Jainism and Karnataka Culture

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

Page 73

HISTORICAL SURVEY
II, built the Nagara Jinālaya as a disciple of Nayakirti. Ballāla, the king, made a grant to this temple, built at his own capital, Dwārasamudra," for feeding Jaina ascetics and carrying on the eight-fold worship of the temple.” dis son, the prince (Narasimha II), the inscription states, “was very much pleased to see the eight-fold worship and the free distribution of gifts to the ascetics."186 Narasimha III is said to have had for his guru a Jaina teacher named Rājā-guru or the Royal Chaplain.185 The last instance of a Hoysaļa grant to the Jainas that we yet know is that of Pratāp-cakravarti Viramanmathadeva ( 1257-71 A.D.) in the Canna Pārśva Basadi at Kogali in the Bellary District. 188 Thus, to the end of their days the Hoysaļa kings, whatever their religion, continued to patronise the Jainas.
The same tradition of toleration continued under the rulers of Vijayanagara as well. “The national movement ( against Muhammedan inroads) which gave rise to Vijayanagara," observes Dr. Krishnaswāmi Aiyangar," was comprehensive and embraced a defence of all that was Hindu against Mussalman - including Jainism which received protection and patronage. The sovereigns of this family, although each one had his own persuasion, adopted religious compromise as their civil policy.” 187 An inscription at Bellary records the consecration of an image of śāntinātha -Jinêswara, under Harihara I, by some Jaina merchants, and on the pedestal of this image is found the name of Maghanandi, disciple of Amarakirti Ācārya, of Kundakundanvaya, Saraswati-gachcha, and Balatkāra-gaña of Mūlasamgha.188 But the most interesting of all the Vijayanagara inscriptions
184 Ibid.. 1926, pp 50-2, 185 Of. Srikantayya, Hoysala Empire, Jour. of the Myth. Soc. VII, p. 098. 186 Rangāobārya, Inscriptions of the Madras presidency 1, By 192. 187 Krishnaswami Aiyangar, Contributions pp. 298-99. 188 Rangłohárya, Insoriptions of the Madras Presidency 1, by 488.