Jain Journal 2010 07

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

Page 22

JAIN JOURNAL: VOL-XLV, NO. I-IV JULY-JUNE 10-11
However, in the background of above discussion, it is of historical importance to note that the members of the Kella family shifted their allegiance from the Banavāsi Kadambas to the Bādāmi Calukyas.
The names of the Kellas are mentioned and their role described from fifthe century onwards. Surprisingly they proudly describe themselves that they belong to Kēkaya (s.a. Kaikēya) Vamśa. Ēlakella alias Eļakella possibly their progenator is mentioned as a Kaikeya king, in the Kāpoli village (Beļgaum Dt., Khānāpur Tk) inscription of Bhöja Asankitavarma (Circa 5th century AD). The record states that a village, in Sollandūru-70 subdivision, donated by the Kaikeya king ēlakella was once again renewed by the officers of Bhoja Asankitavarma. Another Kella chief Murasakella was a contemporary of Ēlakella (5th century). Thus, by the end of fifth century, extant records clearly establish the existence of Sarakkella, who manifests in the Halmiţi epigraph of CE 450. Mahākella and Eļakella families were popular and they were associated with the Kaikeya (Kekaya) Vamsa.
The Kannada word Kella seems to have derived from the · Dravidian verbal base *kel-, *gel-, meanig 'to accomplish'. Therefore,
etymologically, Kella means 'one who has succeeded'. The fact that the word Kella is mostly used as an adjective to the nominal base, also confirms its derivation.
Even though the association of Kellas with Tamilnādu and several parts of Kannadanādu, is hoary and deep rooted, possibility of Puttige being their native land needs consideration. Corroborative evidences, epigraphical and literary, do substantiate the hypothesis, which obviously suggests that it was their parents place; “this village is named Kella Puttige, giving due recognition to that meritorious family of Jain rulers' [Narasimha Murti P.N.: 1985:35]. The Kalkuda Pāddana, popular folk narrative of South Kanara, refers, to Kellatta Mārnādu, i.e, Mārnādu of the Kellas. Personal names of the Jainas in