The Hoysalas and Jainism

Summary

“The Hoysalas and Jainism” examines how another medieval dynasty revitalised Jainism following a period of decline. When Virashaivism surged in north Karnataka many Jains either converted or fled; yet the Hoysala rulers, who began as feudatories of the Cāḷukyas, nurtured the faith and helped it regain prestige. The article recounts the symbolic origin of the dynasty—Sala slaying a tiger at the command of his Jaina guru—and notes that the Hoysalas traced their lineage to a Jain ascetic, justifying their continued favour toward Jains. Early kings like Vinayāditya built shrines at Anagadi/Sosevur and endowed them with tax‑free villages, while later rulers founded spectacular basadis at Belagola, Halebidu, Jinanathapura and other centres. The court fostered a climate of religious pluralism: kings and queens often belonged to different sects yet lived harmoniously, and patrons bestowed grants on both Jaina and Hindu temples. The essay devotes considerable attention to eminent Jaina women. Queen Śantaladevī, the crown queen of Viṣṇuvardhana (Bitti­deva), was revered for her perfect faith; she supported scholars like Prabhācandra Siddhāntadeva, built shrines at Śravaṇa‑belagola and other places, and ultimately observed sallekhana—a ritual fast unto death—at Śivagaṅgē. Her mother and grandmother followed her example, illustrating how royal women modelled pious ideals. Another noblewoman, Ācaladevī (Āciyakya), commissioned the Pārśvanātha temple at Belagola, while the devout Māci­kabbē adopted saṃnyāsana and sallekhana alongside her husband. Beyond royal patronage, the article highlights Hoysala contributions to literature and art. Scholars such as Mallikārjuna, Janna and Keśirāja, belonging to the Jaina family of poets, compiled anthologies, epics and grammatical works that enriched Kannada literature. Hoysala sculptors reached new heights of stone carving, creating intricate Jaina icons and temple architecture at Belagola, Halebidu and Niṭṭur; these works are praised as a feast for the eye. In its concluding pages the article notes that Jainism declined in influence after the Hoysala era, but that the dynasty’s liberal policies ensured the faith’s survival and left a legacy of temples and literature that continue to testify to Hoysala patronage.