Jainism in North Karnataka - Introduction

Introduction

The earliest dated structure is a basadi at Halasi built under the Kadamba Dynasty of Banavasi thus laying the foundation for Jain architecture in North Karnataka. Besides the Kadambas, the Chalukyas and the Rashtrakutas made liberal endowments towards the propagation of art and architecture to which the Jain contributions have been of classical significance.

The Chalukyas of Badami built cave temples at Badami and Aihole. Puligere was a strong centre of religious activities of the Jain monks during this era.

Imbued with an intense religious feeling, lavish patronage was extended towards the building of basadis, temples and magnificent statues.

Many Jain basadis erected by them are proof of their secular spirit in encouraging this religion.

Jain architecture can be classified into two categories namely basadis and bettas. Basadi is a Jain monastery or temple where an image of one of the twenty-four tirthankaras (saints) is installed and worshipped. They were built in the Dravidian style and the oldest basadi can be traced back to the 8th century AD. Betta is a hill with an open courtyard containing the image of Gommata or Gommateswara. Lakkundi and Humcha or Humbaj have, over the centuries, been some of the important centres of Jains, in South India.

North Karnataka contributed richly to the development of Jaina architecture in Karnataka. After the seventeenth century, the construction of Jaina temples did not become artistic creations but served the religion. Thus the long tradition of Jaina monuments which perhaps started by the early centuries of the Christian era ended by the eighteenth century AD. in North Karnataka.