________________
15
JAINISM TRADITION AND CULTURE
-Santaram B. Deo
Evaluation of Mahavir
It would appear quite inappropriate to indicate minute details about the incidents in the life of Mahavir. On the other hand, it is self-evident that only the great events are noted barring a few minor incidents in the life of great man in various fields. Birth, marriage and death etc. are common factors (incidents) in the life of man. The personalities, although few, are marked by their extra ordinariness and philosophy and conduct. From this point of view, Mahavir's personality and the influence of his stiring qualities; to understood these achievements is itself an attempt at evaluation of his personality. His zeal and zest for asceticism, sharp intellect, the finest and highest type of self-sacrifice, convincing power of the subtle doctrines and above all to impress others with, fearlessness, lucid exposition in easy terminology, left an indelitie impression on the public in the present Bengal and Bihar, with a pure stamp of religious influence. From kings (Royal families) to the poorest, from cities to the villages from Brahmins to the untouchables and all people of all castes and religions, Mahavir had several disciples, establishing thereby a permanent niche in the history of India.
How and to what extent Mahavir's life and philosophy are comprehensive can be appreciated, after the evaluation of his activities. It is comforting and convincing to note that he emphatically declared that only the value of man is judged, not in the light of one's birth in higher caste or class, or by philosophical persuasion. As the Uttaradhyayana declared that Brahman is to be judged by the Brahmanic attributes, as much as a Ksttriya by his brave deeds, Vaisya by his business ethics; Sudra is judged by
