Jaina Corpus of Koppala Inscriptions X rayed

Author(s): Nagarajaiah Hampa
Publisher: Ankita Pustak

Page 24

Preamble / 5
references to the towering personalities of the principal ruling families of Karnāšaka, the Gangas being the main dynasty. Though the kings were duty bound to support all religions, their active patronage of a particular faith could also be marked.
5.1
A pro-Jaina dynasty, the western Gangas had equal respect for other religious sects. Under their protection and patronage, Jainism flourished without let or hindrance. The Gangas declared their devotion to Jainism from the beginning, took the role of saviour. The Gangas were born to protect jinadharmma of the Kailāsa mountain: Kaiļāsa - Śaila jinadharmma suraksaņārtham (EC. Vol. VIII-I (BLR) Shimoga No. 10. C.E. 1085. p. 19. line: 7]. Kailasa olim Aştāpada is sacred to Jainas because Rşabha, the first Tirthankara, attained nirvana, release from bondage, on the summit of Mount Kailāsa (Nirvāna-bhakti). As a consequence, that was the period of Jaina ascendancy, and it became a dominant creed in Karnataka in all walks of life. Thus, the Gangas made signal contribution to the theory and practice of Jainism.
5.1.1 Historians, while discussing, the controversy regarding the
authenticity of some of the Ganga copper plates, have by and large accepted that most of them are geniune records. Besides a large number of copper plates, there are some stone epigraphs found at different places (Ramesh, K.V. (ed.) 1984). Albeit, nowhere, uptill the present discovery, the number of the Ganga inscriptions exceed a score and more. A close perusal of the present epigraphical references clearly establish, substantiate and corraborate the credibility of Jaina oriented statements in early copper plates. Hence, much weight will be attached to the historical information of these charters.
5.2
A large number of mendicant and their lay followers constituted a significant force at Koppa!. Jains held an easy access to the machinery of political power. Koppala was echoing the voice of samavasarana, assembly of listeners. Ahimsa banners were fluttering atop temples and friaries. Integration of upāsakas, lay followers, of all ranks into the