Pregrei: Center of Jainism in North Karnataka

Abstract

Puligere, present Lxmeshvar in Shirahatti taluka of Gadag District in the state of Karnataka, comprises the area of about 300 villages in the talukas of Shirahatti, Savanur, parts of Shiggaon, Kundagol, Gadag and Haveri in the former Dharwad district of Karnataka state. It is well known as Puligere Nadu, played an important role in the medieval history of the Deccan, situated in the heart of the Karnataka, it was the capital and enjoyed the unique status of the region where pure Kannada, Tirul Kannada region. In fact, the region was also one of the administrative units of Karnataka. It was mainly because of its strategic location that the rulers of various dynasties in Karnataka had tried to bring Puligere Nadu under their control. Since the period of early Chalukyas down to the decline of the Vijayanagara empire in the 16th century A. D., its position as the capital remained undisturbed. The region was at its height of glory particularly under the Rastrakutas and the later Chalukyas. The frontiers of Puligere Nadu were Belvola - 300 in the North, Masavadi - 140 in the East and Banavasi - 12000 in the South - Western directions. The abundant availability of source materials in this region through light on the multifaceted activities, which in turn enriched the material and cultural prosperity and this paper is based on inscriptions. We find that in almost every field of activity Puligere Nadu has left an indelible footprint in the history of Karnataka in general and North Karnataka in particular.