Jain Journal 1997 07

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

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JAIN JOURNAL : Vol-XXXII, No. 1. July 1997
evident froin a number of Jaina inscriptions of this period. As far as the Chola rulers are concerned, they are held in comparatively high esteem in Tamil Nadu for the solicitude they evinced in the preservation and promotion of Jaina monuments. However, such instances are not many. The Cholas' spirit of tolerance, slight though it may have been, did not allow them to pursue a vigorous anti-Jaina policy, and they refrained from destroying Jaina religious monuments in Tamil Nadu.
In sharp contrast to such a policy of toleration, one sinds in the Gawarawada inscription full details of the apprehensions caused by the Cholas in the region of Belvala, a notable Chalukyan administrative division. It is noteworthy that Belvala which constituted an important strong hold of the Jains had been ruled over by a number of Jaina generals. Anniga, son of Attimobbe an illustrious Jaina woman of Karnataka, also had administered Masavadi a subdivision over this province. Attimobbe was a contemporary of the Chalukyan King Someśvara I (1042-1068 A.D.).30 The inscription records the invasion of Belvala by the Chola King Ko-Parakesari Rajendradeva. This province was ruled over by Ganga Permadi at that time. From the details recorded in the inscription we also learn that Ko-Parakesari burnt many Jaina basadis and defiled and damaged the Jaina sanctuaries erected by Ganga Permadideva. However, Koparakesari was slained by Trailokyamalla Someśvara I (1042-1068 A.D.). The event is narrated as follows :
The wicked Chola, i.e., Rājādhiraja, who had abandoned the religious observances of his family, penetrated into the Belvala country and burnt the Jaina temples erected there by the Ganga king, Ganga Permadi. But eventually he had to yield his head to Someśvara Ahavamalla in the battle, and forfeited his life.31
Karnataka/Tamil Jaina Relations under Vijayanagar Rulers
The political situation of South India completely changed with the establishment of the Vijayanagar kingdom in the year 1336 A.D. Tamil Nadu virtually came under the control of the Vijayanagar kings. While assessing the position of the Jains in the royal court during this period, it is important to note that throughout their history, the Jains of Karnataka had retained their key positions in the royal courts. They had occupied important positions-ministers, generals, statesmen. Likewise, the Jains had always the upper hand during the dynastic changes that took place in Karnataka. In other words, Jaina influence prevailed upon constantly, whether directly or indirectly, whenever a new dynasty came to power. One Baica Dandanāyaka belonging to the