Jinamanjari 1999 09 No 20

Author(s): Jinamanjari
Publisher: Canada Bramhi Jain Society Publication

Page 53

people supports the views of these scholars. The Vaddaradhane, the Jaina Kannada classic, has numerous words and phrases which could be identified with the present Haiva dialect and mannerism.
Prominent rulers of the Haduvalli kingdom known for their valour and administration against the Portugese were two queens - Bhairadevi (Chennadevi) and her sister Chennabhairadevi. The Portugese poet, Mikler, in his work Luciad describes the strength of DeSouza, the Governor of Goa who fought the battle against Chennadevi:
Bhatkala inflamed by treacherous hate! Provokes the horrors of Badalo's fate. Her streets in blood, Her skies enwrapt in fire, Confess the storm of Souza's fire.
Chennabhairadevi succeded the Haduvalli throne in 1546 C.E. She was a well versed in literature and music, and known for her valour and strong faith in Jainism. During her reign, she extended friendship to Portugese at Goa and developed a harmonius relation with the Naikas, the rulers of Keladi. She fully expolited the richness of the land and built a huge overseas market for its black pepper crop.
Quite generously, she used wealth to promote Jain religion and literature in her domain. She rebuilt Bhatkal which was demolished by the Portugese during her sister's time, and she consecrated Jina idols of Ananta, Chandranaatha and Parsva in the Jain temple known as Hirebasadi at Haduvalli and commissioned a manastambha to it. Her General Jattapanayaka commissioned a manastambha in the year 1536 C.E. in front of Ratnatraya basadi or the Bandabasadi temple dedicated to Jina Chandranatha, Ara and Malli. This pillar is one of the famous manastambhas known in Karnataka for its five pillar structure. As well, she patronised the poet Vardhamana in support of enriching literature in her kingdom.
Haivarasa I, who established the House of Haduvalli kingdom had two daughters, had a son and again a daughter. The name of the oldest daughter, who does not figure in any role of importance, and the name of the youngest daughter, who has an important role in the dynastic activities, are unknown. The name of the older daughter was Viradevi and the son was Singiraya. The younest daughter had a son by the name of Gururaya (1525-1540 C.E.)
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