Contemporaneity and Chronology of Mahavira and Buddha

Author(s): Nagrajmuni, Mahendramuni
Publisher: Today and Tomorrows Book Agency

Page 113

Research and Conclusion Tukaram Krişna laddu', Pt. Rhaul
Sankrityayana’, Dr. Jacobi Dr. H.C. Ray Chandhrit, Dr. Smith’s later view®. 487 Prof. Kern
488 Dr. Smith's Earlier View?, Dharmānanda Kaušāmbie
543 Pt. Bhagawan Lal Inderji'
638
It can easily be inferred, from the above list that out of the twenty two opinions quoted, ninteen hold that Buddha's Nirvāṇa took place later than 527 B.C. If 527 B.C. is accepted to be the correct date of Mahāvīra's Nirvāņa Buddha can be considered as a Junior contemporary of Mahāvīra in opinion of the above 19 scholars.
Though in course of time, new changes have entered in the opinion regarding the date of Buddha's Nirvāṇa, not a single view has been propounded so as to reconcile the events of Buddha's life connected with Mahāvīra, Gośālaka, Bimbisāra (Śreņika). Ajātaśatru (Konika), etc. This suggests that there has remained some fundamental mistake in our way of approach to the problem. It is nothing but the adoption of the chronology of Ceylonese chronicles as the basis.
1. Quoted from Vira Nirvāṇa Samvat Aura Jaina Kälagananā, p. 155. 2. Buddhacaryā, preface, p.I. 3. Op.cit, p. 11. 4. Political History of Ancient India, p. 227. 5. Early History of India p.46. 6. Der Buddhisumus, Jar--Telling, II, p. 63. 7. Early History of India, 1924, pp-49-50. 8. Bhagvāna Buddha, p. 89. 9. Indian Antiquary, XIII, 1884, pp-411ff.