Jain Vidya Ke Vividh Aayam

Author(s): Fulchandra Jain
Publisher: Gommateshwar Bahubali Swami Mahamastakabhishek Mahotsav Samiti

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Socio-religious Aspects of Bhadra bahu Chandragupta Maurya Narratives - Dr. Devendra Kumar Jain, Mumbai Down the ages, persons who were able to perceive beyond the obvious, have succeeded in achieving new heights of excellence in their respective fields. No one can deny the fact that Chandragupta Maurya was a shining star of Indian History. His military brilliance and diplomacy was outstanding and unique in the recorded history of India. There were compelling circumstances that brought off the Mauryan revolution. These circumstances were socio-religious in nature and need a thorough scrutiny of historical evidences. The motives of revisiting this splendid chapter of Indian history are many. These circumstances include social justice, good governance, border security, military power, religious politics and foreign policy. Do these circumstances still exist in Indian context ? Can be drawn up some valuable clues from them? The present paper primarily explores this aspect. Then, there is a case of systematic disparagement of Jain sources of history. Historical evidences of Jains are abundant and scattered throughout the country. Themainstream Indian historians presented a disparage picture of Jain sources. The findings of western scholars where also not given due place in the scheme of writing Indian history. It is not for me to say anything conclusive at this stage, but it looks to me that Jain sources are yet to be explored in a judicious manner. Here are some historical issues and arguments in the present paper relevant to that period of Indian History. The next important aspect of the present paper focuses on the zenith and personal of contemporary Jain Guru Bhadrabahu. This grand conference and Mega event of Mahamastikabhiseka is a very strong motive to write about the contribution of Bhadrabahu and Chandragupta due on the overall spread of Ahimsa religion in the southern India. -9269