Gyandhara

Author(s): Gunvant Barvalia
Publisher: Saurashtra Kesari Pranguru Jain Philosophical and Literary Research Centre

Page 304

The Spectrum of Jainism in India
Dr. Kokila H. Shah
(Kokilaben working in Jainology Dept. Somaiya College & Ph.D. Guide in Mumbai
University.)
Jainism is one of the most ancient living religions of India. Right from its antiquity to the present day it has continured to flourish along with other religions in different parts of India.
In the first place, it may be mentioned that it is not easy to trace the history of the spread of Jainism in India. However some conclusion can be drawn on the basis of the texts available, architectural and epigamic evidences. In the words of Dr. Jacobi. The origin and development of the Jaina sect is a subject on which some scholars still think it safe to speak with a skeptical causation... Though Jainas are small in number they are scattered in different parts of India practically all over India Little is known about influence of Jainism in its early phase. It has been rightly observed "It is 'very difficult to have a correct idea about the progress of Jaina religion during the centuries preceding the Christian era. The available sources give us some help regarding the condition of Jain religion in some parts of India. Probably, except Mathura and Orissa region very few pre-Christian inscriptions connected with Jaina religion have been discovered" It seems likely that before Mahavira, Nirgranth
જૈનસાહિત્ય જ્ઞાનસત્ર-૨
જ્ઞાનધારા
·
૨૮૫