Book Title: Jainism and Democracy
Author(s): Indra Chandra Shastri
Publisher: I A S S Jain Conference New Delhi

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Page 182
________________ TWO PHASES OF CULTURE 160 dividual and with the society in the form of caste of religion. Originally they were meant for refinement of personality and integration of society. But now they have become fetters, weakening the personality and putting obstacles in the free development of the individual as well as the society. The custom of untouchability began in the Vedic period as the result of communal hatred. The defeated aborgnies who in the beginning checked the advancement of invading Aryans, were named as Sudras and kept away from the social organization, of the conqueror. Whether justified or injustified, it had some significance at that time. But now after the lapse of thousand of years, when so many invading races have been mixed in the Hindu social order the continuance of that hatred is merely a blind passion to preserve an old evil. The ceremonies at marriage and death of an old person are undermining the economic foundation of individual and families. They have to incur debts for them. Thus not only themselves but their children and grand children are debarred from the necessities of life resulting into a weak society and nation. These customs are also preserved in so many taboos obstructing the free progress to go abroad or cross the ocean is still regarded as a sin by orthodox Pandits. The restrictions about food also have reached an extreme form which are not possible for a progressive society. Similarly superstictions and caste restrictions also are vital factors in that direction. Conclusion : We have stated in the beginning that infà (cülture) means a collective effort. It was a necessity in Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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