From the time of the Mauryas Jainism was an important factor in the religious life of the area formerly known as Mysore (now Karnataka). The Jains were pioneers in the development of the kannada language, and they contributed greatly to many aspects of the cultural life of the region. This work is the result of the research (for Ph.D thesis of the author) into the religious history of the Jainas in Karnataka who dominated the political and cultural life of Karnataka for about one thousand years during the early medieval period. Based on an analytical study of literary and epigraphic sources, it attempts to explain the prevalence of image worship, tantrism, priesthood and ritualistic formation which characterized Karnataka Jainism in the early medieval period. The book also seeks to examine the social and economic basis of Jaina monasteries in all parts of the Kannada region.

An Account Of Development Of Janism In Southern Karnataka, By Examining Inscriptions, Historical Monuments And Literary Works Of The Time. It Discusses The Physiography And Formation Of Modern Karnataka, To Under Stand The Spread Of Jainism As A Religion And Philosophy And Its Influence On The Social And Political Life Of The People.

You may have a lot of questions about the art and architecture of Karnataka. There may be queries about the various heritage touring circuits. You might like to understand what went into designing, planning and constructing monuments over a thousand year ago. You may still wish to know how art and architecture progressed during the ancient and medieval times in Karnataka. This book attempts to answer a lot of these questions, for example: 1.What is the name of the first established Village in South India and where is it located? 2.Where did the earliest gold miners live in Karnataka? 3.Which was the first Agrahara established in Karnataka? 4.Which is the first existing temple dedicated to Siva in Karnataka? 5.Which is the first existing temple dedicated to Krishna in Karnataka? 6.What roles did temples have other than being the places of worship? 7.Which is the first temple dedicated to Rama in Karnataka? 8.What was Karnataka referred to as in the Puranic times? 9.Which is the first existing temple dedicated to Shakti in Karnataka? 10.How old is the Kannada language?

Preface 1. Jainism: An Introduction 2. History The Ancientness of Jainism, Origin, Early History, Medieval History, Modem History, References 3. Philosophy Basic Philosophy, Divine Laws, Primary Beliefs, Jiva, Ajiva, Asrava, Bandha, Samvara, Nirjara, Moksh, Ethics, Metaphysics, Jainism: A Scientific Religion, Difference between Jainism and Vedic Hindu Religion, References 4. Concept of God Defining God, Arihant, Siddha, Dimensions of God, Deities, Yakshas and Yakshanis, Philosophy of God, Messengers of God, Tirthankar, Nirvana, References 5. Main Figures Main Figures in Early Period, Ajitnath, Sambhavnath, Abhinandannatha, Sumatinatha, Padmaprabha, Suparshavnatha, Chandraprabha, Pushpadanta, Sheetalnath, Shreyansanath, Vasupujya Swami, Vimalnath, Anantnath, Dharmanath, Shantinath, Kunthunath, Aranath, Mallinath, Main Figures in Medieval Period, Unisuvrata, Naminath, Neminatha, Parshavanath, Bhagwan Mahavir, Main Figures in Modem Period, Kundakunda, Acharya Hemachandra, References 6. Scriptures Divine Words, Namokar Mantra, Religious Scriptures, Agam Literature, Ang-agams, Ang-bahya-agams, Classification of Angbahya- agams, Digambar Jain Literature, Shatkhand-agam, Kashaypahud, Four Anuyogas, Details, Non-Religious Scriptures, References Faith & Philosophy of Jainism 7. Teachings Spiritual Teachings, Redemption, Devotion to God, Ethical Actions, Message of Harmony and Love, References 8. Moral Value System Moral Values, Morality in Life, Moral Values for Leader, Moral Duties of Subjects, Moral values in Society, Pratimas, Practical Aspects, References 9. Movements Religious Movements, The Sthanakvasi, Terapanth, The Kanji Swami Panth, Shrimad Rajachandra, Reform Movements, Reform Movements in the Digambar Sect, Reform Movements in the Shvetambar Sect, Revivalist Movements, References 10. Reformers Reformers in Early Period, Kundakunda, Acharya Bhadrabahu, Tiruvalluvar, Siddhasen Diwakar, Reformers in Medieval Period, Pujyapada, Haribhadra, Acharya Hemachandra, Reformers in Modern Period, Acharya Bhikshu, Acharya Rajendrasuri, Acharya Tulsi, Acharya Mahapragya, References 11. Major Sects Digambar Sect, Sub Sects, Shvetambar Sect, Sub Sects, References 12. Demographic Propagation Origin, Early Rise, Factors Responsible for Rise, Jainism in other Parts of World, Demographics, References 13. Socio-Political Influence Socio-Political Identity, Jainism and Politics, Fundamentalism, Contemporary Politics, References 14. Religious Rituals and Traditions 15. Society Social Order, Social Conduct, Social Ethics, Traditional Values, Caste System, Status of Women, References 16. Festivals Bhagwan Mahavir Jayanti, Paryusana Parva, Diwali, New Year, Gyan Panchami, Paush dashami, Akshay Tritiya Tapa, Maun-agiyaras, Navapad Oli, Yaksha Puja, Snatra Mahotsav, Atthai Mahotsav, References 17. Religious Places 18. Art and Iconography 19. Mahatma Gandhi, Jainism and Indias Freedom Struggle Gandhis Life, Gandhi and Jainism, Gandhi & Jainism Principle of Ahimsa, Doctrine of Ahimsa and Freedom Movement, References 20. Jainism in Modern World Diaspora, Modem Religious Movements, Spiritual Revolution, Future, Jainism as a Global Religion, Great Mens Views on Jainism, References Bibliography Index

Through a curated collection of key Jain paintings, this volume offers a glimpse into the way people lived in western India during the medieval times: What they wore, how they ornamented themselves, what they amused themselves with, what furniture they sat on, which modes of transport they used. It includes Jain paintings from various collections in India and abroad to underscore the value of pictorial evidence in piecing together the past. The book takes the reader on a breath-taking visual journey through the varied costumes, exquisite textiles, handcrafted ornaments, curiously shaped vessels and containers, musical instruments, arms and armour, conveyances, and many such articles of everyday use. These articles of everyday use are corroborated with the descriptions left by foreign travellers passing through western India at that time. It explores contemporary lexicons and vernacular literature from this period, for possible names in vogue for the articles of Material Culture. The work is richly illustrated with line drawings by the author to highlight the objects being referred to. What comes across clearly through this book is that art is the mirror of the times, and as such, paintings reflect the society in which they are created. A magnificent read, this book will be essential for scholars and researchers of Indian painting, art history, Indian art, arts and aesthetics, Jainism, visual arts, South Asian history, Indian history, heritage studies and cultural history. It will also be a must-have for history and visual arts enthusiasts all over the world.