Jinanathapura was founded by Ganga Raja, a commander and an influential Jain patron in the early 12th century during the rule of the noted Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana.

[1] The Shantinatha Basadi (also spelt "basti") is a fine specimen of the Hoysala style of architecture and was built in c. 1117 A.D. during the rule of King Veera Ballala II.

[2] According to the art historian Adam Hardy, the Basadi is a single shrine (vimana) construction with a closed mantapa and the building material used is Soap stone.

[5] A Kannada language inscription on the pedestal of the seated image of the Shantinatha reveals the Basadi was built by Recana (also called Recimayya, Recarasa and Recaprabhu), a general and minister of the king Ballala II.

Recana, who was earlier in the service of the Kalyani Chalukyas and later the Southern Kalachuris appears to have transferred his loyalty to the Hoysala king.