Jainism and Karnataka Culture

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

Page 48

20
JAINISM AND KARNATAKA CULTURE
popular epitome of the lives of the twenty-four Tīrthankaras; and above all else with the colossus of Gommata on Indrabetta, also at Śravaņa Belgola. His preceptor Nemicandra wrote a classical work on Jaina doctrine, viz. the Dravya-Samgraha, besides numerous others. These will be dealt with later, in the chapter on Jaina literature. Suffice it to note here that in a very old illuminated manuscript of Trilokasāra, composed by Nemicandra, there is a picture representing Cāundarāya with several courtiers hearing the tenets of Jainism as expounded by that great teacher.76 Cāunda's son had for his preceptor the Jaina Ācārya Ajitaśeņa. As late as 1604 A. D., Timmarāja, a descendant of Cãundarāya emulated his great example by erecting the third great Jaina colossus at Yeņūr in South Kanara." The legacy of the Ganga patronage of Jainism is also indicated by the proud name of Gangarāja, already mentioned, even when their political hegemony had passed on to the Hoysaļas. Gangarāja was a scion of the same illustrious family.
Thus the Age of the Gangas was a memorable one in the history of Jainism in Karnāțaka. Its echo is found in several inscriptions which testify to its greatness and general prosperity." In one it is stated that Gopanandi caused the Jaina faith to flourish once again “as it did at the time of the Gangas."79 Another speaks of the “illustrious Gangas."80 There are also numerous references to their rewards to heroes who bravely fought against cattle-raiders. But their greatest claim to remembrance is in the words of an inscription of Avinīta Ganga : “ Able for the protection of the castes and religious orders which prevailed in the South, the friend of all;" which was equally applicable to all the members of the dynasty,85
76 Ghosal, Dravyasamgraha, S.B.J. I, facsimile facing introd. p xxxix. 77 Cf. Ep. Car. II, introd. pp. 19. 20,- 45-6. 78 Ibid., 8B 15). 79 Ibid., SB 69. 80 Ep. Car. II, 8B 71. 81 Mysore Archaeological Repott, 1923, pp. E3, 73-4; Ibid., 1922, p. 10 82 Biom, Two Konga or Chers Grants, Ind. Ant. V, p. 140.