Compendium of Jainism

Author(s): T K Tukol, A N Upadhye
Publisher: Prasaranga Karnatak University Dharwar

Page 33

JAINISM AND ITS ANTIQUITY
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contemporary of Buddha and died about 527 B. C. The Jaina religion refers to a number of previous Tirthankaras and there
be little doubt that Jainism as a distinct religion was ficurishing several centuries before Christ. In fact Jainism rejects the authority of the Vedas which form the bedrock of Hinduism and denies the efficacy of the various ceremonies which Hindus co sider essential... So far as Jaina Law is concerned it has its own law books of which 'Bhadrabāhu Samhita' is an important one. "Vardhamāna-Niti' and `ArhanNiti' by the great Jaina teacher Hemacandra deal also with Jaina Law.."41
Justice Ranganekar of the Bombay High Court expressed hinself in indentical terms on the question of antiquity of Jainism : “Now, it is true that later historical researches have shown that Jainism prevailed in this country long before Brahmanism came into existence or held the field, and it is wrong to think that Jains were originally Hindus and were subsequently converted into Jainism. It is also true that owing to their long association with the Hindus, who formed the majority in the country, the Jaipas have adopted many of the customs and even ceremonies strictly observed by the Hindus and pertaining to the Brabmanical religion.” At the end of the previous paragraph, he stated: “It is true that the Jainas reject the scriptural character of the Vedas, and repudiate the Brahmancial doctrines relating to obsequial ceremonies, performance of Srāddhās and the offering of the oblations for tbe salvation of the soul of the deceased. Amongst them there is no belief that a son, either by birth or by adoption, confers spiritual benefit on the father. They also differ from the Brahmanical Hindus in their conduct towards the dead, omitting all obsequies after corpse is burnt or buried."'42
The writers on Hindu Law have not concerned themselves with the question of antiquity of Jainism as with the law that governed the Jainas in matters of personal law. Mulla has dealt with Jaina tenets and Jaina law stating: "Jainism