Jain Sanctuaries of the Fortress of Gwalior

SR No.: 006573
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: T V G Shastri
Publisher: Kundkund Gyanpith Indore
Publication Year: 1997
Total Pages: 188
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 22 MB

Page 22

more a valid religion than Buddhism, while the former is fairly represented in the Indian population. But then, any religion has its own ups and downs. The Jain antiquarian remains are only a few when compared with those of Buddhism during the early Christian period. The numerous stupas, viharas, sangharamas associated with the Buddhism at Sanchi, Saranath, Bodha Gaya, Amaravati, etc. cannot be compared with those of Jain remains of Kankalitila of Mathura, Lomas Rishi caves of the Ajivikas in Bihar and the caves of Khandagiri and Udayagiri in Orissa. However, they indicate ample evidence as a separate religious organisation, different from that of the Buddhists.
Again, corresponding to the early Christian period, there is massive literature produced by the Jain authors. It can match well with that of the Buddhist, if not more. The Kalpa and Acharanga Sutra literature, the whole range of Kundakunda's works like Samayasara and Rayanasara, Pahudas, Mulachara etc. ascertain that the Jain authors were advanced, to give lead even to the basics of the present day advanced sciences.
Besides, the earliest Jain story of Rama (Paumachariu) by Vimala suri has come into Indian literature as the epic of Ramayana and the principles of legal procedures and practices of Tatvarthasutra by Umaswami.
Even, in the early Middle ages, the contributions of Yativrsabha and Mahaviracharya to mathematical sciences, Jain Siddhanta literature and astronomy, were the pioneering works that built up the present day academics of Science and Technology.
However, coming back to the principles of Nirgranthas, they were there, even in other religions too. But generations had come and gone. Their amendments were made to the principles laid by law givers and religious heads from time to time, as such, the practice of single oral tradition coming down through centuries, had gone out of existence.
But, a monument or an inscription written on a stone, a document or a book of a particular period, can serve with all up-to-date amendments throughout the times. They are the visuals that posterity can see while the oral Nirgrantha tradition cannot be reviewed with amendments by later generations.
The spirit of taking up to the visuals by the Buddhists were brought to light in the form of stupas, toranas, viharas and other remains, by the early researchers, as such, more work was turned in favour of Buddhism.
The concept of Kalyanakas in Jain dharma was possibly older than the narrations of different aspects in the life of the Buddha. Janma, the Buddhas's birth at Lumbini,
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