Jain Journal 1983 10

SR No.: 520072
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publication Year: 1983
Total Pages: 35
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, India_Jain Journal, & India
File Size: 3 MB

Page 14

Kautilya-A Follower of Jainism
BINOD KUMAR TIWARY
The end of Nanda dynasty and installation of Mauryas on the political scene of ancient India may be credited to Kautilya, who uprooted the rule of the former and succeeded in making Candragupta Maurya the ruler of Magadha. Kautilyal was one of the strongest prime minister in ancient India, who not only framed certain rules and regulations for the coming generations, but laid them down in his famous book the Arthašāstra. So far the religious belief and leanings of Kautilya is concerned, both Buddhist and Jainas take him in their own fold. But if we go through all aspects of his life, it would be clear to us that he was more attached to Jainism than any other cult prevailing in Northern India during the 4th century B.C.
The ancient Jaina text Avašyakacūrni not only regards Kautilya as a Jaina follower, but preserves his life in detail as well. According to it, he was born in a devout Jaina Brahmin family in B.C. 472. The name of his father was Canaka or Cani and his mother was Canesvari? who lived in a village called Canaya? in the Vișaya or district known as Golla.4 They ancestrally belonged to Brahmin caste, but were Jaina frāvakas from the religious side.5 Even today, we find several families in South India, who are Brahmins by caste but traditionally are followers of Jaina cult.
The Buddhists give a very interesting legend regarding the birth of Kautilya. It has been narrated that he was born with all his teeth in his mouth.? As his father was a Jaina śrāvaka, many Jaina śramanas used
1 He is also known as Canakya and Visnugupta in contemporary and other texts. · Avasyakacurni, p. 563. * Avasyakasutra vrtti, p. 433 ; Parisistaparvana, 8. 194. • Cf. R. K. Mookherjee, Candragupta Maurya and His Times, p. 232. 5 Parisistaparvana, chap. VIII, verse 105. • J. P. Jain, Pramukh Aitihasik Jain Purus aur Mahilayen, pp. 34-35. ? Mahavansa, gathas 68-69.