________________
116
JAIN JOURNAL : Vol-XXXIV, No. 3 January 2000 The march of Jainism during the Wodeyar's period, despite many vicissitudes, presents an interesting picture and may be studied under the following classifications. 1) Patronage of Wodeyars to Jainism and Jaina officials in the
royal court 2) Patronage to Sri Ksetra-Sravanabelagola 3) Reflections of the European travellers on the Jaina Socio
religious life. 1) Patronage of Wodeyars to Jainism
Infact, twenty-five rulers beginning from Yaduraya to Jayachamarendra Wodeyar (1399-1948) ruled the Kingdom of Mysore for nearly five and a half centuries. ** Although the Wodeyar's rule began as early as the last year of the fourteenth century not inuch is known of them until the time of Raja Wodeyar (1578-1617). The history of Wodeyars, obviously, begins only from the time of Raja Wodeyar when he occupied Srirangapattana in 1610 A.D., destroying the viceroyalty of the Vijayanagar rulers over there.2
Various theories have been evolved by the scholars regarding the origin of the Wodeyars. Besides, it is also important to note the Jaina version explained in the Rajavali Kathasara by Devachandra. Devachandra attributes the origin of the Wodeyar's kingdom to the Hoysala descents-Timmaraja, Devaraja and Santaraja.3 They are stated to have established their authority as chieftains in different parts of Mysore. Raja Wodeyar the decent of those Hoysala adventurers ultimately was successful in effecting his plans. This resulted in the establishment of an independent kingdom of Mysore.4 The above reference made in the Rajavali Kathasara is to be analyzed with an open mind in order to authenticate the role of the Jaina elitist class in the establishment of Wodeyar's authority over Mysore.5
Interestingly, Santharaja of Maleyure-Keshtra is stated to have helped Raja Wodeyar to secure the throne.6 Raja Wodeyar after assuming power as an independent ruler entrusted the state responsibility of Chief Ministership to Dodda Santaraja, the son of
2. 3. 4.
R.R. Diwakar, Karnataka through the Ages, p Rajavali, pp. 322 off. Ibid. Vasantha Kumari, Socio-religious life of the Jains under the Wodeyars of Mysore. (Unpublished Thesis.) Rajavali, p. 322 off
6.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
