Neo Trends of Jaina Votaries During the Gangas of Talakad
By T. SURYA PRAKASH, Y. RAMACHANDRA REDDY
Summary
The article examines the influence of Jainism during the rule of the Gangas of Talakad (2nd to 11th centuries CE) in Karnataka. It traces the migration of Jains, led by Bhadrabahu and Chandragupta Maurya, to Karnataka and their subsequent colonization of regions bordering the Western Ghats and Mysore. The Gangas, establishing their kingdom under Jain auspices, promoted Jainism as the state religion, evident from royal symbols like the elephant and the adoption of Jain ethical codes. Key rulers like Avinita, Druvinita, Mushkara, and Sivarama I patronized Jain temples, literature, and scholarship. The military general Chamundaraya, under King Rachamalla IV, erected the iconic Gomateshwara statue. The Gangas supported Jaina ascetics, funded temple construction, and practiced Sallekhana (voluntary death). The community thrived economically, engaging in agriculture, trade, and land grants. Chamundaraya’s literary works and patronage of poets like Ranna further solidified Jain cultural legacy. Despite later decline and damage to monuments, archaeological potential remains for reconstructing this period.
Conclusion
The establishment of the Ganga dynasty under Jaina auspices significantly shaped Karnataka's political and religious landscape for nearly nine centuries. The Gangas' patronage of Jainism, evident in royal symbols, temple construction, and ethical codes emphasizing heroism and patriotism, solidified the religion's socio-cultural dominance. Their reign saw increased agricultural productivity, trade, and scholarly activity, with notable rulers like Rachamalla IV supporting monumental projects like the Gomateswara statue. The Gangas' decline marked a shift in regional power dynamics, though their legacy endured through architectural marvels and literary works. The integration of Jaina ethics with political authority remains a critical case study in the interplay between religion and governance in medieval South India.