Jainism and Karnataka Culture

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

Page 69

HISTORICAL SURVEY
JAINISM UNDER THE HOYSALA VIJAYANAGAR AND MYSORE RULERS
Hemmed in on all sides by the rising tide of re-awakned Hinduism, Jainism sought its last refuge in the cradle of its childhood, viz., Mysore. Hear for a time it found the patronage of the Hoysalas, but only for a time. The entry of Rāmānuja, as an axile from the Saiva domination in the Coļa kingdom, brought in its wake the conversion of Bițțideya to Vaişņavism. Tbenceforward the most famous of the Hoysaļa family, Bittideva came to be known as Vişnuvardhana or “the promoter of the Vaişņava doctrine.” The story of his conversion from Jainism is a very fascinating one. But we must start with his predecessors in order to have a connected view of Jainism under the patronage of the Hoysaļas.
The Hoysaļas were an indigenous family of rulers in Mysore. They rose to power and prominence by taking advantage of the political rivalry between their Southern and Northern neighbours, viz., the Coļas and the Cālukyas.166 The traditional account of their ascendancy is to be found in an inscription at Śravaņa Belgoļa. 166 It is significant to note that Vinayāditya, the first historical ruler of this dynasty, had for his preceptor the Jaina teacher Såntideva. 167 Epigraphic evidence points to Vinayaditya's construction of many tanks, temples, and villages.168 He appears to have been a feudatory under Vikramaditya VI of the Cālukya dynasty. His son and successor Ereyanga is described as “the right arm of the Cālukyas; "
165 Cf. Krishnaswāmi Aiyangar Ancient India, pp. 80, 266. The extonsion
of Cola dominion over Mysore is still testified to by Coļana-halli'
or 'the village of Chola 'near Sravana Belgola. 166 Ep. Car, II, SB 13: Road Saletore, Med. Jainism, pp. 62-73. 167 Fleet, Dynasties of the Kanarese Districts, p. 65; Ep. Car. 11
Introd, p. 49 188 Ibid, NB 143,