Jaina education in early India: A historical outline

Abstract

The history of Jainism in Southern India is primarily the history of religion in Karnataka. It is true that in Karnataka Jainism was a more popular religion from early second century to the end of the fourteenth century A.D. In this period several rulers of various dynasties and their officers, patronaged this religion, Jaina monks and educational centres. An inscription from Kuppattur tells us that .Jainism had spread throughout Karnataka. During this period the Jainas played an important role in spreading education in Karnataka. To begin with Caityalayas, andBasadis were religious centres but soon they attracted students and also became educational centres.