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Archæological proofs of the antiquity of Jainism are also not wanting. In the Orissa inscription of the Emperor Kharavela (160 B.C.) Rishabha 'is mentioned as Agrajina. The Kankali Stupas of Mathura also prove the antiquity of the system. Some scholars maintain that nude figures dicovered at Mohenjo-daro are in the Yoga posture peculiarly Jaina.13 Prof. Pran Nath of the Banaras Hindu University deciphers Seal No. 449 às "Jin sha" (Jin-e-Sarah).14
The foremost peculiarity of Jainism is that it claims no non-human source. Its tenets are based on the knowledge of the Victors, who have attained perfection by their own efforts in this very universe. According to Jainism it is the human soul alone which can reach the highest degree of purification. All souls are possessed of fulness and perfection. Jainism is totally against offering devotion to any being, human or divine, in the hope of gaining bliss, immortality or perfection through the mercy of that being. The full development of the soul cannot be gain i through outside aid. Lord Mahavira emphatically declared, “Man, thou art thine own friend, why wishest thou for a friend beyond thyself?"15. One has to struggle with one's own enemies, having faith in one's own strength. The true victor is expected to deteat his passions and sense cravings and not his fellow beings.
Fight with this, your own body; why should you fight with anything else ? 16
Fight with yourself. Why fight with external
13 The Modern Review, August 1932, pp. 155-160. 14 The Indian Historical Quarterly, Vol. VIII, Supplement.
p. 18.
15 Acharanga Sutra, 116. 16 Sutrakritanga, 154.
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