Jain Journal 2007 01

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

Page 32

Hampa Nagarajaiah: Imprints of Buddhism in karnāšala
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and circumambulatory Caitya. The unique comlex with a compound has yielded earthen votive tablets that could be dated between 5th and 7th centuries CE [Itihasa Darshana, Vol. 20, Bangalore. 2005 : 20-31. Though vestiges of apsidal construction, Chaitya, terracotas etcetera have been discovered at Banavāsi, no Stūpa has come to light. But interestingly the place Kadagodu near Banavāsi has yielded relics of a Stūpa.
Albeit, Buddhist movement failed to make inroads crosswise and lengthwise in Karņāțaka and could not leave an everlasting imprint. Even though the images of Buddha discovered at Bādāmi, Candravalli, Kadari, and Sannati attest the prevalence of Buddhism at different places, such pockets of Buddhism were not many. Nevertheless, during its long career of about fifty score and more years, it prospered in patches as a potential minor religion. Contemplating on the reasons for the decline of Buddhism in Karņāțaka, one can notice the glaring attack of Kālāmukha Saivas on Buddhist and Jaina strong holds. The Saivas, under the leadership of Mahāmandalesvara Viruparasa, pounced upon the Jains and Buddhists and destroyed their places of worship. This Saiva battalian was so ferocious that it is described as Jinasamayavanadalana-dāvānala, and Bauddha samaya-vidhvarisana-pravina South Indian Inscriptions, Vol. XV. No. 56.CE 1184. Talikote (Bijapur Dt. Muddebihal Tk.)]. Though Jaina samgha could withstand the onslaught and revive its bases, Buddhism meekly succumbed and once for all lost its grip. It could muster neither political patronization nor could get the mass backing. But, the picture of Buddhism and its position elsewhere in India was also not different from this.
R.C.Mitra has discussed at length the puzzling enigma of the decline and disappearence of Buddhism from India [ The Decline of Buddhism in India : Shantiniketan, 1954). He has put forth the following seven theories :
1. Exhaustion, 'ready to die 2. Withdrawal of royal patronage