Jainism faced decline, transformation in Karnataka: Prof Devarakonda Reddy
Haveri: Prof Devarakonda Reddy, a renowned historian, explained that Jains were split into two groups, with one in North India and another in South India. While one group migrated to Tamil Nadu and preserved evidence of the Pandya Raja, Karnataka's Jain saints in Shravanabelagola failed to maintain ancient records.
Speaking at a two-day national seminar on Tuesday discussing Jain religion, history, archaeology, and culture at KLE's Gudleppa Hallikeri Degree College in Haveri, organised by Hampi Kannada University's department of ancient history and archaeology and Sri Abheraj Baldota Jain Culture Study Centre, he said the 4th century saw Jainism divided into Yapaniya, Kurchaka, and Digambar. North India had Shweta Pantha, as mentioned in the Devagiri inscription.
"In the 12th century, Ekanta Ramayya's followers demolished numerous Jain Basadis. The decline of Kalyani Chalukyas post-1160 and subsequent rulers' support for other faiths impacted Jainism significantly," he asserted.
Prof Reddy further said that the Chola invasions near Bengaluru and religious conversions contributed to their minority status. Jains and Brahmins led nomadic lives due to their trading practices.
The Ekkoti Jinalaya period saw renewed organisation and construction of Basadis. "Following Mahaveer's teachings, they embraced non-violence. Dakshina Kannada's rulers maintained this tradition," he added.
Prof Vasudev Badiger highlighted the importance of studying Jainism's origin, growth, and decline. Despite Jain and Buddhist emphasis on non-violence, Shaiva traditions flourished with numerous temples, whilst Jain Basadis remained few.
Balligavi served as a regional Jain centre until Ekanta Ramayya's forces destroyed Abalur's Basadis, establishing Shaiva temples instead. The Pattalakeri conflict between Shaivas and Jains resulted in the Jain defeat.
"Ekanta Ramayya's supernatural feats require logical examination. Twelfth-century Vachanakaras promoted equality and non-violence, with Bijjala's support. Evidence suggesting Basavanna and Bijjala supported Ekanta Ramayya is incorrect.
Veerashaiva differs from Lingayat traditions, with the former associated with Basadi destruction," he strongly pressed.
MM Holliyavar, the college principal, emphasised Indian religions' cultural contributions and historical religious competition. Prof Ramesh Nayak, department head, delivered keynote remarks.
Photo: Prof Devarakonda Reddy inaugurates the two-day national seminar on Tuesday, at KLE's Gudleppa Hallikeri Degree College in Haveri
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