Jain Journal 2000 01

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

Page 24

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JAIN JOURNAL : Vol-XXXIV, No. 3 January 2000
Francis Buchanon also reportes about strong oral traditions that were narrated to him by the followers of the Jaina religion when he came in contact with them at different places in the kingdom of Mysore during his travels. Such oral traditions are mainly connected with the prosperous period of Jainism in Southern Karnataka; and its subsequent decline after the advent of Sri Vaishnavism; and the conversion of Bittideva the Hoysala king from Jainism to Sri Vaishnavism, at the instance of Sri Ramanujacharya. 146
Social Structure
Jainism as a religion is not interwoven with the complex features of caste hierarchy though segmentation among the Jains obviously exists. The Purohita (Brahmanas), Bogara Panchama and Chaturtha are the main sub-divisions, which prevail in this region. However, the European travellers have also made references to the existence of some minor sects.
Francis Buchanon and Col. Mackenzie, refer to the existence of some Jaina sects like Jaina Banajiga, Jaina Sadaru, and Jaina Komattis. In addition, other sects like Jaina Arasu, Jaina Chippiga, and Jaina Gowda are also reported, in the literary sources, to have existed in considerable number during this period.
In the census report of 1901, the Sadars have been included among the Jains. 147 This caste is stated to have originally been the Jains, but later on a few of them embraced Vaishnavism. This caste, which was originally a homogenous one, was split up into three sects, namely Lingayat Sadar, Jaina Sadar and non-Ligaya. Sadar. 148 The Jaina Sadars were a thriving sect in the kingdom of Mysore.
Francis Buchanon refers to three categories of Banajigas namely the Panchama, the Jaina and Telinga Banajinga. 149 Many of the Jains were converted to Veerasaivism during the time of Basaveswara. Their descendents during the later years are stated to have formed a separate group called Jaina Banajiga. 150
Col. Mackenzie, refers to a Jaina sect called Seelavanta Banajiga. He states that they observed strictly the Jaina social practices like
146. Ibid., p. 96. 147. Census report, 1901. 148. The Mysore Tribes and Castes. Vol. IV, p. 527. 149. Ibid., Vol. II, pp. 123-124; Buchanon, op.cit., pp. 256 off. 150. Ibid.