________________
and towns the same names as were found in their parental land i.e in southeast Asia.
Table [ ] gives the list of Videha cities according to Tilloya pannati. Most of the cities which are suppose to be birh places present tirthankaras are still found the present day maps of South-east Asia. Many jaina saints were found in Ethiopia (near Egypt) [37]. Mesedonians and Greeks were following the Egyptians in their religious beliefs. The Greek Philosopher Pythagoras (Indian name -Pihitrasava) and Pirraho took lessons from jain saints (Gymnosophists). They believed that soul never dies but wanders in the world, as it is believed in Jainism, They practised non-violence and lead austeritic life. They were not eating Dals with curd. Once in the city of Atehns of Greece a jain saint named Bairaj went from India to Greece ( 55).
Prof, Ramaswamy Iyengar had mentioned that Buddhists and Jain saints went to Greece , Russia, and Norway (38). Pandukabhaya, an emperor of Ceylon had constructed temples & Choultries for Nirgranthas (Jain saints) which existed during the periods of 21 rulers. But one emperor named Vattagamini (38-10 BC) destroyed all these temples & religious places because of his strong hatredness against Jainism. Prof. Silvan Levi has mentioned about the influence of Jainism in Java -Sumatra [39]
A school of Jaina doctrine was established in Medwood. At the advice of Mr. Herbert Warren, Mr. Champat Rai Jain, Barrister founded a "Rishabh Jain Lending Libratry" which is still in operation.
India's first historical emperor ,Shrenik Bimbasar was a jain religion follower of course, turned from Buddhist faith due to infkuence of his queen Chelna [40].
A prince, Abhaya, son of Bimbasar, was able to convince the prince Adrak of Iran about Jainism and Adrak became a follower of Jainism. [41].
A chinese traveler, Magasthanese had described about the jaina saints of Bactria [42]. Moryan Emperor Ashok, the grand son of Bimbasar, adopted jain Monkhood after relinquishing his Monarchy. It is clear from the 7 inscription of Ashok that he put lot of efforts to spread principles of Jainism. (43A). Although, later on he tried to spread Buddhism by sending his volunteers to countries like Egypt, Mesodonia, Korenth and Sirena but Buddhist philosophy was almost based on Jaina Geography, History & traditions and principles. Hence, one does not find the remains of Buddhism these places. But the remains of Jainism can be found [44]
98
