________________
APPENDIX.
187
This practically disposes of the wrong notion that Jainism is a daughter of Hinduism; but as the origin of the Vedas is likely to throw considerable light on the point, we shall now endeavour to trace out their source from the point of view of rational thought.
Modern research conceives the Vedas as a collection of the outpourings of the human mind in its infancy when mankind feared the elements, and were ready to fall on their knees to propitiate all kinds of physical forces, personified as gods and goddesses. The state of civilization attained by the Hindus, as is evident from the intrinsic evidence furnished by the Vedas themselves, however, sufficiently disproves this notion. For the authors of the sacred hymns were not primitive men or savages, in any sense of the term, and cannot be said to have fallen down before fire (Agni) and other forces of nature in wonder and awe. According to one European writer:
“The country occupied by the Aryans was peopled by various tribes, and divided into numerous principalities. Many names of kings occur in the Vedas ..... Mention is made of purpati, lords of cities, and gramani, heads of villages ..... References are made to well-dressed females and to well-made garments. From these passages and others relating to jewels, it may be gathered that considerable attention was already paid to personal decoration. The materials of clothing were probably cotton and wool. The form of the garments was much about the same as among the modern Hindus, A turban is mentioned. References to needle and sewing suggest that made dresses were not unknown...... Iron cities and fortifications are mentioned. ...Intoxicating liquors are mentioned in the hymns. Nearly a whole mandala of the Rig Veda is devoted to the praise of Soma Juice. Wine or spirit, sura, was also in use.
“The chief occupations of the Aryans were fighting and cultivating
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
