Jain Legend Vol 4

Author(s): Hastimal Maharaj, Shuganchand Jain, P S Surana
Publisher: Hastimal Maharaj Shugan C Jain P S Surana

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cortices of Palmyra leaf by R m nuj c rya himself, with his own hands, it becomes clear that he instructed his followers to be cordial with Jains and to protect Jain temples just as they protect their Vai ava temples.
Up to Vikram 1488 majority of Jains existed in Karnataka. They had pronouncing influence on kings and common folk alike. V ra P ḍya the vassal king of Vidy nagara in Southern Karnataka was an ardent follower of Jainism. But his successors became the followers of Limg yata sect in the last decade of Vikram 15th century and in their religious fervour led a campaign aimed at the obliteration of Jainism.
Thus the fanatical religious campaign started in the 3rd or 4th decade of 12th century AD against the followers of Jainism in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka ended in the last phase of 15th century AD. This vigorous campaign started by Limg yatas continued approximately for 400 years. The ultimate result of this movement was that Jainism was totally wiped out in Andhra Pradesh.
Careful contemplation of above mentioned historical facts gives out a clear picture that from 6 -7th century AD to the end of 15th century AD, Jainism went through a catastrophic period in Southern India, receiving severe blows one after the other.
In spite of these violent and incessant campaigns for about 900 years, Jain doctrine remained in Northern Arcot of Tamilnadu practised by a very small number, compared to other places in Karnataka. With this, it can be inferred that in ancient times, Jain followers were in majority in South in general and in greater numbers in certain parts of South.
The historical events backed by substantial proofs are elaborately described in the chapter under the title "Recurrent Fatal Clouds of Predicament on Jain Religion in South". The following three facts are derived based on it:
1.
Before the violent aivite campaign against the followers of Jainism, one third or more than one third of the population in South were Jains. Apart from being patronised by the kings, it was also more or less a popular religion followed by most of the classes in the society. As long as Jain religion remained in its zenith the kings and the people carried out innumerable activities
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