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Development & Impact of Jainism in India & Abroad
restricted in both the periods. With the passing of time in Christian eras, we find that like that in other parts of India, Jainism in Orissa also faced the division of the Jain sect between two groups -the Svetambaras (white clad followers) and Digambaras(sky clad followers).This Division took place in the second century of the Christian era. In the beginning, the separation was only on the ground of wearing or not wearing clothes, but later on, both the factions brought distinct features in their samgha51.It not only included a few points of old Jain traditional principles, but also the life style, customs, social rituals and conventions as well. As the areas of Orissa was nearer to the places where the Digambara ideas were more prevalant52, this land also witnessed the popularity of Digambara cult as well. Later on, the Jain organization and cult faced a few more divisions in its fold right from the period of 5 th - 6 th centuries to 17 th - 18 th centuries
Among them ,one was the Kasthasamgha, which has been referred in several literary text and inscriptions. While this samgha was connected with the ideas of the Digambara jainas in one way or another, we also find the names of Terapatha, Beespantha and Taranpantha sections of the Digambara jainas.53 Likewise, we come across the names of Svetambara chaityawasi, sthankawasi, Terapanthas, Yapaniya Samgha and Kurchak Samgha.54 In spite of all these divisions , the followers of all the factions believe in the teachings and philosophy of Jain Tirthankaras and follow the path shown by those great reformers and thinkers.
So far the Jain influence on the present day Orissa or Odissa is concerned, it is well evident from the various temples, chaityas and institutions spread over in different parts of this state 55 In this connection, mention may be made of the temple of Jaypore, Nandanpur and Bhairavas Sinhapur of Koraput district, temples of Keonjhar and Mayurbhang districts as well as the famous Jain temple of Cuttack. The Orissa State Museum is flooded with many Jain images, which are having unique specimens of Jain sculpture The Jain influence is widely found in the areas of Anandpur, Chhatia, Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri, Choudwar, Athagarh, Tigiria, Badamba,Banki,Khiching, Kupasi, Charmpa, Chumur and Nawrangpur.
It is evident from the surveys conducted by the government as well as the private agencies that a good population of the Jainas do not mention their separate religious identity and call themselves as Hindus, due to which the actual number of Jainas has not been ascertained till now, but even then, we can say with pride that 'chequered by ups and downs, Jainism continued in as a living and popular faith for many centuries and has made remarkable contributions in the sphere of the religion, art, architecture, language and literature of Orissa.'56
After a short glimpse on the history of Jainism in Odisa or ancient Kalinga, we find that this area of India remained popular always in history, whether it was a political event, religious awakening, economic development and trade as well as commerce or other cultural activities. As it was influenced by the teachings and philosophy of Jainism for a very long time, the people observed the main principles of non violence, selflessness and truthfulness. The traditions and social customs of the people of Odisa is also very simple. Some of the tribal people like the sravakas even do not know about the religious history of their predecessors and they even do not know that the traditions which they are following is purely Jainistic in nature. Detailed
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