Studies in South Indian Jainism

Author(s): M S Ramaswami Ayyangar, B Seshagiri Rao
Publisher: M S Ramaswami Ayyangar

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EARLY HISTORY.
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superintendents says Asoka, are occupied with various charitable matters, they are also engaged with all sects of ascetics and householders. I have so arranged that they will also be occupied with the affairs of the Samgha. Likewise I have arranged that they will be occupied with the Ajivika Brahmans. I have arranged it that they will also be occupied with the Nigantha." Thus, during the time of Asoka the Jains who in earlier records are always known as Nigranthas or Niganthas, were deemed worthy and influential enough to be specially mentioned in Asoka's Edicts. The next great progress that was made by Jainism was in the south-eastern part of its original home. The famous Kharavēla inscription of the second century B.C. for the meaning of which we are specially indebted to Dr. Baghavan Lal Indraji, testifies to the advance of Jainism as far as Kalinga. In fact, after the missionary zeal displayed by Asoka in the cause of Buddhism, the centre of Jainism had shifted from Magadha to Kalinga where the faith prevailed, down to the time of Hiuen Tsang. At the same time, the equally famous Mathura inscriptions of the II century A.D. reveal the fact that Mathura was one of the chief centres of the Jain religion long before the I century A.D.. Thus, for nearly five centuries after the death of Mahāvīra, Jainism was making rapid progress in the various parts of Upper India. Interesting as it must be 'Beal, Life of Hinen-Tsang Vol. II.
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