Jains and Jainism have made a significant contribution in the panorama of Indian history. From Bhagwan Rishabdev, the first Jain Tirthankar, to Bhagwan Mahavir, the twenty fourth Tirthankar, all the 24 Tirthankar of the present cycle, and saint, and nuns made a distinct impact on the evolution and improvement of the fundamental values of Indian life.

In the words of Dr. L M. Singhvi, the learned scholar and eminent jurist, the Shraman tradition not only evolved a rationalistic and humanistic ethico-religious system of ground norms but also was in the forefront of secular life and of art and culture. The life of Bhagwan Mahavir is not merely an apotheosis or a defied ideal; his teachings epitomise the quintessence or the culture of compassion, a beacon light for a new upsurge of human values which was inextricably woven into the fabric of Indian consciousness through the ages.

The then kings attended to his religious mission. Nobles, rich businessmen and masses. Throughout India there were followers of his teachings as well as of the 23rd Tirthankar Parasnath. The nobles and masses both respected his philosophy of anekant and Syadwad, dignity of spirit, love and protection to all forms of life, and principles of non-violence (Ahimsa), truth (Satya), non-stealing (Achaurya), celibacy (Brahamacharya) and non-accumulation of wealth (Aparigriha).

After Bhagwan Mahavir, there followed a long tradition of learned Jain Acharyas and saints who communicated to the masses the great and real knowledge of the Tirthankar for their soul purification and welfare of the universe. In the following pages is given the brief life sketch of some of the most prominent Patrons of Jainism.

SHRENIK BIMBSAR (601-552 BC)

King Bimbsar ascended the throne of Magadh in or about 587 BC was Shaishunakvanshi by clan. He was Chief listener of Bhagwan Mahavir's sermons. TO Bhagwan Mahavir, he put many critical questions. The answers to which explained the depth of Jain thought. King Shrenik initiated creation of Janpadas. After establishing his capital at Rajgriha, King Shrenik ordered construction of many Jain temples, stupas and chaityas. His sons Abhay Kumar, Meghat Kumar. Varishen, Kunika and others were followers and supporters of Jainism.

 

CHETAK

King Chetak was the father of Trishla. Mother of Bhagwan Mahavir. Chelana, the wife of Shrenik, was also the daughter of Chetak. Once Kunik Ajatshatru invaded Chetak's territory. Ajatshatru was his daughter's son. Chetak humiliated the armies of Ajatshatru by a valiant successful fight.

 

PRASAINJIT

 

Prasainajit was the renowned powerful king of Kaushal. He was educated in the famed Taxila University. He was a scholar and patron of the learned. His Guru was the renowned Acharya Keshi, well versed in the doctrines of Paraswanath. He was the disciple of Mahavirji. He respected Lord Buddha as well.'

 

Kunik Ajatshatru (552-518 B.C):

 

He was the son of Shrenik. He ascended the throne of Magadh in 535 BC He attacked Kaushal and took possession of most of its territory. He divided Vaishali Republic and destroyed it. He created a strong kingdom of his time. Devadatta misguided him and he put his father Shrenik- in prison. On advice of his mother, repentingly he went to set his father free. On seeing Ajatshatru coming with a sharp weapon, which he was taking with him to cut the fetters of his father, Shrenik suspecting his murder by Ajatshatru, committed suicide. Ajatshatru is described as 'Killer" of his father in Buddhist literature. But in Jain literature he has been praised as the follower of Bhagwan Mahavir. When Mahavir reached Anga, King Ajatshatru reached with his progeny to worship the great lord. King Kunika went to Kaushambi to bid farewell to Mahavir.

 

 

Udayan

Udayan. The king of Sindhu Sauvir, was the follower of Lord Mahavir. He was religious as well as valiant. During his fierce fight with Chandapradyot the king of Ujjayini, Udayan arrested Pradyot.

 

The Kings of Nanda Dynasty

 

After Ajatshatru, the kingdom of Magadh came under the rule of Nanda dynasty. Nanda was a much popular and valiant king. His title was 'Vardhana'. He conquered Southeast and regions of western seacoast. Region of Himalayas and Kashmir in the north and the country of Avanti came under his control. After the conquest of Kalinga, he brought the 'Kalinga Jina' from there and established it in his capital Pataliputra with great modesty. The kings of this dynasty were Jains. This is proved by Mudrarakshasa and Jain literature. Their ministers were also Jains. The minister of last Nanda ruler was Rakshasa, who was a clever politician. According to Mudrarakshasa, he was introduced to a nude ascetic, whose name was Jivasiddhi. Jivasiddhi was allowed to go to the market and to address the members of royal family, including women, without any disturbance. This was natural, as the kings of Nanda dynasty were Jains.   The Nanda ruler had respect in the Digamber saint Jivasiddhi. The last Nanda king is believed to have established five stupas at Rajgir, which is a sacred, place for persons of all faiths particularly the Jains and the Buddhists.

 

Chandragupta Maurya:

Maurya King Chandragupta ruled Over the empire Of Magadh from 322 BC to 298 B. C. He became the follower of Jainism. He went to south lndia with his Guru Bhadrabahu Swami when there broke out a famine for twelve years in Magadh empire. He had great respect for Swami Bhadrabahu, as he was a devotee disciple. He died with Sallekhana Vrata as a Jain saint at Shravanabelagola. Circa 6th century AD inscription at Chandragirl hill at Shravanabelagola confirms it. There is an old temple 'Chandragupta Basadi' at Chandragirl hills in Shravanabelagola after his name.

 

Samprati (220 B.C,)

 

Samprati was the grandson of Ashoka. The instructions of Ashoka such as to not kill the animals and birds, to not cut the forests without any purpose, to not kill creature are very near to Jainism than Buddhism. There is a possibility that the early faith of Ashok was Jainism and later he accepted Buddhism. But this is definite that his grandson emperor Samprati was Jain.

Samprati adopted Jainism from a Jain preceptor Arya Suhasti. He preached Jainism in non- Aryan countries and established religious shrines for Jain devotees. He sent Jain missionaries to places for preaching Jain doctrines, Many scholars say that most of the inscriptions which are linked with the name of Ashoka were effected by Samprati.'

 

 

Kharvel: Kalinga Emperor

Kharvel was the emperor of Kalinga in 2nd century BC The Hathi Gumpha inscription at Udaigiri near Bhuvaneshwar (orissa) of 150 B.C. cleary describes that Kharavela brought the Kalinga Jina, the image which Nanda, the Magadh king taken to Magadh from Kalinga. This inscription begins with respect to Arhatas and Sidhas and deals with the boyhood of Kharvel, his education, enthroning, victory over many territories and deeds of public interest done by him. The inscription confirms Kharvel's faith in Jainism. He called a summit of Jain ascetics on Kumari hill for promoting Jainism. The Jain church honoured him by giving the title of Bhikshuraja, Khemraja and Dharmraja. The services of Kharvel to Jainism are memorable.

 

Jain Rulers of South

During 2nd to 16th century a number of Jain rulers of the Ganga, Rashtrakuta, Chola, Hoysala and Vijayanagar dynasties ruled with considerable success in the south, particularly the Karnataka region.

 

Kalchuri Kings

 

Basically, Kalchuri kings were supporters of Jainism. Many Pallava and Pandya writings describe that the Kalabhras attacked the Tamil country and defeated the Cholas, Cheras and Pandyas and established their kingdom. Prof., Ramaswami Ayangar asserts that these valiant Kalabhra kings were the devoted followers of Jainism. He proved it on the basis of copper plate of Veluikudi and Painyapuranam of Tamil language. Jainism flourished after their reaching in Tamil country. Shri Ayangar presumes that these Kalabhras were a branch of Kalchuri clan. The Kalchuri kings of M.P. wore supporters of Jainism. The evidence on this is that they were closely related to Rashtrakuta. The Rashtrakuta kings had their faith in Jainism. The influence of Jainism during reign of Kalchuri kings of Kalyani was perceptible. The prominent king Vijjala of this clan and his several statesmen had adopted Jainism. Rechmayya, the minister of Kalchuri State set up the image of Tirthankar Shantinath at Shravanabelagola.

 

The Chalukya Kings of Gujarat

Jainism spread specifically during the period of Chalukya king Bhima 1. His minister Vimalshah, who belonged to Pragvata clan, built the famous Adinath temple at Mount Abu. The temple was completed in 1031 AD The Kharataragachhba Pattayali states that the minister named Vimala plundered the parasols of thirteen Sultans, founded the city named Chandravati and built the temple of Rishabbadev at Arbudachal. This is clear that Vimalshah carried out these works with the permission of his king Bhima.

Jainism had its strong roots during the period of Chalukya king Siddharaja and his successor Kumarpal.  Kumarpal adopted Jainism on the instruction of Jain preceptor Acharya Hemehandra. He developed the Jaina institutions of Gujarat. As a result, Gujarat became a strong centre for the followers of Jainism and for the flourishment of Jaina institution. Jainism flourished there amidst religious tolerance of other faiths. Acharya Hemehandra insisted on such religious harmony by his preaching and deeds.

 

The Rashtrakuta Kings

Among the Rashtrakuta kings, Amoghavarsh was the first follower of Jainism. He ascended the throne in 821 AD He was a learned person. Acharya Jinasen, author of Adipuran, was his learned preceptor. Amoghavarsh was considered one of the four mightiest emperors of the world, His capital was Manyakhet. 'Ganit Sar Sangrah' states that Amoghavarsh was follower of the religion of non-absolutism. He left the throne and practised the religion of non-possession for several years. Amoghavarsh requested Acharya Gunabhadra, the main disciple of Acharya Jinasen, to teach his son Krishna II. Gunabhadra has been the writer of the last five chapters of Adipuran, Uttarpuran and Atmanushashan. Krishnaraj was follower of Jainism. He offered gifts for the temple of Mulagund. Krishnarai III also patronised Jainism and Jain scholars. The inscription of Danavulapatu states that king Nityavarsh (Indra IIIrd) constructed a dais for the anointment of Arhant-deva for gaining bliss. The fast Rashtrakuta king Indra IV was a devoted Jain. He adopted Sallekhana vow for a peaceful death. Many warrior ministers and commanders of Rashtrakuta were followers of Jainism. The first representative administrator of Amoghavarba, whose name was Vankeya, was Jain. He was the ruler of Varanasi. He ordered to give a village to the Jain temples of his capital as a gift. Lokaditya, the son of Vankcya was also supporter of Jainism. Sriivijaya, the commander of Indra IIIrd, was Jain and he patronised Jain literature. About 250 years period of Rashtrakuta rulers was the golden period for creation of Jain literature. At that time about two third population was Jain. Several Jain institutions were establibsed. About 100 Digamber Jain authors wrote 200 books, Commentaries on Digamber canonical texts, Dhavala and Jaya Dhavala, were written during this period. The great mathematician Mahaviracharya composed his Ganit SAR Sangrah. Amogbvarsh himself wrote Prashnottar Ratnamala in Sanskrit and Kaviraj Marg in Kannad. Amoghavarsh had become a Jain ascetic. During the period of Akalavarsh, the son of Amoghavarsh, Gunbhadra completed his Uttarpuran."

. Krishnadevaraj (IIIrd Krishna) was a powerful Rashtrakut king. He was the son of Akalavarsh III. The period of his rule has been decided as Shaka era 867-894. Bravely, he ruled in the south.

The eulogy "Yashastilak Champu" describes that Krishnaraj defeated the kings of Singhal, Chola, Pandya and Cher. During his period Ponn, the great Kannad poet, composed Shantinath Puran. Krishnadevaraj honoured him by giving him the title of "Ubhayabhasha Kavichakravartin"" (The poet emperor of both the languages viz.-Sanskrit and Kannada)

 

The Chalukya and Hoyasal Dynasties of South

The Jain poet Ravikirti built a Jain temple during the time of Chalukya King Pulkesin II and wrote that inscription which is very important from the point of view of poetic art and history. There are some narration of offering gifts to Jain preceptors by the Chalukya kings such as Vinayaditya, Vijayaditya and Vikramaditya. The caves and images of Badami and Aihole were created during this time.

The power of Chalukya dynasty, which was a strong supporter of Jainism further, increased in south in early 11th century. Jainism prevailed and became popular at that time. Tailap, the founder of western Chalukya dynasty, supported Rann, the Jain Kannad poet. Satyashraya, the successor of Tailap, recognised Muni Panditdev as his Guru. Literature was produced by Jain poets who were encouraged by other kings of this clan such as Jayasingh II, Someshwar I and 11, Vikramaditya VI. Jain temples and institutions achieved prominence during this time as they offered gifts and lands to those. Hoyasal dynasty was founded with the inspiration of Jain ascetic during the reign of King Vinayaditya. Vardhamanadev, a Jain ascetic was the religious adviser of the king. The Gurus of other two kings of this dynasty were Jains. Vishnu-Vardhana, a powerful ruler of this dynasty, later became follower of Vaishnavism as a result of influence of Ramanujacharya. But even there after he remained sympathetic to Jainism. He worshipped Traividyadev, a Jain ascetic in 1125 A.D.A monastery was built by him at Salya and he offered gifts for Jain temples and for the arrangement of pious food to Jain saints. He offered gifts to Malli temple, this is proved by a writing of 1129 AD

He offered a village as a gift for Parshvanath temple in his capital Dvarsamudra in 11 33 AD In joy of his victory, he declared the image of Parshvanath as Vijayaparshvanath and named his son

As Vijayasingh. Thus he balanced the traditional religion and the newly adopted religion. His queen Shantala remained a woman of Jain faith throughout her life and continued to offer to Jain temples. She built famous Jain temples of Halebid. She was a virtuous lady. Her Guru was Prabhachandra Siddhantadev.     She died peacefully in 1124 A. D. with Sallekhana.         Vishnuvardhan, the successor of Narsingh I worshipped at Shravanabelagola and offered a village as gift for Chaturvinshati Jinalaya. The religious instructor of Viraballabh II and Narsingh III, the kings of Hoyasal dynasty, was a Jain ascetic. These and several other kings of this dynasty built Jain temples and offered financial grants for their proper maintenance and development. They also supported other religious institutions."

 

Ganga Dynasty

 

The Ganga dynasty came into existence in 2nd century AD after the name of its founder Gangeya or Gangadutt. Jain Acharya Simhanandi inspired his two disciples Daddigh and Madhav to establish their rule, which they did by constituting the territory of Gangawadi with Kolar as their capital. But actually Madhav Kongunivarma I was the first crowned king of this dynasty, who ruled for a long period during 189-250 AD Jainism was the national religion during his rule. King Durvinit Konguni of this dynasty was the disciple of famous grammarian Acharya Devanandi Pujyapad. Marasingh got victory over several powerful rulers and ruled gloriously. During his last days he became an ascetic. He died with Sallekhana in 974 AD at Bankapur in the feet of his Jain preceptor Ajitsen. The Ganga rulers built several Jain temples and established Jain institutions.

 

 

 

 

The Kings of Andhra Dynasty

 

Among Andhra dynasty rulers Hala, Pulumayiete had much regard for Jainism. They provided facilities to Jain ascetics for their safe wandering and giving religious instructions. Vikramaditya, the famous king of Ujjayini was related to this dynasty. He was Shaiva, but impressed by the teachings of a Digambar Jain preceptor he followed Jainism."

 

Rajput Kings

After King Harshavardhan of Kannauj various small states came into Power. Most of these states were. Under Rajputs who allowed the Digamber Jain saints to go anywhere without any obstacle. Some of the Rajput rulers among Parihars etc. were the devotee of Jainism. Their family deities were the Shashanadevis such as Chakreshvari, Amba etc. Shravtsi, Mathura, Asaikheda, Deogarh, Varanagar, Ujjayini etc. were the centres of Jainism. Jainism was state religion in Shravasti upto 11th century. The last king of Shravasti was Suhraddraj. With his support, Jain ascetics were working for the welfare of common masses. Bhimsen, king of Varanasi, was the follower of Jainism. He became a Jain ascetic during his last days. King Ranakitu of Mathtira was also a devotee of Jainism. He worshipped Jain images daily with his younger brother Gunavarma.     He vacated the throne for Gunavarma and became a Jain ascetic. Jitashatru, the king of Shauripur was also Jain. He had respect for Jain scholars. He became a Jain saint and was known as Shantikirti."

 

The Kings of Ujjayini

Bhadrachastan, the son of Nahapana's commander was ambitious, brave and tactful in wars. He conquered Ujjayini in 78 AD and to make his victory memorable for ever started Saka Samvat from the same year, Rudradaman was the powerful king of this clan.

 

King Nabapan

Shaka Shahis conquered Saurastra. Vasudhara was their capital. Nahapan or Naravahan was the powerful king of this clan. He ruled upto 26 BC whereafter he became a Jain saint. His clan was the follower of Jainism. The inscriptions in Chandra Guha in Junagarh testify it.

 

Gurjar Pratihar

Nagabbatta defeated Arabs in 756 A D. and brought Sindha under his territory. Western India, Malawa and Gujarat were also under his control. His capital was Kannauj, Nagabbatta and Bhim have been powerful kings after him. These rulers built many Jain temples. They ruled upto ll Th century AD.

 

Pallava and Pandyn Dynasties

Pallava and Pandya kings of eastern coast continued to follow Jainism upto 6th century AD; thereafter they became the followers of Shaivism.

 

Kadamba Dynasty

The dynasty was founded in 2nd century AD and prominently enjoyed power upto 6th century AD even though it continued upto 13th century A D. Shivakoti; a king of this dynasty had adopted Jainism, after whom several rulers expressed faith in the religion. Several sects of Jain ascetics such as Yapanlya, Nirgrantha, Kurchak, Shvetapat had their followers in the kingdom.

 

The Kings of Vijayanagar

Among Vijayanagar kings Harihar II and prince Dang were initiated in Jainism who paid respect to Jain monks. Dharmabhushan, the Digamber saint was the instructor of King Devaraya and Acharya Vidyanand was respectfully invited to the court of Devaraya and Krishnaraya for religious discourse. He protected Jainism at Karkal village. King Bukkaraya made supreme efforts for the unity among Jains and Vaishnavas.

 

 

Commanders and Ministers

 

Chamundaraya

 

According to Chamundarayapuran (978 AD) he was born in Brahmakshatra caste. He was the able and brave minister and commander of Marsing II and his successor Rachmall IV. He defeated western Chalukya, Nolambas and Bajjals and saved the Ganga territory. He was decorated with several titles of valour for his various victories.

Chamundaraya was very generous and munificent. The works done by him for Jainism gave him immortality. He wrote Charitrasara, Trishashti-Laksan Puran and other books. He honoured the scholars. He had high regard for his Guru Nemichandra Siddhanta-Chakravarti, The famous 57 feet high image of Gommateshwara (Bahubali) a Shravanbelgola was constructed by him in the 981 AD He also built the Chamundaraya Basadi (Jain Temple) on Chandragiri Hill of Shravabelgola. His son Jinadevan also built a Jain temple. Chamundaraya supported the famous Kannad Poet Rann.

 

Commander Gangaraj

Gangaraj, the Commander of King Vishnuvardhan built several Jain temples and renovated many old ones. He gave donation to many Jain institutions.  Laxmimati, his wife died by observing the vow of Sallekhana. Her husband inscribed writing on the hill of Shravanabelagola in her memory.

 

Commander Hulla

 

Hulla was an ideal Jain and a powerful commander of Vishnuvardhan, Marsing and Ballal I. He was not only a religious person, but also a wise politician. He held the ranks of minister,

Treasurer, Sarvadhikari and commander. He built Chaturvinshati Jinalaya at Shravanabelagola with 24 magnificent images of Jain Tirthankaras in 1159 AD Since he was the tresasurer (Bhandari) the temple is called Bhandari Basadi. When King Narasing II made a journey with the aim of victory he visited this sacred temple and worshipped the images of Parshvanath and other Tirthankaras. He donated village Savaneru for maintenance of this temple. As Hulla's title was 'Samyaktvachudamani', this temple was also called Bhavyachudamani. Hulla respected Mahamandalacharya Nayakirti Siddhanta Chakravarti as a preceptor of Chaturvinshati Jinalaya. Other Jain centres also took advantage of munificence of commander Hulla."

 

Rechmayya

Vasudbaikabandhav Rechmayya was one of the commanders of Ballal II, the son of King Narasing. Before appointment as commander of Ballal, he was the minister or Kalchuri Kings. There is description of Rechmayya in an inscription of 1182 AD In Basavanna a temple at Chikkamagdi in Shikarpur taluka, it is mentioned that while Rechimayya went for the adoration of Jineshwara at Margad with the landlords named Voppadev and Shankar and saw the Jain temple built by Shankar, he felt very happy and gifted village Talaba to the temple for three generations. Rechmayya built 'Sahashrakut Chaityalaya' at Arsikeri.

 

Vastupal and Tejpal

The two brothers Vastupal and Tejpal possess a rare distinction among the Jain ministers. They were the ministers of king Virdhaval of Baghel clan. Keen devotees of Jainism, they were liberal to other religions. Their liberality and religious faith are beyond comparison. They built many Jain temples, among which Vimal-Yasahi and Loon- Vasahi Jain temples in Delwara area at Mount Abu (Rajasthan) are world famous.

 

Bhamashah

The Prime Minister and Chief Treasurer Of Maharana Udai Singh and Maharana Pratap Singh of Mewar, Bhamashah has been a hero of Indian history who set up an example of great love and sacrifice for the country by giving away all big accumulated wealth of several generations to Maharana Pratap Singh to fight against the large army of Mughal emperor Akbar. The wealth was enough to maintain an army of 12 thousand soldiers for 12 years. Within one year of appointing army with this wealth, Maharana Pratap recovered all his forts except Mandaigarh and Chittor from Akbar.

Maharana Pratap had suffered defeats from the huge army of Akbar in the battle of Haldighati in 1576 and was living a life of great difficulties, even to the stage of starvation in the forests. Teased even there by the Mughal army, he had made up his mind to surrender to Akbar. Having come to know of this critical situation, Bhamashah offered all his wealth to Maharana Pratap to mobilise and recruit the army. Born at Sadri near famous Ranakpur Jain temple in Rajasthan in an Oswal (Kabadia Gotra) Jain family, he died at the age of 52 years.