Jainism Under Minor Dynasties
Summary
"This article surveys the influence and propagation of Jainism under three minor dynasties of Karnataka—Later Gangas (Mandali-1000), Santaras of Santige-Sāyira, and Rattas of Saundatti—from the 9th to the 13th centuries. Though vassals to major dynasties, these rulers significantly shaped the religious and socio-cultural landscape of their territories, promoting Jainism through royal patronage, public support, and a vibrant tradition of Jain preceptors and literary production. Key Highlights 1. Later Gangas of Mandali-1000 (c. 936–1218 CE) i) Territory: Present-day Shimoga and parts of surrounding taluks. ii) Religious Impact: A major period of Jain ascendancy; Jain basadis flourished. iii) Key Patrons: a) Brammadeva (1054 CE): Renovated and endowed the historic Pattada-basadi (c. 350 CE). b) Marasimha, Nanniya Ganga, Kali-Ganga II, Bhujabala Ganga Permadideva, Nanniya Ganga Permadideva II & III: Made successive land, tax, and food-grants to temples and ascetics; commissioned multiple basadis and Jinalayas. iv) Public Participation: Officials like Nokkayya and commoners like Siddige Setti, Sirimaya Setti, and Kaliyura Malli Setti built and supported Jain temples. v) Jain Preceptors: A prolific intellectual lineage including Prabhacandra-Siddhantideva, Magha-Nandi, Municandra, Anantavirya, and Srutakirti influenced rulers and people alike. 2. Santaras of Santige Sāyira (c. 895–1194 CE) i) Territory: Parts of Shimoga and Chikkamagaluru districts. ii) Religious Identity: Jain from beginning to end; their capital was Pattipombuchchapura. iii) Key Contributions: a) Vikrama Santara (898 CE): Built stone basadi, gave land, supported Kundakundānvaya. b) Trilokyamalla-Vira-Santara (1065 CE), Tribhuvanamalla Santara (1103 CE): Established and consecrated major temples. c) Santara Queens: Played a crucial role—e.g., Cagaladevi (makara-torana), Cattaladevi (Pañcabasadi), Pampadevi (Jain scholar, patron of Mahapurana). iv) Preceptors and Scholars: a) Figures like Ajitasena, Kanakasena, Vijaya-bhattaraka, and Anantavirya-bhattaraka were mentors to rulers and queens. b) Scholars earned titles like Sattarka-malla, Tarkika-cakravarti, Vaidyagaja-kesari, reflecting their erudition in logic, grammar, and medicine. 3. Rattas of Saundatti (c. 980–1237 CE) i) Territory: Belgaum and Bijapur districts; ruled Koondi/Kuhundi-3000. ii) Political Status: Feudatories of Rāṣṭrakūṭas, Calukyas of Kalyana, Kalachuris; independent post-1165 CE until overthrown by Yādavas of Devagiri. iii) Key Jain Patrons: a) Santivarman (980 CE): Built temple in Saundatti. b) Kartavirya I–IV, Sena II, Lakshmideva I: Made repeated grants; established Jinalayas including Adinatha Jinalaya (1171 CE) and Kamala Basadi (1204 CE) in Belgaum. iv) Ratta Queens: Bhagaladevi, Padmaladevi, Ecaladevi, Candrikadevi actively promoted Jainism. v) Literature: Jain texts like Parsvanatha Purana (1222 CE) by Parsva Pandita and works by Nemicandra, Karnaparya flourished. 4. Architectural and Cultural Legacy i) Prominent Jain centers included Śravaṇabeḷagoḷa, Kuruli-tirtha, Kalasa, Raybag, Harugeri, Teradala, and Eksambi. ii) Temples like Kamala Basadi, Trikuta Basadi, and Eksambi Jinalaya remain key monuments of Jaina architectural heritage.\
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Conclusion
Though politically subordinate, these dynasties—through strategic grants, temple building, and support to Jain ascetics and scholars—contributed decisively to the propagation of Jainism in Karnataka. Their queens, officers, and laypeople matched royal fervor, while learned preceptors established lasting religious and cultural foundations. The Jain revival and its impact on Kannada culture, literature, and architecture during this period remain profound.