Gyandhara

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

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faith (2) Literature (3) Antiquities i.e. sculptures Art and Architecture in different parts of India. (4) Inscriptions
An attemmpt is made in this paper to highlight spectron of Jainism in India on the basis of available material.
Jainism in North In the history of Jainism north Bihar palyed a significant part, for Lord Mahavir was born there and it is learnt that he spent six rainy season's in Mithila Videhas and the Lichavi came under he influence of him according to the Jain text.
If we examine rise and growth of Jainism we find that it become state religion in certain kingdoms Beginning with Nandas and Mauryas up to the time of Kharvela, Jainism got royal patronage. Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka are greatly remembered in Jaina history for their support to Jainism the Jaina tradition mentions samprati and describes him a great patron of Jainism who is supposed to have ruled in the region of main. He developed a lively missionary activity and erected numerous temples Jainism had spread and was encouraged by a number of rulers in North though there were setbacks from time to time. The oldest authentic records of prevalence of Jaina faith is the monument found in Mathura. From 2nd B.C. Mathuras was an Important Jaina Centre as is evident from inscription In Northern India though there were not Jain empires or majority of the population embraced Jaina faith but held important position and exerted a considerable influence.
After Mahavira, gradually the sphere of influence of Jainism began to spread in the south and west of India Jainism in Gufarat and Rajasthan:
Gujarat and Rajasthan have been strongholds of Jainism since an early time. In western India, that is, Gujarat
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