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Hsitorical Position of Jainism
Dr. J. S. JETLY, M. A., Ph.D.
JAINISM as a sect is supposed to have its
historical existence in the time of Mahavira, the twentyfourth Tirthankara of Jainas. Some scholars take it as far back as Parsvanatha, the twentythird Tirthankara, who is generally placed in the 8th Century B. C.
In the history of Indian culture Jains and Buddhists are known as Sramanas. A story of antagonism between Sramanas and Brahmanas appears to have become a part of the old tradition. The compound according to Panini's rule येषां च विरोधः शाश्वतिकः is a clear indication of the same.
The item of our tradition requires some close consideration. For this purpose it would be interesting to note the rise of Sramana sect in their early relation to Brahmanical schools as well as historical developments of their churches I shall
1. Patanjala Mahabhasya, p. 539.
Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat www.umaragyanbhandar.com
