Hi Friends, In few previous posts we were discussing about the decline of Buddhism and Jainism and their reasons. I have not studied much yet in this matter, however the current article on Vilappakkam talks about a Jaina shrine and the royal patronage it received under the Pallavas and the Cholas. Hope this may help in that discussion.
There are few points put in the article where the authorship of the cave is discussed. I have been brave enough to doubt a well postulated theory in that, I may be completely wrong in this, however I have just asked a 'why' over that theory. You feedback is most welcome.
wonderfully researched post saurabh. the character of naganandin is very important to us Kalki fans - as he is the main villain in two of his works preceeding Ponniyin selvan ie Parthiban Kanavu and Sivagamiyin Sabatham
http://www.poetryinstone.in “*Here the language of stone surpasses the language of man*” – Nobel laureate, Rabindranath Tagore
Thanks vj for this infor, as I have not read novels of Kalki, hence this question from me: We all know that novels are fiction, however Kalki would have researched a lot and surely would not try to malign or twist the history. In such a case, when we have an inscription of Raja Raja, extending his patronage to Jaina monk, how and why he is portrayed as a villain in the novel? I know I am mixing fiction with facts, however I am curious enough as well
Sivagamiyin sabatham and its sequel Parthiban Kanavu - are set in Mahendra/ Narasimma period. Kalki's negative roles were superbly crafted - be it Naganandhi in SS, Nandhini and Ravidasan in PS - why even Rakkammal. There are english translations available - you must read them
Dear Saurab, calm before the storm , with a thud to follow. That is how I felt after seeing your blog blog after a very long interval. So much of information, too much to chew in one bite. I wish you well in your present study tour of "Cave temples of pallava. V.Kothanda Raman