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Śramana, Vol. 58, No. 2 April-September 2007
Jahangir's relation with Spiritual Jaina Leaders
Dr. Nirmala Gupta
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Jainism is a living religion, but the description of Jainism throughout the Medieval-period is very scanty; moreover, the Jains are always described as Hindus. Jaina scriptures reveal that they were very particular about 'Ahimsa,' and were considered as a rich community and as bankers who used to finance the rulers and the nobles. There are ample of details available about the happy relation subsisting between the Mughal-rulers, Akbar and Jahangir, and the spiritual leaders of Jains. The unique collection of farmans is still preserved by various Jaina-Bhandḍāras and by the family of Seth Shanti Das Jawahari, the ancestor of the famous Nagara-Setha family of Ahmedabad. When the Ibädata-khanā used to be open for nonMuslim subjects, Jains were also invited. Abul Fazl knew it's doctrines, and so was Akbar. But, due to scanty information available on the participation of Jains in the debates, even many modern historians completely ignored it. Elphinstone, Von Noer, Mallesan and even Blochmann failed to notice the Jaina aspect of the question. In the list of the learned-men of the time, mentioned in 'Aine Akbari, one is Hariji Sur (most probably Hīravijaya Sūri), the other is Bijaysen Sur (most probably Vijayasena Sūri), and the third is Bhan Chandra (most probably Bhanucandra). Akbar had very good relations with the above mentioned Acaryas. 'Bhänucandra-caritra' also mentions that Abul Fazl studied, under his guidance, 'Sad-darśana-samuccaya', a treatise expanding the six systems of Indian philosophy.' Later on, many of the humanitarian regulations of Akbar and Jahangir have been ascribed to the Jain-influence.
Reader in History, Mahila Mahavidyalaya, B.H.U., Varanasi
