Jainism a Theistic Philosophy

Author(s): Krishna A Gosavi
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

Page 49

HISTORY OF JAINISM PRIOR TO MAHAVIRA
Dr. L.B. Keny refuted the statement of Mrs. Stevenson by saying that the Indian legends are not totally detached from historical traditions. The Jaina legends, therefore, contain latent historical facts though they are mixed up with traditions. The Jaina tradition of twenty four Tirthankaras must have a historical basis. A section of modern scholars doubts about the historicity of earlier Tirthankaras, and characterize them simply as mythical is unwise.
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There is no reason to disbelieve in historical probability in Jaina tradition of Tirthankaras, which can be definitely concluded, outside bounds of acceptable behavior of Vedic culture and religion from the Pre-Vedic and non-Vedic practices of people indigenous to India, pre-Aryan culture.'
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Another important and interesting account for Jaina tradition relates to the various emblems associated with the all 24 Tirthankaras. For example bull, elephants, snakes, lion etc. a total of 24 emblems for each 24 Tirthankara. It seems that these emblems, shown on their seats affixed, indicates tribal marks or totems. The 23rd Tirthankara Pārsvanatha has the snake as his emblem. Ancient Indian sculpture is filled with pictures of men and women having serpent hood over their head, which seems to represent people having the snake as their tribal mark. It is possible that the Pārsvanatha belonged to the tribe of Nagas. It is a well-known fact that in Indian literature fights between Aryans and Nāgas; and also Aryans offered Nāgas in sacrifices, burning them alive. Other marks like bull, crab etc. is also found to be associated with various tribes, and they reflect the environment of people from whole tribal group the Tirthankara hailed. Among other things, worship of funeral structures, tribal worship of dead, Śraddha offerings for the salvation
Dr. L. B. Kenny, "Religion and culture of Jains", by D. C. Sincar, on The Primitive in Jainism, 25th Feb. 1972
Dr. N. N. Bhattacharya, "Jaina Philosophy", Delhi 1999, P-76