Socio-Economic Study of Early Jain Puranic Literature in Historical Period in Karnataka

Abstract

Through a comprehensive review of existing literature and case studies, we examine the factors that facilitated the spread of Jainism in Karnataka, including royal patronage, economic influences, and social dynamics. We also consider the contemporary relevance of Jain principles in a diverse society. The state’s historical rulers, including the Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas, and the Vijayanagara Empire, not only embraced Jainism but also provided substantial patronage, facilitating the construction of temples and monuments that reflect the religion’s core values. Early Jain literature, comprising the Agamas (canonical texts) and subsequent commentaries, offers an invaluable, often overlooked, source for reconstructing the socio-economic history of ancient India (6th century BCE – 6th century CE). These texts, often written in Ardha-Magadhi Prakrit, provide detailed, realistic, and sometimes satirical accounts of daily life. Along with the monks, the Jain laity also contributed to the development of vernacular literature. They studied theological literature, with the help of some knowledgeable person. Chaturmal studied ‘Harivamsa Puran’ and other Jain puranic literature with Dhawal Pandit in the late seventeenth century of the Vikram era. Jain texts provide a vivid, detailed account of trading activities in North India, describing bustling urban centers like Rajagriha, Campa, Pataliputra, and Vaisali. The prosperous class of bankers, merchants, and landlords, offering insights into luxury, with mentions of, for instance, opulent houses, varied dishes, and precious stones. While not overtly rejecting the Varna system, the Jain laity also contributed to the development of vernacular literature. They studied theological literature, with the help of some knowledgeable person. Chaturmal studied ‘Harivamsa Puran’ and other Jain puranic literature with Dhawal Pandit in the late seventeenth century of the Vikram era.