Jain Journal 1983 04

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

Page 14

118
JAIN JOURNAL
Fifth Point
Probably the most conjectural and therefore the weakest. Nevertheless a possibility which has not been considered at all needs to be considered, by raising the question : Is any element in “popular" Jainism to be traced to foreign influence ? Professor B. N. Puri has argued that “foreigners were assimilated in the fold of Jainism”. He provides the following evidence in support in Part I of Sri Mahāvīra Jaina Vidyālaya Suvarnotsava Grantha (1968). First the literary evidence (p. 157) :
The famous story of Kalakacarya, the Jaina saint who brought about the downfall of the Gardhabhilla dynasty through the help of the Sakas of Seistan, points to the contacts established between Jaina saints and foreigners, some of whom may here been attracted to it.
Now the archaeological (p. 161) :
It is rather interesting to notice foreign elements in Jainism. It has been suggested earlier that about the first century B.C. there were certain Parthians who had accepted Jainism and set up dedications. Okharika and Ujhatika do not appear to be Indian names, while Dimitra could be the Indianised form of Demetrius. The inscriptions from the Kankali Tila, supposed to represent the site of some Jaina establishment also mention some unfamiliar names, like Akaka and Ogha. It is, therefore, very likely that foreigners too were accepted in the Jaina fold which has also eliminated casteconsciousness in the choice of the selection of head of religious schools.
I do not know whether Prof. Puri is right or wrong. But I am sure we will find it difficult to remain passive in the face of so startling an assertion !
Conclusion
The five points have now been presented. Perhaps there are other plausible explanations for some of the points but the general conclusion which the discussion suggests is that there is enough prima facie if not first hand evidence to warrant an exploration of popular Jainism.