Jainism in India

Author(s): Ganesh Lalwani
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

Page 76

JAINISM IN RAJASTHAN
The Badli inscription is a sure enough proof of the prevalence of Jainism in Rajasthan in the 5th century B.C. But thereafter till the 6th century A.D. there is neither an adequate literary proof nor inscriptional support to testify its existence therein excepting its prevalence in the border areas of the Punjab, Sind, Gujarat, Uttarpradesha and Malwa. From this it may be inferred that during this period Rajasthan 'could not have remained totally free from its impact. From the 7th century A.D. through modern times, this religion has remained on a high pedestal in Rajasthan by the lofty personality of the sādhus, the cooperation of the rulers and the princes and the magnanimity of the rich business community. During this period many impressive temples have come up and many images installed therein ; innumerable scriptures have been codified and innumerable bhāndāras (store) for their upkeep established. Specially noteworthy has been its impact on the common people in this state who in consequence have given up the use of meat and liquor.
Jainism at the time of Mahavira-The genesis of the Indian history almost coincides with the time of Mahavira. At this time there was a powerful monarch in Sindhu-Sauvira named Udain who was a great devotee of Jainism and who had constructed a massive temple in his capital for offering worship. Once during his wanderings when Mahavira had visited his capital, the king joined the śramaņa order. At that time portions of Jaisalmir and Cutch were included in Sindhu-Sauvira.
It is known from an inscription (1276) obtained at Vinmal that Mahavira had himself come to Srimalanagar. Even the text of the Srimalamāhātmya reveals the flourishing nature of Jainism there. According to it Gautama became unhappy at the behaviour of the Brahmanas of Srimala nagar and went to Kasmir. On his return to Srimalanagar, he converted the vaisyas to Jainism.
From an inscription (1369) obtained at Mungsthala it is known that Mahavira had himself come to Arbudabhumi during the 37th year of his life. But this proof is of much later date and hence comparatively
less dependable.