Jainism and Karnataka Culture

Author(s): S R Sharma
Publisher: Karnataka Historical Research Society Dharwar

Page 38

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JAINISM AND KARNATAKA CULTURE
Saivism. This toleration is evidenced by the numerous grants they made to the Jainas, 25 which led Dr. J. F. Fleet, Mr. K. B. Pathak and others to suppose that the Kadambas were of the Jaina persuasion." The error was however corrected by Dr. Fleet in the second edition of his Dynasties of the Kanarese Districts,?? which he published after the discovery of the inscription of śāntivarma at Talgunda. That the religion of the Kadambas was Brahmanism and not Jainism is also established beyond doubt by an inscription of the same dynasty found in the Kadur Taluka. Here Vişnuvarma, the donor of the grant is described as the “protector of the excellent Brahman faith.” 2* Further we know from the epigraphical records that some of the kings performed the aśvamedha sacrifice.99 The later inscriptions say that the kings of this dynasty celebrated in all eighteen horse sacrifices. As this is a purely Brāhman rite, it affords further proof that these kings were not Jainas.' $1 Nevertheless, that, under the liberal patronage of the Kadambas, Jainism must have prospered in Karnāțaka is evident from the various grants referred to below. It is evident that despite their personal beliefs, some of the Kadamba rulers came to be very closely associated with the Jainas. For instance, Mrgesavarma, a grandson of Kakutsthavarma 'gave to the divine supreme Arhats' fields at Vaijayanti' for the purpose of the glory of sweeping ( the temple ) and anointing ( the idol with ghee) and performing worship etc. entirely free from taxation." The grant also mentions, " This charter has been written by the very pious Dāmakirti, the Bhojaka." Another grant by the same monarch bears 'the seal of Jinendra' and is important
25 Fleet, op. cit. pp. 25, 27, 29-32. 26 Ibid, VII, pp. 35-6. 38. 27 Fleet, Kanarese Dynasties, p. 286. 28 E. C. VI, Kd, 162. 29 E. C., SK 178. Fleet, St & 0. C. 1., 1. A. VII, p. 35. 30 E.C. XI, Mk, 41 ; Dy. 32, 31 Kadamba Kula, pp. 249-56 82 Fleet, S. and 0. C. Inscriptions, Ind. Ant. VII, pp. 36-7.