International Jain Conference 1985 3rd Conference

Author(s): Satish Jain, Kamalchand Sogani
Publisher: Ahimsa International

Page 175

strongholds of Jainas from the beginning, are mainly vegetarian. In fact, it is admitted that as a result of the activities of the Jainas for the last so many centuries Ahimsa still forms the substratum of Indian character as a whole. Political Life :
The Jainas also distinguished themselves in giving their unstinted reports for the improvement of political and economic life in the country. The Jainas, especially in Southern and Western India, produced a large number of eminent and efficient monarchs, ministers, and generals and thereby contributed to maintain and improve the political conditions of the people. Not only the ordinary Jainas but their saints or Acharyas also aided materially to create the proper political environment necessary for the resuscitation of life in the country. It is considered that due to the keen interest taken by the Jaina saints in political affairs of country, Jainism occupies an important place in the history of India. The Jaina saints were never indifferent towards the secular affairs in general. So far as Karnataka was conceined, Jainism, through its course of one thousand years, was an example of religion which showed that religious tenets were practised without sacrificing the political exigencies when the question of rejuvenating life in the country was at stake. That is why in Karnataka we find that the Jaina Acharyas ceased to be merely exponents of dogmas, but they turned themselves also into the creators of Kingdoms. It is well known that the Jaina Acharyas were virtually responsible for the founding of the Ganga Kingdom in the 2nd century A. D. and of the Hoysala Kingdom in the 11th century A.D.
Honorary Director Shahu Research Institute Shivaji University Kolhapur (Maharastra)
The men of noblest mood pass their time in learning. The middle sort pass their time in the enjoyment of good things. The last and lowest cry: 'Our food is not sweet.' We've not got our fill,' and in angry mood lie sleepless.
Nadaliyar, 366.