Introduction

Summary

A) This introduction outlines the historical influence and cultural significance of Jainism in southern India, particularly Karnataka, where it maintained continuous prominence for over fifteen centuries and remains a living tradition. Jainism flourished under major ruling dynasties such as the Chālukyas, Rāṣṭrakūṭas, Gāṅgas, Early Kadambas, Hoysaḷas, and Vijayanagara rulers. In the medieval and post-medieval periods, it continued to thrive under dynasties like the Koṅgaḷvas, Sāluvas of Saṅgītapura, Hāḍuvaḷḷi, Gerusoppa, Bhairarasa Odyars of Kārkāḷa, Ājilas of Veṇūr, and Cattas of Mudabidire. Jainism also received support from lesser vassals such as the Prabhus of Āvalikāḍ, Mahāprabhus of Kuppaṭṭur, Morasūnaḍ, Bidanūr, Bāguṇḍi-sime, and Nuggehalli. B) From the 15th to 17th centuries, inscriptions confirm the widespread reach of Jainism in the western Deccan, bolstered by lay support from a diverse Jain community comprising kings, governors, generals, ministers, merchants, and their consorts. The Jain tradition of mānastambha—a monolithic pillar with a nude image of a Tīrthaṅkara (depicted in khaḍgāsana/kāyotsarga or paryaṅkāsana/padmāsana postures) flanked by fly-whisk bearers (Jinaśāsanadevatās/yakṣa-yakṣī)—illustrates distinctive features of Jain art and temple architecture. C) The basadi, a uniquely Jain temple form, proliferated across Karnataka, reaching over 8000 in number during the medieval period, especially under the early Chālukyas of Kalyāṇa. However, the rise of communal tensions, particularly around C.E. 1184, disrupted Jain dominance and led to the abandonment or seizure of temples by non-Jains. Despite this, Jain adherents preserved their traditions of tolerance, and inter-religious hostility eventually subsided.