The Early History of the Deccan (Parts I–XI) v1.c10.s2.36

v1.c10.s2.36

It is pleasing to note that there was not much jealousy among the followers of the rival religions. We occasionally hear of debates held between rival enthusiasts in their efforts to prove the superiority of their respective faiths, but they relied only on argument and never appealed to the lāthī. This was but natural, for the rulers and officers of the period generally showed impartial favour to all beliefs alike. Thus Amoghavarṣa I, who was a staunch follower of Jainism, also worshipped the Hindu goddess Lakṣmī with equally genuine devotion.¹ King Dantivarman of the Gujarāt Rāṣṭrakūṭa branch was himself a Hindu and yet gave a field to a Buddhist establishment.¹ Even Brāhmaṇas, who might be expected to be keen in furthering the cause of Hinduism, are sometimes seen making grants to Jain foundations.² We often come across records describing certain pious individuals as the followers of the precepts laid down in all the three religious faiths. Sometimes composite temples were built as shrines for both Hindu and Jain deities.³