Q. The term ‘basadis’ refers to which of the following?
Answer: Jain temples
Notes: Jain temples are called ‘Basadis’ in Karnataka region and ‘Derasar’ in Western India. There are different versions of the story of the spread of Jainism to South India. However, the epigraphic evidence for the spread of Jainism in Karnataka region is not earlier than the 3rd century CE. In the subsequent centuries, especially from the 6th century CE, numerous Jaina monastic establishments called ‘Basasdis’ sprang up in Karnataka and were granted land grants by the Kings for their support.