Jain Journal 1994 07

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

Page 29

KUMARI : DANACHINTAMANI ATTIMOBBE -- AN APPRAISAL
Vajivamsa also appears in the Laundi inscription. The Vajivamsa was, possibly, a reputed Jaina, martial family; this may be deduced from the fact that the term literally conveys the meanings 'horse', 'fighter', 'courage', thereby implying that it was a Ksatriya family." The Chalukyan records refer to the noble families who hailed from Vajikula and belonged to varied gotras of non-Jaina and Jaina origin. In the present context, it is hard to trace, more precisely, the origin and development of this Vajivamsa. However, it is important to note that the renowned Hulla, a gifted Minister of the Hoysala kings, Narasimha-I and Ballala-II also hailed from Vajivamsa. 12
The Chalukyas of Kalyana, the feudatory chieftain of the Rastrakutas, came to the forefront in 973 A.D., after getting rid of the Rastrakuta suzerainty. 13 During a crucial stage of this political transformation, many loyal officials and generals stood in support of the Chalukyas. One such general was the grandfather of Mallapa, namely Pampaiah, and he appears to have rebelled against the Rastrakutas in support of Taila II. This is illustrated in the Ron inscription of Dharwad district, dated 943 A.D.'4 This inscription refers to one Pampaiah of Vajivamsa and Kaundinya gotra. He is stated to have rebelled against an official of the Rastrakuta king Krishna III, but died a heroic death in the battle. 15 The Pampaiah referred to in the Ron inscription is believed to have been the grandfather of Mallapa, who also belonged to the Vajivamsa and Kaundinya gotra, as mentioned by Ranna. Chronologically, this seems quite probable. Pampaiah lived during those days when Taila II was consolidating his strength against the Rastrakutas. 16 Another undated inscription, belonging to the period of Rastrakuta king, Krishna III, and discovered in Ranebennur Taluk in the Dharwad District, also refers to one Pampaiah who was administering Gottigali. He must have been the same person referred to above.17
Some information about Nagaiah, the son of Mallapa, is recorded
11. Kittle's Dictionary. 12. E. C, Vol. II, Nos. 71, 481. 13. R. R. Diwakar (Ed.): The Karnataka through the Ages, pp. 266 off. 14. SII, Vol. XI, No. 36. 15. Ibid. 16. B. K. Gopal, The Western Chalukyan (Unpublished Thesis). p. 43. 17. SII, Col. XVIII, No. 32.