Jaina Gazette 1927

Author(s): J L Jaini, Ajitprasad
Publisher: Jaina Gazettee Office

Page 30

PERIODS IN THE HISTORY OF
JAINISM.
BY
Hiralal Jain M.A., LL.B. A CONNECTED history of Jainism has not yet been written, n and perhaps tne time has not even now come when the compilation of one might successfully be attempted. Inspite of the progress that Indology has made during the last century, Jainology has not yet advanced beyond the recognition of its importance among oriental studies; and the historical study of Jain religion and philosophy is comparatively young. But though a detailed history of the growth and decline of Jainism has to await further study and research, the work done up till now has already revealed to us the broad characteristics of the different periods in its long history of at least three thousand years. The periods may be arranged as follows :
1. Prehistoric. - Belore the 6th century B.C.
2. Early Historic.-- From the 6th century B.C., to the 4th century A.D.
3. Ancient Medieval.- From the 4th century B.C., to the 12th century A.D,
4. Medieval.- From the 12th century B.C., to the 16th century A,D. 5. Modern.- From the 16th century to the present day.
1. PREHISTORIC PERIOD. This extends beyond Lord Mahavira's time to the indeterminable past. It is owing to our insuisicient uncertain knowledge about the period that it has to be called prehistoric. It is now settled beyond dispute that Jainism had already had a long history in the time of Mahavira when the Jain church was reorganized
and all Jain knowledge was rearranged and systematised. The Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat