The Religious Transition of Jainism in Bijapur District

Abstract

This study explores the historical presence and influence of Jainism in Bijapur district of Karnataka, India. It highlights the religious tolerance of the region’s royal dynasties, which fostered an environment where multiple faiths, including Jainism, could flourish. Tracing its entry into Karnataka around the 4th century BCE with the arrival of Bhadrabahu and Chandragupta Maurya, the abstract emphasizes the firm establishment of Jainism, particularly in North Karnataka, which included the Bijapur region as part of the ancient Kuntala Nadu. The presence of Jain centers like Kundalgi and the early influence of Bhadrabahu in the Bijapur vicinity, evidenced by the 5th-century Parshvanatha idol, underscore the significant historical roots of Jainism in this district. The study sets the stage for a deeper examination of Jain religious leaders, literature, and its eventual decline in the region.