Aspects of Brahmanical Influence On Jaina Mythology

SR No.: 011037
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Shaktidhar Jha
Publisher: Bharat Bharti Bhandar
Publication Year: 1978
Total Pages: 315
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 12 MB

Page 114

Aspects of Brahmanical Influence on the Jain Mythology
It is, however, remarkable, to note that though both the authors acknowledge manifold and complex divisions of the above principal ruling dynasties, yet they nowhere refer to the canonical families of Ugras, Bhogas, Rajanyas, Jñātys and Kurus even as branches of the above mentioned four Mahāvamsas The author of the HP appears to be the first Jaina Puranawriter to have recognised these canonical ruling classes as independent and separate ruling families, for, he has mentioned them together with the Āduya and Soma branches of the Iksvāku dynasty as independent families of rulers 42 Thus, the Kurus, Ugras, Bhojas and Rajanyas (here mentioned as Rājas) are all stated to have been lksvāku's kinsmen and are said to have been employed by the lord in the regal offices of protection and punishment 43 We are also told that the Kurus acquired their name from the country allotted to their share and the rest received their designations in accordance with the duties assigned to them as also on account of their respective treatment towards their subjects 4 Thus in the present context the royal families in question have obviously been treated as belonging to the same stock as the Iksvāku proper Moreover, the heads of these families of rulers have been represented as senior among the ksatriyas of the sksvāku race 45 with no reference to their individual names por to the nature of consanguinity which they are said to have had with Ikşvāku proper. Moreover, the heads of these families of rulers have been represented as senior among the kşatriyas of the Iksvāku race5 with no reference to their individual names nor to the nature of consanguinity which they are said to have had with Ikşvāku
42 Ethat fettsfaga HathaT 791
उग्राद्या कौरवाद्याश्च
JHV 13 12
43 इक्ष्वाकुक्षत्रियज्येष्ठा ज्ञातिज्ञा लोकबन्धुना ।
भूमौ वपभनाथेन स्थापिताम्तेऽत्र रक्षणे ॥
-Ibid 9 43
44 Ibid 9 41-452, See also Supra note 5 46 TaraftavUGST op cit 9 43