Jainism and Karnataka Culture

SR No.: 011062
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: S R Sharma
Publisher: Karnataka Historical Research Society Dharwar
Publication Year: 1940
Total Pages: 263
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 9 MB

Page 39

HISTORICAL SURVEY
II
as showing Mrgeśavarma's impartiality towards both the sects of Jainas, viz., the Svetāmbaras and the Digambaras. He is said to have divided the village of Kālavanga into three parts and distributed them among representatives of the two sects. The first he gave “to the Great God Jinendra, the holy Arhat, and it was called 'the Hall of the Arhat'"; the second was given “ for the enjoyment of the sect of eminent ascetics of Svetapatha which was intent on practising the true religion declared by the Arhat ;” and that the third was given “to the sect of eminent ascetics called the Nirgranthas."88 The words italicised would seem to indicate that the king or the scribe belonged to the Svetāmbara persuasion. But apart from this they confirm our belief as to the existence of Svetāmbaras in the Deccan from very early times, as mentioned earlier. However, it is not to be forgotten that Msgesha also made a grant “to the holy Arhats for the purpose of supporting the Kürcakas of naked religious mendicants." The grants of Ravivarma and Bhānuvarma, both sons of Mrgeśavarma, manifest this growing influence of Jainism yet more clearly.
That of Ravisena at Palāsika, or Hälsi in the Belgaum District, is both interesting and important from a historical point of view. Besides recounting the grant of Kakutsthavarma to Ravikirti and Śrutakīrti, it also states that King śāntivarma (son of Kakutstha ) and his son the pious Mrgeśa,” gave the grant to the mother of Dāmakirti, "for the sake of piety and according to the direction of his father.” 35 Incidentally it tells us that Śrutakirti was “the Bhoja priest, the best among men, who was the receptacle of sacred learning, who was possessed of the qualities of performing sacrifices etc.” That he was identical with the general who was the recepient of Kakutsthavarma's grant is indicated by the expression that he “ enjoyed the village of Kheta,” which is the same as
33 Ibid., Ind, Ant. VII, p. 38. 34 Ibid., Ind, Ant. VI, p. 25. 83 Ibid., p. 27.