Jain Journal 1977 01

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 40

JANUARY, 1977
11
Acarya period -Second Phase (Circa A.D. 7th-11th) :
This period is characterized by great changes in the topography of the Jaina mission-territory with the change of the socio-political conditions of India.
The position of the Jaina-mission territory rose all over India except, of course, in North-West-Frontier province, Kashmir and Assam, due to geographical and social factors, so that the scattered Jaina sects 96 which once covered the region extending from North India to South India and from West India to East India upto Bengal, at the beginning of the period, declined, 97 leaving the Jaina mission-territory-particularly regions in which Jaina-dharma flourished to-day.
Acrya PeriodThird Phase (Circa 4. D. Ilth-15th) :
At this period a general unfolding of Jaina Sangha occurred, called monastic revolution, which raised great temples, institutions, etc. 98 with a vigorous support for the image-cult of the Tirthankaras in all parts of the Jaina mission-territory.
Modern Era of Jaina Sangha :
Modern era of Jaina Sangha which began at about 15th century A.D. with the advent of the Europeans to India and the rise of Lunka-mata can be sub-divided into three periods. During the first two (circa A.D. 15th-17th and 17th-19th) most parts of the Jaina mission-territory were spirititually above the submerged social condition. During the third period (circa A.D. 19th-20th) the field of Jajna dharma expanded into the remotest interior parts of present India like those of Assam, Bengal, Bihar, Orissa and South India in particuar as a result of the settlement
* The Gupta Inscription reveals that some Jaina sect flourished in North India
(U.P.) even up to the 5th century A.D. See Kahaum Stone Pillar Inscription of Skanda Gupta, 460 A.D. The position of the Jaina sects which flourished throughout India since the first century A.D. onwards began to decline in the seventh century A.D., particularly in North India, due to socio-religious and political conditions when the flag of Islam was planted by the Arabs on the soils of Sindh. The advent of Islam, the influence of Buddhism and the reassertion of Brahmanism and also political turmoils in the country led to the contraction of the Jaina missions to the regions
where they are flourishing to day. 8. As for instance, Dilwara temple was built by Vimal Shah in the eleventh century.
Besides the flowers of Jaina temples with beautiful designs of art and architecture, etc. blossomed forth with the image cult in all parts of the Jaina mission-territory in this third phase of Acarya period.