________________
Chapter 1 Jain Society and National
Culture
Vias A. SANGAVE
From the social history of India it is clear that Tirthankara Mahavira ushered in a new era of hope and aspirations for the common people and succeeded in considerably changing the life, outlook and values of the people. He introduced various new concepts and ideas which revolutionised the entire course of life of the people. The significance of Tirthankara Mahavira lies in successfully effecting a social change and in making institutional and other arrangements for the perpetuation of his new social order. Obviously, the Jain Acharyas and thinkers continued to advocate this new social policy. Thus the Jains made remarkable contributions to the development of Indian Society and National Culture.
1. Establishment of Social Equality
The most significant contribution of the Jains in the social field was the establishment of social equality among the four Varnus, i.e., classes, prevalent in the society. Tirthankara Mahavira succeeded in organizing his large number of followers into a compact social order quite distinct from that of the Brahmanic social order of the Vedic period.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
