Invocatory Sanskrit Verses in Jaina Inscriptions Karnataka

Summary

In this article Hampa Nagarajaiah examines the corpus of Sanskrit invocatory verses found in Jaina inscriptions across Karnataka. Jainism has a long history in the region, with archaeological and epigraphic evidence attesting to its patronage by dynasties such as the Kadambas, Gangas, Rashtrakutas and Hoysalas. Nagarajaiah begins by surveying the spread of Jainism in Karnataka and the role of inscriptions as a source for understanding its religious and social history. He notes that inscriptions, often composed in Kannada or Prakrit for administrative purposes, frequently open with a Sanskrit verse invoking deities, Jina saints or philosophical concepts. These verses provide insight into the beliefs and aesthetics of Jaina communities and their interaction with broader Sanskrit literary culture. The article categorises the invocatory verses into thematic groups. Some verses praise the twenty‑four Tirthankaras and emphasise their qualities such as omniscience, compassion and liberation. Others invoke yaksha and yakshi spirits associated with specific Tirthankaras, reflecting the popular devotional practices of lay Jains. A third group appeals to abstract principles like ahimsa (non‑violence) or syādvāda (the doctrine of manifold viewpoints), underscoring the ethical and philosophical orientation of Jainism. Nagarajaiah provides transliterations and translations of selected verses and analyses their metrical patterns, vocabulary and imagery. He notes the influence of classical Sanskrit poetics in the use of metaphors, alliteration and structured metre. While many verses conform to pan‑Indian Sanskrit conventions, some exhibit regional flavours, incorporating local place names or praising local patrons and monks. By mapping the distribution of inscriptions containing invocatory verses, the author demonstrates that the practice was widespread from the seventh to the twelfth centuries. He correlates clusters of inscriptions with centres of Jaina activity such as Shravanabelagola, Moodbidri and Karkala. The study also explores the socio‑political context of the inscriptions, highlighting how rulers used such verses to assert legitimacy and express religious affiliation. Nagarajaiah argues that the presence of Sanskrit invocations in predominantly Kannada inscriptions reveals a conscious attempt by Jaina authors to situate their faith within the wider Sanskritic tradition while maintaining regional linguistic identity. The article concludes that invocatory verses serve as a rich source for understanding Jaina devotionalism, literary culture and regional history in Karnataka.