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JAINA ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE OF TAMILNADU
Tamil Brahmi inscriptions, it is known that the Jaina monks who stayed in the natural caverns were gifted beds and pallis by the kings, chieftains, traders, guilds and women. These centers were continuously occupied by many Jaina ascetics, which are attested to by the later inscriptions of the places.
A number of Jaina centers in Tamilnadu flourished for about 1500 years, though a declining phase started around 6th century A.D. due to Bakthi movement. However, the Jaina religion received its support from the Pallavas and Pandyas. During this period, we could witness several Vatteluttu inscriptions along with the bas-relief sculptures of Jaina affiliation in the early caves of Pandya region. This religion continuously maintained its status during the Cholas, later Pandyas and the Vijayanagara Kings.
Jaina Inscriptions from 6th century A.D. to 18th Century A.D.
As mentioned above, the Pallavas, Pandyas Cholas and the Vijayanagara kings supported Jainism in this region for a long time. Nearly 450 inscriptions of these dynasties scattering all over Tamilnadu focus various aspects of this religion. During this period, Jaina adherents of Karnataka and Tamilnadu maintained cordial relations with each other.
Jaina monastic order in Tamil Country
In the early medieval period, Tamilnadu witnessed tremendous growth of Jaina religion in the form of installation of images, construction and renovation of many pallis and the hectic activities of many Jaina ascetics. It is significant to note here that some of the inscriptions in Tamilnadu disclose the
monastic orders of Jainism, which were commonly seen Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only
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