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INSTITUTIONAL MODELS OF
STATE AND GOVERNMENT IN MAHĀVĪRA'S TRADITION
C. M. Jain
Like the Hindu mythological and historical sources of Hindu polity, the contemporary Jain sources too, especially in the tradition of Lord Mahāvira, gives an elaborate account of the political systemthe political norms, structure and behaviour, which was in force in these societies.1 The Jain sources indicate that the entire political infra-structure and the frame-work was based on ethical and religious norms which were manifested through the doctrines of "Ahimsa' (non-violence) (Satya (Truth), Asteya' (Non-stealing). "Bramacarya' (Chastity) and “Aparigraha" (non-attachment). These five norms, as would be clear from the subsequent discussion, though were preached religiously, had their bearing on the political roles and obligations of the governing elite as well as the non-governing masses.
The impact of these norms was so deep and penetrating that the model of political system contemplated and envisaged by Jain Sadhus and Tirthai karas were in some respects distinctly different in contrast to the models presented by other contemporary sources of Lord Mahavira.
Political norms :
In Jain canonical literature and post-canonical literature like of Somadeva, and Munibhadra Shri and other celebrated works like
Chandraprabha Carita, Vardhamāna Carita, Sāntinatha Carita, Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only
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