Jain Journal 1991 04

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

Page 38

182
Gangaraja was the most prominent among the nine Jaina generals of Viṣṇuvardhana. The others were Boppa, Punisa, Baladeva, Mariyam, Bharata, Eca, Vişņu, and Hulla. Marching rapidly, taunting and making the enemies to lose courage, a last deluge to hostile enemies, bold in war, they attained peace and tranquility by punishing the wicked and by encouraging the good. Series of brilliant campaigns, no doubt, placed Karnataka army as the premier power of south India. They were the raiser up of the kingdom of Visnuvardhana (1108-1155 A.D.).
JAIN JOURNAL
Under Narasimha, Jaina general Devaraja, Hulla and Santiyanna, Isvara, Camapati excelled as eminent commanders of the Hoysala force. The most prominent Hulla was a general and the chief
treasurer.
Under Ballala-II (1173-1220 A.D.) the military prestige of the Hoysalas rested to a very great extent on the prowess of the Jaina generals and ministers, Racimayya, Nagadeva, Amrita, Ecana and Buciraja. Under Ballala-III (1291-1343 A.D.) Keteya Daṇḍanayaka was the prominent Jaina.
Thus, the most practical aspect of Jainism lies in the fact that, the apostles of ahimsa have been the rulers of vast territories, have fought battles, have vanquished armies and have founded empires. They have resisted invasions in which many have been killed, many have been wounded and destroyed.
But, at the same time they have cherished their feelings of deep faith for religion, and this gave them the feelings of real happiness. Thus the loyal soldiers were devout Jainas. They set the standard of morality. The standard of morality set by Gangaraja is explained in this way:
To be false in speech,
To show fear in battle,
To be addicted to others' wives, To give up refugees,
To leave suppliants unsatisfied, Foresake those to whom he is bound Live in treachery to his lord.