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Misunderstanding vis-a-vis Understanding with reference to Jainism : 135
In certain places, devotion to Jina or to a particular Tīrthankara, even to Jain ascetics, ranked much higher than all the religious observances enjoined by the Śrutis and Smộtis. In fact, there is whatsoever no tangible evidence to show that Jainism branched off from the Vedic religion or from any of its later developments, at such and such time, nor there is any marked similarity between the fundamental doctrines and essential features of the two systems which might favour that possibility. Jainism with its the perfectly nonviolent creed, animistic belief, subtle and peculiar karma theory, rejection of a creator and the creation theory, and the like, is not only quite and original system but is also absolutely independent of all other systems.
In its origin, Jainism is not only non-Aryan and pre-Aryan, in the sense that these terms are now generally understood, but it is also primitive and absolutely indigenous. Prof. Jacobi says, "In conclusion, let me assert my conviction that Jainism is an original system quite distinct and independent from all others; and that, therefore, it is of great importance for the study of philosophical thought and religious life in ancient India."6 Dr. Radhakrishnan affirms that there is no doubt that Jainism prevailed even before Vardhamāna and Pārsvanātha. The Yajurveda mentions the names of three Tīrthankaras-- Rşabha, Ajitanātha and Aristanemi.'
A dispassionate study of the history of Indian literature reveals that the contributions of Jaina scholars to the development of literature is enormous. The fact that Lord Mahāvīra preached in the language of the masses seems to serve as a powerful inspiration to his followers to adopt such languages for disseminating knowledge and producing works of literary significance. It is on account of this fact that Jainas have been able to enrich the literature of different languages like Prākrta, Apabharamsa, Samskệta, Tamila, Kannada, Gujarātī, Rājasthāni, Hindi and others. Besides writting in different languages they have composed works on varied subjects.
So far as Jainas are concerned, their language of religion remained Prāksta for a very long time. The entire early literature, both
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