Jain Journal 2000 04

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

Page 27

JAINISM UNDER CĀLUKYAS OF KALYANA
DR. HAMPA NAGARAJAIAH The age of imparial Cālukya rule was a period of intense political, cultural, literary and socio-religious activities in Karnataka. They extended the empire of the Rāştrakūtas that they inherited, covering the border areas of the present day states of Andhra Pradesh, Mahārāṣtra, and the north-eastern belt. The long and active rule of the members of Cālukya dynasty between 973 and 1186 C.E., had made significant contribution. Numerically speaking the largest number of inscriptions are of the Cälukya monarchs. Tailapa-II, his sons, grand sons and the successive rulers expanded the kingdom in all directions, establishing political stability. Karnataka witnessed highest number of Dukes and governors during this aeon.
From Tailapa downwards upto mallikāmoda Jagadēkamalla Jayasimha, all the early monarchs were Jains, according to available inscriptions. "(Jainism) covered many parts of Karnataka and exercised such a powerful influence among its inhabitants that it enjoyed for sometime the privilege of almost universal doctrine. During the sway of the Gangas and the Rāstrakūtas in particular, until the advent of later Cālukyas, Jainism played the conspicuous role of a state religion. Jainism has contributed immensely to political history and cultural dimensions of Karnāțaka, particularly its literary eminence and architectural grandeur" (A History of Karnataka, p. 301).
The above observation is vouched by a number of contemporary charters. The Cālukya dynasty was highly indebted to a particular Jaina family of the noble lady Attimabbe. Her father Mallapa, her uncle Punnamayya, her husband Nāgadēva and her son Anņigadeva-were the illustrious generals in the army of Tailapa. They fought bravely and in the process Nāgadēva and Punnamayya lost their lives on the battle field, the latter on the banks of river Kāveri, on the extreme south. Gundamayya and Abhavamalla, brothers of Attimabbe also joined the army and enhanced the glory of the family. Dallapa, fatherin-law of Attimabbe was the chief minister, chief of army and chief of the royal records. Thus, an entire family assisted the kingdom for generations with their gallantry and dedication.
Nāgamayya, supermo of Punganūr in Vengidesa gave away gifts and encouraged Jainism. His sons, Mallapa and Punnamayya were