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4. JAINISM IN KARNATAKA
place originally belonged to Karnataka proper, is vouched not only by the Kannada epigraphs discovered in this place, but also by its earlier name Kondakundi still in use among the less sophisticated inhabitants of the region. It is known from the early epigraphs discovered here that Konḍakunde was the ancient name of the place.
The original name of the place appears to have been Kondakunda or Kondakunde which is a purely Kannada term. Whereas place names ending in 'kunda' or 'gunda' are rare in the Andhra parts, such are rather common in Karnāṭaka; for instance, Nargund, Navalgunda, Hungund, etc. Similarly, a large number of place names ending in 'kunram' can be traced in the Tamil country. 'Kunda' of Kannada may be equated with 'kunram' of Tamil and these mean 'a hill'. But when they form components of a place name, we may interpret them as a hill settlement'. Konda also means a hill in Kannada. Now the whole expression Konḍakunda may be construed to convey the sense of 'a place situated on or near a hill'. This description eminently suits even the presentday location of the village which lies in close proximity of a range of hills. Indications, however, are not lacking to assume that the early settlement of the village' commenced on or in the hill range itself.
I have discussed fully the history of Kopana or modern Kopbal in the Hyderabad State, as a supremely holy resort of the Jaina religion, below in Parts I and III of the Jaina Epigraphs. Konakondla or Kondakunde resembles Kopana in many respects. Firstly, both are situated in the hills which are similar to each other in their natural formation and picturesque topographical set up. These hills possess sheltering spots like the natural caves and caverns. Consequently, they comprise fitting resorts for the ascetics performing austerities in seclusion and retirement. Secondly, both have treasured antiquities of the Jaina creed. As we shall see presently, like Kopana, Kondakunde also was renowned as a Tirtha or sacred place in the mediaeval age. Thirdly, except in faint memory in some quarters, the eminence of Kondakunde, like that of Kopana, has been almost completely forgotton and remained unknown to the followers of the Jaina religion.
ANTIQUITIES: Now I would examine the antiquities. Most of the Jaina antiquities of Konakondla are to be traced in the hillock called Rasasiddhula Gutta, about two furlongs towards the north of the village. Rasasiddhula Gutta (in Telugu) means 'the hill of the Alchemists' and this name is
1 The fact that there were more than one settlement of the village is discolsed by the allusion to Kiriya Kopdakunde or minor Kondakunde occurring in the inscription on the hilllock Kailasappa Gutta; 8. I. I., Vol. IX, pt. i, No. 150, line 29.
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