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The Oldest Living Religion
and died about $27 B.C. The Jaina religion refers to a number of previous Tirthankaras, and there can be little doubt that Jainism as a distinct religion was flourishing several centuries before Christ. In fact, Jainism rejects the authority of the Vedas which form the bedrock of Hinduism and denies the efficacy of various ceremonies which Hindus consider essential".1
And Mr. Justice Rangnekar of the Bombay High Court remarks, "It is true the Jainas reject the scriptural character of the Vedas and repudiate the Brahmanical doctrines relating to obsequial ceremonies, the performance of Śraddhas and the offering of oblations for the salvation of the soul of the deceased. Amongst them there is no belief that a son by birth or adoption confers spiritual benefit on the father. They also differ from the Brahmanical Hindus in their conduct towards the dead, omitting all obsequies after the corpse is burnt or burried. Now, it is true, as later historical researches have shown that Jainism prevailed in this country long before Brahmanism came into existence or converted into Hinduism. It is also true that owing to their long association with the Hindus, who formed the majority in the country, the Jainas have adopted many of the customs and even ceremonies strictly observed by the Hindus and pertaining to Brahmanical religion"."
Lastly Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru, the first premier of independent India, asserts that "Jainism and Buddhism were definitely not Hinduism nor even Vedicism, still they were born in India and were an inseparable part of Indian life, culture and philosophical thought. The Jainism or Buddhism of India is a cent per cent product of Indian thought and civilization, yet none of them is Hindu. Hence it is
1 A,I.R., 1927, Madras 228.
2 A.I.R., 1939, Bombay 377.
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