________________
170
JAINISM AND KARNĀTAKA CULTURE
EXTENT OF INFLUENCE First, as to the extent of influence. Whatever may be the antiquity of Jainism in the South, no one can deny that there is enough conclusive evidence to the effect that, at least from the beginning of the Christian era, down to the epoch-making conversion of Vişnuvardhana Hoysaļa by Rāmānuja in the 12th century A. D., Jainism was the most powerful religion in Karnataka. The fall of the Kalacūris in the Deccan, during the same century was another death-blow that was given to Jainism in Karnāțaka. But even after this it continued to flourish in the Tuļuva country until its overthrow by Sivappa Naik of Ikkêri in the 17th century. Thus, for nearly a millennium and a half Jainism was quite alive and active; and even now unlike Buddhism it has a considerable following in the South, no less than in the North. During the heyday of its power there was not a single dynasty in Karnāțaka, whether large or small, that did not come under its influence at one time or another : The Kadambas, the Gangas, the Rāştrakūțas and the Kalacūris in the Karnāțak among the more powerful; and the Rattas, Silāhāras, Cangāļvas and the Tuļuva rulers of Kanara, among the minor feudatories, counted among them a large number of votaries of the Jaina faith. Two great princes at least among these (viz. Mārasimha Ganga and Indra IV Rāştrakūta) died in the orthodox Jaina fashion of Sallêkhana, in addition to Sântaladevi, a queen of Vişnuvardhana Hoysaļa, thereby showing the firmness of the hold of Jainism upon them. Among the non-Jaina rulers, the Cālukyas and the Vijayanagara kings, as well as the present dynasty of Mysore, no less than some at least among the Coļas, distinguished themselves by their patronage of Jainism. In geographical extent, as well, the permeation of Jainism is indicated by the Jaina vestiges still left intact or in ruins in every district of Karnāțaka to a greater or lesser degree. Its influence among the masses is indicated by the grants made to sacred places by merchants, goldsmiths, and even garland-makers as already noticed; it is also still
