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History of Jainism with Special Reference to Mathurā
Jaina Inscriptions from Mathurā66 and 'Further Jaina Inscriptions from Mathurā’.67 Forty-one Jaina inscriptions discovered from Mathurā and edited by Buhler were published in volume II of Epigraphia Indica under the title Further Jaina Inscriptions from Mathura'.68
The discovery of Jaina inscriptions in such large numbers from Kankāli Tīlā, Mathurā delighted Buhler. Buhler needed ammunition in the form of inscriptions to combat the arguments of Barth and others, who doubted the authenticity of the Jaina traditions. These inscriptions provided the evidence Buhler looked for. This epigraphical evidence made it clear that Jainism did not arise out of Buddhism, and also that the authenticity of some Jaina traditions was beyond question. In his book entitled On the Indian Sect of the Jainas, Buhler enthusiastically wrote,
Old historical traditions and inscriptions prove the independent existence of the sect of the Jainas even during the first five centuries after Buddha's death, and among the inscriptions are some which clear the Jaina tradition not only from the suspicion of fraud but bear powerful witness to its honesty.69
Fuhrer excavated numerous Jaina inscriptions, sculptures and architectural pieces from Kankālī Tīlā, Mathurā. It was a major achievement. Buhler rendered invaluable service by translating, interpreting and editing the Jaina inscriptions discovered from Mathurā. Consequently, a great deal of the history and state of Jainiam came to light. But a lot remained obscured due to the indifference and negligence of Fuhrer. Buhler needed Jaina inscriptions from Mathurā, and Fuhrer's excavations at Kankālī Tīlā were primarily and principally directed to achieve this end. Of the numerous mounds in Mathurā, Kankālī Tīlā was the only one which was completely explored, but Fuhrer
66. EI, I, pp. 371-93. 67. Ibid., pp. 393-7. 68. Ibid., II, pp. 195-212. 69. OISJ, p. 23.
