History Of Jainism With Special Reference To Mathura

SR No.: 022807
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: U K Sharma
Publisher: D K Printworld P L
Publication Year: 2001
Total Pages: 304
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 9 MB

Page 129

Post-Mahavira Period and the Contribution of Jainism
that the Jainas used to enlist in the army in large numbers and distinguish themselves on the battlefield.293
Gradually, the doctrine of ahimsa brought to an end the practice of animal sacrifices in yajñas and other Vedic rites.294 It also popularised vegetarian diet in a large part of India.295 Respect for the life of living beings which the Jainas showed in their daily lives is said to have influenced the Hindus of the south; they stopped animal sacrifices in their ceremonies and rites and promulgated the cult of ahimsa in their literature.296 Ahimsa became the guiding principle and the regulating force in Rajasthan.297
The doctrine of ahimsă deeply influenced the life and thought of Akbar, the great Mughal emperor. 298 Epigraphical evidence exists that a Svetambara ācārya named Hīravijaya Suri299 had a great influence on Akbar.300 Akbar was keen to understand the doctrines of Jainism, and in 1582, he invited Hīravijaya Sūri of Gujarat to his court. 301 Hiravijaya Sūri lived at his court for two years, 302 and Akbar bestowed the title jagadguru on him.303 Due to Hiravijaya's influence, Akbar prohibited animal slaughter304 near Jaina holy places,305 freed these places from taxes,306 released many prisoners, and gave
293. JSAI, p. 248.
294.
AOIK, p. 294.
295. Ibid., p. 294; JIR, p. 234.
MJ, pp. 269-70.
296.
297. JIR, p. 234.
298.
299.
A.L. Srivastava, Bharat Ka Itihasa (AD 1000-1707), 1979, pp. 468-9.
HJM, p. 135; A.L. Srivastava, op. cit., p. 468; S.R. Sharma, Bharat Main Mughal Samrajya, 1973, p. 280.
300. Ibid.; ibid.; ibid.
301.
A.L. Srivastava, op. cit., p. 468.
302. Ibid.
303. Ibid.; S.R. Sharma, op.cit., p. 280; HJM, p. 135.
304. Ibid.; ibid.; ibid.
305.
306.
HJM, p. 135.
Ibid.
107