Jains Through Time

Author(s): Shilapi Sadhvi
Publisher: Veerayatan

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a religion which saps the martial virtues, enfeebles its followers, and leaves them incapable of self-defence. This is far from being the case. I know of no Jain king, minister or general who refused to fight for his country. On the contrary, Jain Emperors like Chandragupta (4th century BC), and Vikramaditya (1st century BC) contributed to protecting India from the fiercest of foreign invaders'. When Demetrius attacked Magadh, Emperor Kharvel led his forces into battle and routed the Greek.
Mauryan Emperor Chandragupta was a Jain
The last decade of 4th century BC saw the dawning of the golden age of Indian politics with the accession of that paragon of virtue, Chandragupta Maurya. After much debate, historians now agree that he was a Jain 10. There is ample proof of this. The great historian, Sir Vincent Smith, in the third volume of his work, The Ancient History of India, has written, 'By studying the rock edicts at Shravan Belgola, I am now disposed to believe that the tradition probably is true in its main outlines and that
The Jains through Time
Temples at Shravanbelgola
Chandragupta really did abdicate and became a Jain ascetic, under the guidance of Acharya Bhadrabahu." It is a historical truth that Chandragupta's reign saw a great expansion, unification and consolidation of political power in the country. It is said that a virtuous and devout king helps spread the religion he espouses. As Chandragupta expanded his empire, so Jainism expanded. He established more and more rock inscriptions, Jain temples, dwelling places and caves for Jain sadhus and sadhvis.
My records would be incomplete if I did not mention the prominent role of virtuous Jain acharyas in inspiring Jain emperors to perform great deeds and work tirelessly for
Pramukh Aitihasik Jain Purush Aur Mahilayen, Dr. Jyoti Prasad Jain, p.62 "Jain Itihas Ki Purva Pithika Aur Hamara Abhyuthan, Dr. Hiralal Jain, p.76
Jain Educ V-Smith, EHI p.146; Jain Itihas Ki Purva Pithika Aur Hamara Abhyuthan, Dra Hiralal Jain, p7Zse Only
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