Kevalaodhi Buddhist And Jaina History Of Deccan Vol 2

Author(s): Aloka Parasher Sen, B Subrahmanyam, E Siva Nagi Reddy
Publisher: Bharatiya Kala Prakashan

Page 83

PATRONAGE OF THE IMPERIAL CHOLAS TO JAINISM
V. BALAMBAL
The Imperial Chõļas (856-1279 A.D) made their mark on the history of India not only as great conquerors but also as glorious ambassadors of Indian culture in and out side India. They had political sway in far off countries, which did not last long but their contribution for spreading of Indian culture remains green till today. Their touch is felt in South, South East and Far East Asia. They carved their names very deep so that it has left a permanent mark on the cultural history of India.
The Choļas were great Saivites but their interest in patronizing other religions too is well known from inscriptions and literature. The inscriptions of the Chöļas in South India and South East Asia stand testimony to their cultural zeal. Rājarāja I has no doubt immortalized his name by constructing Rājrājēśvaram in Tanjavur, which is today a protected monument. However, innumerable Siva and Vişņu temples and a few Buddha and Jina temples of the Cholas exhibit the religious tolerance of the Choļas.
Though the Chõļas established themselves in Tanjavur, Trichy and South Arcot Districts, after the decline of the Pallavas and Pandyas and that made them great conquerors. Their cultural activities went hand in hand with their military activities. Their conquests contributed to their wealth, which is reflected in temple building, patronizing music, dance, drama and temple activities etc. Their special interest for Saivism did not obstruct their patronage to Vaişnavism, Buddhism and Jainism. But the area where Jainism prevailed during the Chõļa period it may be clearly noted that this was popular in the border areas, especially in the Tondaimaņdalam region. This was a region once under the Pallavas where the Jainas had dominated.
The patronage of Chöļas to Jainism is known from inscriptions, monuments and literature. Vaikavur Tirumalai, Tiruppanmalai, Vilappakkam and Vedal in North Arcot District, Tirunedunkondai, Dadapuram, Jambai, and Sirramur in South Arcot District, Sendalai, Kuņrathūr, Tiruparuthikkuņram, Tirumalavadi etc. were great Jaina centers. Though many records are limited on the details about Jainism under the Imperial Choļas, the available sources clearly prove the way Jainism was accommodated in Chola country with no bias and prejudice.
There are many epigraphical references to various Jainapallies (Temples for Tīrthankaras) in the Choļa region. But the Nēminātha Temple also known as Kundavai Jinālaya is the only living Jaina monument of the Choļa period. The epigraphs found in Tondaimandalam, North and South Arcot regions attest the existence of Jaina establishments supported by the Choļa patronage.