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JAINISM THROUGH AGES
Dr. Kamini Gogri LESSON - 7
Jain architecture can be classified into two In this article we will study the spread of Jainism in categories namely basadis and bettas. Basadi is a Jain Karnataka
monastery or temple where an image of one of the Jainism in Karnataka flourished under the Ganga, twenty-four tirthankaras (saints) is installed and the Chalukya and Rashtrakuta dynasties. Due to the worshipped and most of them are located in impetus given by them, Jainism prospered like never Sravanbelagola. They were built in the Dravidian style before and what we see today is the exquisite creativity and the oldest basadi can be traced back to the that flowered under these dynasties.
8th century AD. Betta is a hill with an open courtyard The Jain legacy in Karnataka can be traced back containing the image of Gommata or Gommateswara. to a great event that occurred in 297 BC when These hills form a special feature of the native art Chadragupta, the founder of the Mauryan dynasty, and the most outstanding examples can be found at abdicated his throne and came to Sravanbelagola in Sravanbelagola, Karkala, Venur and Mudabidri in south Karnataka to become a Jain ascetic at the instance of Kanara district. The image at Karkala is nearly 42 ft his mentor, Bhadrabahu. He breathed his last at this tall and was erected in 1432 AD, the details of which Jain centre and the place where he is said to have are described in the work Karkalada Gommateswara sought recluse is appropriately name Chandragiri. Charite by Chandrama. The statue at Venur was set A basadi (Jain monastery or temple) at Sravana- up in 1609 AD and is 35 ft in height. Mudabidri, which belagola also carries his name. In a number of later is hailed as the Kashi of the South has records he is referred to as Pradbha Chandra Muni. eighteen basadis, the most important of them being
Soon thereafter the Jain church exhibited a steady the Tribhuvana Tilaka Choodamani Basadi. Completed growth and succeeded in firmly establishing itself as in circa 1430 AD after about 50 years of painstaking a vital and powerful force due to its doctrines and craftsmanship, this basadi has one thousand exquisite asceticism, morality and ahimsa (non-violence). With carved pillars each embellished with different designs such lofty notions, Jainism enjoyed the highest repute and with no two pillars alike. The sanctum possesses among the people particularly the ruling classes and an image of Chandranatha which is more than seven the mercantile community thus virtually becoming the feet in height and is made of five alloys. In addition, state religion. Imbued with an intense religious feeling, the temple has an invaluable collection of dazzling lavish patronage was extended towards the building icons of Jinamurthis made out of translucent marble, of basadis, temples and magnificent statues. An epoch raw emeralds and other semi precious stones which, of literary activities also ensued.
when illuminated, create an ethereal effect. There is The earliest dated structure is a basadi at Halasi also an attractive Manasthamba, the free standing built under the Kadamba dynasty of Banavasi thus pillar, and a bronze Sahasrakoota Mantapa adorned laying the foundation for Jain architecture in with over 1000 images of Jinamurthis and 32 hanging Karnataka. Besides the Kadambas, dynasties such as lamps. Apart from the above, Lakkundi and Humcha the Gangas, the Chalukyas and the Rashtrakutas made have, over the centuries, been some of the important liberal endowments towards the propagation of art centres of Jains, in South India. Replicas of the statue and architecture to which the Jain contributions have of Gommata can also be found at Gommatagijri near been of classical significance. The Chalukyas of Mysore and at Basti, Hosakote and Tipur near Mandya. Badami built cave temples at Badami and Aihole. Panchakuta Basadi in Nagamangala taluk of Mandya Puligere was a strong centre of religious activities of district has a group of seven shrines that are the Jain monks during this era. Many Jain basadis considered the oldest Jains monuments of the State. erected by them are proof of their secular spirit in However, the most magnificent among all Jaina encouraging this religion. However, it was the reign works of art is the colossal rock cut statue of their of the Gangas of Talkad and the Rashtrakutas, that saint Gommata at Sravanbelagola. It was built in circa were very noteworthy in the annals of Jainism. 982 AD and is described as one of the mightiest
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