Jainism During Vijayanagara Period

Summary

"1. Political and Religious Context i) Jainism, once dominant under the Gangas, Kadambas, Rāṣṭrakūṭas, Cālukyas, and Hoysalas, experienced decline during the Vijayanagara empire. ii) Despite not enjoying royal favor, Jainism managed to survive against the rising influence of Saivism and especially Srivaishnavism. iii) Fanatical aggression led to large-scale conversion and loss of Jain institutions; sectarian clashes (e.g., with Srivaishnavas in Kalleha, CE 1368) became frequent. iv) Legal redress often favored the aggressors, and the state subtly undermined Jaina autonomy despite formal judgments (e.g., Bukkaraya's manipulated compromise ruling in favor of Srivaishnavas). 2. Religious Tensions and Usurpations i) Jaina temples and lands were recurrently encroached upon by rival sects. i) Temples like Kopana-tirtha were converted into Saivite shrines (e.g., charter of CE 1521). iii) Despite oppression, Jainas maintained resilience—often resorting to appeals and compromise (e.g., CE 1412 dispute settled in Jainas’ favor, CE 1538 dispute confessed by Jainas). 3. Patronage and Monastic Contributions i) Initial support from the Sangama dynasty provided some institutional continuity. ii) Irugappa family played a pivotal role: Irugappa-Vodeya and his brother Immadi Bukka made major grants and temple constructions between CE 1362–1395 across Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. iii) Jaina saints like Vidyānanda (abhinavavādī), revered by emperors like Krishnadevaraya and Acyutarāya, elevated Jaina theology and reputation through scholarship and debates—even defeating a Christian exponent in Vijayanagara. 4. Architectural Developments i) Jaina shrines of the period are notable for stepped pyramidal structures, pot-bellied yakṣas at door jambs, and absence of decorative friezes. ii) Gajalakṣmī motifs replaced traditional Jina imagery on door lintels. iii) Landmark constructions include: iv) Monolithic Gommatas at Kārkala and Vēpur v) Caturmukha Basadi at Kārkala vi) Mānastambha at Hiriyangadi vii) Early Jaina temples near royal palace in Hampi (pre-dating the city’s capital status) 5. Literary Flourishingi) Jain literature flourished, offsetting material decline. Notable works include: ii) Ratnakaranda, Paramāgamasāra, Dvādaśānuprekṣā iii) Literary revival by poets: Madhura, Bhāskara, Bommarasa, Āḍiyappa, Sālva, Koṭīśvara, Maṅgarasa, Padmakavi, and Ratnākaravarṇi. Iv) Ratnākaravarṇi authored epics and śatakas (e.g., Trilokasāra, Ratnākara-śataka, Bhāratēśa-Vaibhava), and is hailed second only to Pampa and Kumārvyāsa. 6. Legacy and Conclusion i) Despite diminished influence, Jainism retained spiritual and cultural vitality under Vijayanagara. ii) Faith was sustained by local chieftains, lay followers, saints, poets, and selective royal patronage. iii) Sravanabelgola, Hombuja, and Tuluva regions remained strongholds. The article underscores Jainism’s resilience, adaptability, and lasting cultural imprint amidst adversity.\