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KUMARI : JAINISM DURING THE WODEYARS OF MYSORE
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panel to the right of the middle cell also represents the Dasara Darbar of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III seated on the throne.43 It should be noted that special pujās in the basadis of Sriksetra were arranged on this occasion in honour of the Maharaja of Mysore and such a practice is being continued to this day. The paintings stand as evidence to assert the close association of Charukeerti Panditacharya of Sri Ksetra with the rulers of Mysore.
However, after 1868, there seem to have been a notable decline in the influence of the Jainas in the royal court. They were excluded from all palace activities. Thus, there is hardly any reference to them sharing in any of the high administrative responsibilities. Meanwhile, the Jainas had learnt to live a sort of reclusive life without expecting much in their favour from the authorities.
However, there are a few stray instances of members who belonged to the Jaina community being appointed to the ordinary posts in the palace. One Vardhamana pandita, the son of Jinachandriah, was the palace vaidya from 1838-1868. He was appointed on a monthly salary of rupees ten in the Chamundy Totty. Chamundy Totty constituted a department that looked after the supply of rations. Later, the All India Digamber Jaina Mahasabha also passed a resolution to that effect on the 28 March 1910. The content of the resolution was as follows - The Mahasabha is glad to learn that among the learned men patronage by His Highness the Maharaja of Mysore in the palace in olden times were included the Jaina pandits also. But the Mahasabha regrets the absence of any Jaina Pandits in the list of such learned men in the palace at present; and therefore, resolves that His Highness the Maharaja be prayed for to admit and patronise Jaina pandits also. The Mahasabha also recommended the name of the p Jinadas Sastry of Sravanabelagola. He was hailed as a fit person this recognition because of his hereditary excellence in learning. The resolution passed by the Digambara Jaina Mahasabha was consented to and in accordance with this pandit Dorbali Jinadasa Sastry was employed as palace Vidvan. Expressing their joy on hearing the decision of the Wodeyar to employ a Jaina member as palace Vidvan the Jains of Sravanabelogola under the presidency of Charukeerti Panditacharya Swami expressed their gratitude to His Highness Krishnaraja Wodeyar
IV.44
Obviously, the Jains were actually excluded from the royal palace campus when a fire destroyed the Santiswara basadi. It was believed 43. Hayavadana Rao. Mysore Gazetteer. Vol. II, Part I. p. 461. 44. Archive Records-Mysore.
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