Epigraphia Jainika

'Epigraphia Jainika' by Hampa Nagarajaiah is an exhaustive survey of Jain inscriptions in the region of Karnataka, India, presented in the July 2003 issue of the Jain Journal. The article opens by defining the geographical boundaries of Karnataka, noting its modern formation from the erstwhile Mysore State and its distinctive linguistic and cultural heritage. Nagarajaiah emphasises that Karnataka has been a cradle for many religions and dynasties, resulting in a rich epigraphic record that is both sacred and secular. The work draws attention to the fact that out of the estimated 25,000 inscriptions discovered in Karnataka, only about 18,000 have been published, and new inscriptions continue to be found each year. This wealth of material offers insights into the socio‑political and cultural history of dynasties such as the Pallavas, Gangas, Kadambas, Calukyas of Badami and Kalyana, the Rashtrakutas, the Hoysalas, and the Vijayanagaras. Nagarajaiah critiques the notion that the important inscriptions have already been discovered, arguing instead that the corpus of Jain epigraphy is still expanding. The article outlines a systematic methodology for cataloguing inscriptions. Inscriptions are arranged topographically by district, taluk and village and, as far as possible, chronologically. Continuous numbering aids easy identification. Nagarajaiah highlights several newly discovered records, such as the hoard of lithic records from Koppala, which shed light on figures like poet Somadevasuri and the social history of dynasties like the Rashtrakutas and the Calukyas. He notes that each discovery broadens our understanding of early Jain history and challenges long‑held assumptions about the chronology of events. Nagarajaiah also provides critical summaries of the contents of various inscriptional collections and draws attention to inscriptions preserved on copper plates and temple walls. His work underlines how inscriptions reveal patterns of patronage, temple construction, endowments for religious rituals, and interactions between Jainism and regional polities. Through careful documentation and analysis, the article illustrates how epigraphy complements literary sources and helps reconstruct the spread of Jainism, linguistic developments in Prakrit and Kannada, and the evolution of Jain art and architecture. Overall, 'Epigraphia Jainika' advocates for ongoing fieldwork, improved documentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration to fully appreciate Karnataka's Jain heritage.

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