Gleanings

This short piece excerpts historian B.A. Saletore’s reflections on medieval Jainism in southern and western India. Saletore argues that Jainism was a dynamic force during the Vijayanagara period; far from being a withdrawn ascetic tradition, Jains participated in politics, economics, literature and the arts. He notes that Jain sages advised kings and generals, and that women and merchants financed temples and monastic orders. The article laments that Indian historians have often neglected this legacy and emphasises that understanding the rise of the Vijayanagara Empire requires examining the activities of Jain communities. It highlights how Jainism fostered a spirit of toleration and coexistence while simultaneously exerting significant influence on statecraft and culture. In a footnote, the author remarks that only a handful of works in modern languages explore this topic, underscoring the need for further research.

Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.