Jainism Under Minor Dynasties

Summary

"This article surveys the influence and propagation of Jainism under three minor dynasties of Karnataka—Later Gangas (Mandali-1000), Santaras of Santige-Sāyira, and Rattas of Saundatti—from the 9th to the 13th centuries. Though vassals to major dynasties, these rulers significantly shaped the religious and socio-cultural landscape of their territories, promoting Jainism through royal patronage, public support, and a vibrant tradition of Jain preceptors and literary production. Key Highlights 1. Later Gangas of Mandali-1000 (c. 936–1218 CE) i) Territory: Present-day Shimoga and parts of surrounding taluks. ii) Religious Impact: A major period of Jain ascendancy; Jain basadis flourished. iii) Key Patrons: a) Brammadeva (1054 CE): Renovated and endowed the historic Pattada-basadi (c. 350 CE). b) Marasimha, Nanniya Ganga, Kali-Ganga II, Bhujabala Ganga Permadideva, Nanniya Ganga Permadideva II & III: Made successive land, tax, and food-grants to temples and ascetics; commissioned multiple basadis and Jinalayas. iv) Public Participation: Officials like Nokkayya and commoners like Siddige Setti, Sirimaya Setti, and Kaliyura Malli Setti built and supported Jain temples. v) Jain Preceptors: A prolific intellectual lineage including Prabhacandra-Siddhantideva, Magha-Nandi, Municandra, Anantavirya, and Srutakirti influenced rulers and people alike. 2. Santaras of Santige Sāyira (c. 895–1194 CE) i) Territory: Parts of Shimoga and Chikkamagaluru districts. ii) Religious Identity: Jain from beginning to end; their capital was Pattipombuchchapura. iii) Key Contributions: a) Vikrama Santara (898 CE): Built stone basadi, gave land, supported Kundakundānvaya. b) Trilokyamalla-Vira-Santara (1065 CE), Tribhuvanamalla Santara (1103 CE): Established and consecrated major temples. c) Santara Queens: Played a crucial role—e.g., Cagaladevi (makara-torana), Cattaladevi (Pañcabasadi), Pampadevi (Jain scholar, patron of Mahapurana). iv) Preceptors and Scholars: a) Figures like Ajitasena, Kanakasena, Vijaya-bhattaraka, and Anantavirya-bhattaraka were mentors to rulers and queens. b) Scholars earned titles like Sattarka-malla, Tarkika-cakravarti, Vaidyagaja-kesari, reflecting their erudition in logic, grammar, and medicine. 3. Rattas of Saundatti (c. 980–1237 CE) i) Territory: Belgaum and Bijapur districts; ruled Koondi/Kuhundi-3000. ii) Political Status: Feudatories of Rāṣṭrakūṭas, Calukyas of Kalyana, Kalachuris; independent post-1165 CE until overthrown by Yādavas of Devagiri. iii) Key Jain Patrons: a) Santivarman (980 CE): Built temple in Saundatti. b) Kartavirya I–IV, Sena II, Lakshmideva I: Made repeated grants; established Jinalayas including Adinatha Jinalaya (1171 CE) and Kamala Basadi (1204 CE) in Belgaum. iv) Ratta Queens: Bhagaladevi, Padmaladevi, Ecaladevi, Candrikadevi actively promoted Jainism. v) Literature: Jain texts like Parsvanatha Purana (1222 CE) by Parsva Pandita and works by Nemicandra, Karnaparya flourished. 4. Architectural and Cultural Legacy i) Prominent Jain centers included Śravaṇabeḷagoḷa, Kuruli-tirtha, Kalasa, Raybag, Harugeri, Teradala, and Eksambi. ii) Temples like Kamala Basadi, Trikuta Basadi, and Eksambi Jinalaya remain key monuments of Jaina architectural heritage.\