāla, to organise the military strength and to establish his political leadership. The most popular traditional story tells that, the ruling family established by Sala with the help of Sudattācārya was called Hoysāla ; the name signifies the event of Sāla killing the tiger at the instruction of Sudattåcårya. This particular event became the crest of this ruling power.
Many forest tribes of this area seems to have been brought under the religious structure of Jainism earlier to Sudattācārya. A lithical record of 10th Century AD, reveals that one Vimalacandra Paņditadeva, disciple of Mouni Bhattāraka and the preceptor of Iriva Bedenga (Calukyan ruler) died of sallekhanā rites, and attained mukti in the area of Soseuru, the home place of Sala, the founder of the Hoysala kingdom. Many records reveal in a fascinating style their political policy of 'duştanigraha, śişğa paripälanam' and the deadly military actions undertaken to enforce the same in practice. They immortalised themselves by effective military actions. The utter defeat and humility suffered by Cola king Rajendra at the hands of Vişnuvardhana has been portrayed in the following way : (1108-1142 A.D.)
“The water of the river Cauvery became so polluted by the dead bodies of the Cola soldiers, that Rajendra Cola could not use the water." The significant feature of this period is that, many families of Jaina elites produced hereditary soldiers and statesmen. Gangarāja, the general of Vişnuvardhana, belonged to a family of hereditary soldiers and statesmen. His father Eca, was patronised by Nirupama Hoysala. Gangarāja's noble character and unrivalled skill in war was devoted to the services of Vişnuvardhana, and this brought him great fame. By the strength of his arms he shook the prowess of many contemporary powers such as Cola, Calukyas and he was "a milestone to traitors of his lord.” Indeed he was a general of outstanding abilities,