Bhagavana Mahavira and his Relevance in Modern Times

Author(s): Narendra Bhanavat, Prem Suman Jain, V P Bhatt
Publisher: Akhil Bharat Varshiya Sadhumargi Jain Sangh

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Mahāvira and His Relevance
It may also be concluded that the nature and character of State polity, in as was envisaged by Lord Mahāvira and his followers, was though not modern in time but was modern in spirit. The institution of kingship which in complexion may appear to us little feudalistic and ascriptive, but in practice it was highly democratic and achievement oriented. The organisation of departments too in many respects resembled with what we have today. The approach towards Government was not legalistic as much as it was humanistic and socialisitic. Manisfestly the structuring of the Government was no doubt monarchical but in actual functioning it was unlike monarchical and unlike traditional.
REFERENCES
1. See. Jain J.C. “Life of ancient India as depicted in Jain canons” 2. Handioni, K.K., Yasastilaka and Indian Culture p. 103-106. 3. Vyavaharabhasya, 1 p. 128. 4. Raja Udrayan, who despite of having a prince decided to transfer kingship to his sister's son when he went to Lord Mahavira for Diksa.
--Bhagavati, 13.6.
5. Prince Kaunika secured political power by arresting king Srenika
with the help of his brother and then king Srenika committed suicide by taking poison.
-Avasyakacurni 2, p 179.
6.
Nisithasutta, 9.19.
7. According to Dhananjaya, the king was required to be brave,
philanthropic, and winner of physical weaknesses, (Indriyavijayi) like, Kama, Krodha, Mann, Lobha, Harsa and Mada, Alone such king could defeat the enemies in the battlefields.
--Dvisandhanamahakavya, 2.11.
8.
See-Shastri, N.C.; "Sanskrit Jain Kavyon me Varnita Rajanititatva."
- The Jaina Antiguary, vol. XXIV, No. 1, p. 1.
9. Handiaui, Yasast, p. 103.
10.
Vyavaharabhasya, 1, p. 129.