Question

Which of the following kings of the Kadamba dynasty adopted Jainism?
A. King Shivakoti
B. Mayurasharma
C. Kakusthavarma
D. None of these

Answer 1

Hint: Jainism gained patronage from various prominent dynasties and rulers in southern India and Kadamb’s were the first ones to do so in western Deccan. The Kadamb dynasty had its rulers patronizing construction of Jain temples, along with idol worship of tirthankaras.

Complete answer: Kadamba Dynasty ruled during the middle of 4th c. CE over parts of Karnataka contemporary to the Vakatakas. The dynasty was founded by the ruler named Mayursharma. Kadamb’s claimed to be part of Naga (Shiva) descent, but then few historians saw them as a tribal group deriving name as worshippers of Kadambu tree.
Option-A.Shivakoti was one of the later descendents of the Kadamba dynasty and he was engaged in severe battles for territorial expansion. It was because of this kind of warfare that made him adopt Jainism.
Option-B.Mayurasharma had been seen by few as a patron to Jainism too, but the sources as inscriptions regarding this are of later times so it's doubtful.
Option-C.Kukusthavarma was the fifth Kadamba ruler, and the dynasty reached its zenith under him. Also, he was the first one to make a grant to Jain according to an inscription near Halsi. Well, in total about 11 such inscriptions during 5-6th c. CE. These grants were particularly made on Jain festivals or during the rainy season for shelter of the monks. Other rulers like Mrigeshvarma, Ravivarma and Harivarma made similar donations.
Option-D.This option is irrelevant.

Hence, the option A is the correct answer.

Note: Jainism is based on the idea of right conduct, faith and knowledge. It has five vows with non- violence as the first one followed by non-lying, non-stealing, non-possession and chastity.