________________
68
SUJATA MENON
SAMBODHI
the emergence and growth of modern education for females among the Jain Community of Gujarat during the second half of the Nineteenth Century (18501900). This co-relation is substantiated by looking into the life and times of two leading Jain Gujarati women of the period under review.
In western India, the Jain community is largely concentrated in the region of Gujarat. Since the time of Solonki rulers who patronized Jainism, Gujarat has been the chief centre of settlement of Jains. Certain characteristics found among the Jains had made them a distinct community. Chief among them was the influence of religion in the lives of its people. Jainism made a deep impact on every aspect of life of its followers. Religion had played a major role in moulding the way of life of this community especially in four major areas - occupation, food, education and public service.
The chief noble principles of Jainism - Non-violence (Ahimsā) and vegetarianism had a lasting effect in the minds of Jainas. It was due to the principle of non-violence, Jainas avoided professions involving harm to living things like agriculture. Most of the people from this community took up trading and business activities as the main professions. Due to their large scale indulgence in trading activities, Jainas came to be known as a trading people of Gujarat. Most of the commercial prosperity of Gujarat was attributed to this community who created age-old business environment in this region. Natural corollary to this principle of non-violence was vegetarianism. If vegetarianism has come to stay in most of the families of Gujarat, the credit in large measures goes to Jaina Monks. Being staunch vegetarians, the people of this community to a large extent known for leading a clean life, unaffected by practices like drinking, gambling and so on. Another significant features of Jaina community is the social position of women. Generally the position of women in Jaina society is relatively better than the Hindu women. Like Hindu scriptures, in Jaina literature too Women were either denounced or praised. However the contemptuous remarks made against women in Jaina literature were with a view to warn off the lustfulness to keep aloof of feminine charms. What made Jaina women status distinct from Hindus was the aspect of complete religious freedom. Jainism grand complete freedom on women to enter the orders. Women could become ascetics and attain the highest religious state Thirthankarhood. This element of religious freedom acted to their advantage in the widowhood stage during which women could pass the time pursuing religious matters.
Jain Education International
For Personal & Private Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
