Jainism Under Calukyas of Kalyana

Summary

"1) During the reign of the Later Cālukyas of Kalyāṇa (973–1186 C.E.), Jainism reached a cultural, political, and architectural zenith in Karnataka. The dynasty, succeeding the Rāṣṭrakūṭas, governed a vast territory encompassing parts of modern-day Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra, and supported Jainism as a major religious force. 2) A key figure was Attimabbe, from a prominent Jaina military family, who became an iconic patron. She commissioned 1501 Jaina temples, distributed thousands of Jina images, palm-leaf manuscripts of Śāntipurāṇa, and patronized poets like Ponna and Ranna. Her devotion earned her the honorific Dāna-Cintāmaṇi. 3) Rulers like Tailapa II, Satyāśraya, and Jagadekamalla Jayasiṁha actively supported Jainism. Tailapa patronized Ranna and extended tax-exempt grants to basadis. Jayasiṁha built temples like Jagadekamalla-Jinalaya at Maski and made gifts on the request of Jaina physician Aggalayya. His daughter Somaladevi and sister Akkadevi also supported Jaina establishments. 4) Vikramāditya VI (Tribhuvanamalla), reigning for fifty years (1076–1126), provided the most sustained and prosperous environment for Jains. Hundreds of basadis were constructed or renovated, and Jain society flourished without interruption. His reign marked the golden age of the Yāpanīya Saṅgha, a Jaina sect that bridged the Digambara-Śvetāmbara divide and flourished in Karnataka from the 5th century to the Kalacuri period. 5) The Cālukyas infused Jaina art and temple architecture with unique stylistic elements, serving as a precursor to later developments under the Hoysaḷas. The dynasty's support ensured deep social penetration of Jain practices and widespread construction of temples, tanks, and community institutions. 6) However, by the end of the Cālukya period (post-1184 C.E.), Jainism faced decline amid hostile political conditions. Although unable to match the monumental scale of earlier times, efforts were made to preserve cultural heritage through restoration.\