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.