Ethnicity and Religious Heritage

Author(s): T U Mehta
Publisher: T U Mehta

Page 20

Pre-Historica
Culture in India
15
the heights of philosophical sophistication in times, of Mahavira and Buddha in sixth Century B.C. Both Jainism and Buddhism along with Ajivikas belong to Shramana of thought which is believed to have been known to the Indus Valley people much before the Aryans invaded India. This system of thought ran side by side with Vedic throughts and each greatly influenced the other, ultimately culminating in the great synthesis achieved by the Great Shankara. It is therefore, very important to take notice of the finds which also suggest that the Indus people were very well aware of "Sharmana" system of thought.
Some "Mudras" which are found at Mohanjodaro show standing Gods with "Kāyotsarg" Asana of Dhyān Yoga, which is peculiar only to the Jains.
A table shows a seated deity with a worshipper on either side and a hooded cobra over the head is also found. Superficially looking, this may look to be some form of serpant worship. But that does not seem to be true. THe idol of the 23rd Tirthankar of Jains named Parshwanath's idol is depicted in the same fashion. The find may not be of Parshwanath as he is believed to have existed round about seventh