History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v1.c19.23

v1.c19.23

But however this may be, the old Chera region is best defined by its architecture, for the style of Hindû temple, Jaina basti, and Moslim mosque, is distinctly one throughout the country from the north of Kanara to the south of Travankor. Jainism probably penetrated into the country at an early date, and till late in the 16th century the Tuluva râjas were Jains, whilst the colossal statues at Kârkala and Vênûr in South Kanara and at Sravan-Belgola in Mysore, with the bastis at Mûdabidri, Bhatkal and elsewhere testify to their zeal. On the other hand, the Malayâlis are snake worshippers to the present day; in their gardens the Hindûs usually provide a "Nâga-kotta" or snake shrine.²