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APPENDIX. The origin of the creed of Tirthamkaras, that is Jainism, has been a fruitsul source of speculation and error for the Orientalists who have advanced all sorts of hypotheses concerning its rise. It was at one time thought that it originated as an off-shoot of Buddhism in the sixth century A. D., and the history of India which is taught in our schools still continues to make that statement. Recent research has, however, fully demonstrated the fact that it has existed at least from 300 years before Buddha, and modern Orientalists are now agreed on the point that Bhagwan Parasva Nath Swami, the twenty third Tirthankara, is not a mythical figure, but a real historical being. It'is not necessary to cite much authority in proof of the above statement, the following quotations being quite sufficient to demonstrate the fact that Buddhism cannot possibly be regarded as the source of Jainism.
“We cannot," said Dr. T. K. Laddu,* "trace any reliable history of Jainism beyond Vardhamana Mahavira. This much, however, is certain that Jainism is older than Buddhism and was founded probably by some one, either Parasvanatha or some other Tirthamkara who had lived before the time of Mahavira."
Mahamahopadhyaya Dr. S. C. Vidyabhushan is equally clear on the point and writest:
" It may be held that Indrabhuti Gautama, a direct disciple of
*See the 'Fall Text of the Address by Dr. T. K. Laddu,' published by the Hon. Secy.. Syadvada Maha Vidyalaya Benares.
See The Jaina Gazette, Vol. X. No. 1.
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