 Jainism in Mediaeval India flourished to a great extent. The emperors of the Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Dynasty and the Rajput Clans patronised Jain religion. During the mediaeval period, the society was divided into Hindu and Jain religion. In this period, the Digambara Sect and Swetambara Sect were further sub-divided into different branches. The Bhattaraka, Chaityavasi, Terapanth and Sthanakvasi practices also came into prominence. Jain scriptures, treatises, memoirs, panegyrics, and mostly dated inscriptions on the images and walls of the temples also received importance. Many Jain scholars received great respect, honour at the hands of different rulers. They also occupied high positions in their courts. The Jain society believing in the doctrine of aparigraha (non-accumulation) remained firm to their faith all through their long journey. Thus, Jainism in medieval India witnessed a wide extension.
Jainism in Delhi Sultanate The rulers of Delhi were of Turk origin and followed Islam religion. They remained intolerant towards the followers of Jainism and Hinduism. However, many rulers also helped in the growth of Jainism. Rulers like Muhammad Ghori, Ala-ud-din Khilji, Qutb-ud-din Mubarak Shah, Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, Muhammad Bin Tughlaq and others proved to be tolerant rulers and respected and honoured many Jain scholars. Many Jain saints, scholars received honour from their hands. Jainism in Mughal Period The Mughal rulers like Babur (1526-30), Humayun (1530-40), Sher Shah Suri (1540-55), Akbar (1556-1605), Jahangir (1605-27), Shah Jahan (1627-58) proved to be tolerant towards Jainism. They helped in building many Jain temples and installed many Jain images. They also revered and honoured many Jain scholars like Mahachandra, Digambara Sadhu Sadhprasad, Seth Neminath, Shrichandra Manikchandra, Devacharya, Shreyakirti, Muni Padmasunder, Bhattarak Harivijay Suri, Vijaysen Gani, Jinadas pande, Vidya Harsh Suri, Pandit Banarsidas, Karmachandra Bachchawat, Jinasimha Suri, Pandit Banarsidas and others. Jainism in Medieval Gujarat Gujarat has been an important centre of Jainism. Many sects and gachchas continued to prosper in this belt. Jain religion progressed during this period. Many religious sites, temples and images were established. Many Jain scriptures were also written. The acharyas and suris also contributed for the growth of Jainism. Jinaprabha Suri’s ‘Vividha Tirtha Kalpa’, Kakkasuri’s ‘Nabhinandanodhara Prabandha’ and ‘Kharatara Gachcha Brihad Guruavali’, Vidyatilaksuri’s ‘Kanyanvaya Mahavira Kalpa Parishesha’, Pratishthasoma’s ‘Soma Soubhagya Kavya’ etc. are the literary sources of this period. During this period, the Swetambaras also held sway in Gujarat. The Lad-Vagada and Nandi Sanghas of the Digambara Sect were also important during this time. Branches of these sanghas were set up in Surat, Sojitra, Braoch, Idar, etc. Muslim rulers also gave permission for carrying out Sangha-Yatras and pilgrimages. Jainism also made a remarkable progress in Malwa during the period of the Sultans. Jainism in Rajput States Many Rajput states were set up in north and west India during the Sultanate and the Mughal period. The Chahman’s reign in Chandrawad remained in existence in the 13th and the 14th Century. Most of these rulers were of Jain confession. The posts of minister, general and city-Seth were reserved for Jain families. The Somadeva Vasadhan was builder of Jain temples. They helped in the installation of Jain images and construction of temples. Lokshman, Shivdev etc. were the famous Jain poets of this time. The Chahmana state of Karhal also followed Jainism. Jainism in South India Jainism had a prominent place in South India, especially in Karnataka. Jainism prospered in South India under the rule of Kalinga King Kharvela. He supported Jainism and helped it flourish in South India through Andhra Pradesh and the coastal ranges of Tamil Nadu. Many feudal states of that were connected with Vijaynagar Empire which were very tolerant towards Jainism and helped to popularise it in different parts of the country. Many ministers, generals, and official members of this dynasty adopted Jainism and followed it strictly. Later the rulers of the Tuluva dynasty and Aravidu Dynasty also contributed to the growth of Jainism. |
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Jainism in Mediaeval Period
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