History Of Jainism With Special Reference To Mathura

Here's a comprehensive summary of V.K. Sharma's "History of Jainism with Special Reference to Mathura":

Overall Scope:

This book provides a comprehensive survey of Jainism's history and development across India, with a particular focus on its significant presence and contributions in Mathura. It explores Jainism's origins, core doctrines, key figures (Tirthankaras), its spread throughout the country, and its impact on Indian culture, art, and architecture. The latter half of the book delves deeply into Mathura's role as a pivotal center for Jainism from the 2nd century BC to the 11th century AD and beyond, examining its influence on Jain canon, literature, iconography, and the continuous evolution of Jaina plastic art.

Key Themes and Content:

1. Introduction to Jainism:

   • Jainism is presented as one of India's oldest religions, with a tradition spanning 2,600 years, founded on principles of ahimsa (non-violence), truth, and righteous conduct.
   • It outlines Jainism's well-defined worldview, metaphysics, and ethical code.
   • The book discusses the diverse names Jainism has been known by throughout history.
   • It notes the economic influence of the Jaina community, primarily in trading classes, and their geographical concentration in states like Gujarat and Rajasthan.
   • The decline in Jaina numbers over the centuries is attributed to factors like internal evils, the advent of Islam, and loss of external patronage, despite significant contributions.
   • It addresses common misconceptions about Jainism, particularly its relationship with Buddhism and Hinduism, emphasizing its distinct philosophical and doctrinal foundations.
   • The core philosophical tenets of Jainism, including Anekantavada (the theory of indefiniteness of being) and Syadvada (the doctrine of "it may be so"), are highlighted, along with the central importance of Ahimsa.

2. Jaina Tirthankaras and Antiquity of Jainism:

   • The book discusses the Jaina tradition of 24 Tirthankaras, who are seen as spiritual guides and restorers of the Jain faith.
   • It tackles the scholarly debate surrounding the antiquity of Jainism, with varying views on whether Parshvanatha or Mahavira was the founder, or if the religion is indeed eternal as per Jaina tradition.
   • It presents details of the lives and times of the early Tirthankaras, providing their traditional biographical information.
   • The role of worship, particularly image worship, in Jainism is explained, with evidence pointing to its existence from the Maurya period (3rd century BC) onwards, with Mathura inscriptions from the 2nd century BC confirming its established practice.
   • The historicity of early Tirthankaras, especially Rishabha and Neminatha, is explored, drawing parallels and contrasts with Vedic and Puranic literature, and acknowledging the challenges in dating.
   • The text emphasizes that the historicity of Parshvanatha and Mahavira is beyond doubt, with Mahavira being a reformer of the order founded by Parshvanatha.

3. Post-Mahavira Period and Contributions to Indian Culture:

   • This section details the immediate aftermath of Mahavira's passing, including the organization of the Jaina Sangha and the succession of spiritual leaders.
   • It traces the geographical spread of Jainism across India, from its origins in Magadha to its establishment in western and southern regions, noting its royal patronage and eventual reliance on merchant classes.
   • The book highlights the schisms within Jainism, primarily the emergence of Svetambara and Digambara sects, discussing their differing practices and the historical context of their separation, likely around the 1st-2nd century AD.
   • Crucially, it outlines Jainism's significant contributions to Indian culture:
     • Ahimsa: The extreme emphasis on non-violence, influencing Indian society, leading to vegetarianism, and impacting figures like Emperor Akbar.
     • Humanitarianism and Moral Life: The promotion of compassion, charitable institutions (pinjara polis), and a strong ethical framework.
     • Philosophy: The development of unique philosophical concepts like Anekantavada and Syadvada.
     • Monastic System: A well-structured and influential monastic order that fostered spiritual leaders and maintained the faith.
     • Language and Literature: The creation of extensive religious and secular literature in various Indian languages (Prakrit, Apabhramsa, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada), significantly contributing to linguistic development.
     • Art and Architecture: A substantial contribution to plastic art and architecture, characterized by ornate temples (especially in Gujarat and Rajasthan), monumental free-standing pillars (manastambhas), commemorative towers (kirti-stambhas), and rock-cut caves.

4. Jainism in Mathura (2nd Century BC to 11th Century AD):

   • Mathura is identified as a principal seat of Jainism in North India during the early centuries of the Christian era, with a continuous history from the 2nd century BC to the 11th century AD.
   • The archaeological excavations at Kankali Tila are highlighted as pivotal in uncovering the history of Jainism in Mathura, yielding numerous sculptures, inscriptions, and architectural fragments.
   • The book discusses the Jaina stūpa at Kankali Tila, its construction, worship, and the debate surrounding its antiquity and dedication (likely to Parshvanatha, not Suparshvanatha as sometimes suggested).
   • It details the discovery and significance of Jaina temples and monasteries (viharas) at Kankali Tila, noting the early presence of Jaina shrines from the 2nd century BC.
   • The inscriptions from Mathura are analyzed, revealing the Jaina community's social composition (from diverse professions, including courtesans and foreigners), their religious fervor, and the structure of their monastic organization (ganas, kulas, śākhās, sambhogas).
   • The Kūshana period (1st-2nd century AD) is identified as the "golden age" of Jainism in Mathura, evidenced by the prolific production of Jaina art, particularly Tirthankara images, āyāga-paṭṭas, and architectural elements.
   • The character of Kūshana-period Jaina art is described: often nude, stylized, with limited facial expression, yet showing artistic skill in decorative elements and female figures. The nudity is linked to the monastic traditions rather than solely to the Digambara sect distinction, which may have been less pronounced or absent in Mathura's art during this early period.
   • Gupta period Jaina art shows an advance in artistic sophistication, with more graceful figures and elaborate halos, though the range of Jaina deities depicted is limited.
   • Post-Gupta and medieval periods saw the evolution of Jaina iconography with the introduction of lañchanas (cognizances) and attendants, but a decline in overall artistic expressiveness compared to the Gupta era.
   • The book notes the early existence of image worship and the use of symbols like stūpas and āyāga-paṭṭas as precursors to anthropomorphic representations.
   • The presence of foreign converts in Mathura during the Kuṣāņa period is inferred from unusual female names found in inscriptions.

5. Jainism in Mathura (11th Century AD to Present Times):

   • The period after the 11th century AD saw a decline in Jaina architectural activity in Mathura, likely due to political instability and invasions, particularly Mahmud of Ghazni's sack of the city in AD 1018.
   • Despite the destruction, some Jaina temples at Kankali Tila seemingly survived into the 11th century AD, as indicated by later inscriptions.
   • The city's decline meant a period of near absence of prominent Jaina activity until the 19th century, when influential Jaina patrons like Seth Raghunath Das revitalized the community.
   • The 20th century witnessed a significant revival, with the construction of multiple Jaina temples and dharmasalas, making Mathura a contemporary center of Jaina religious and cultural life, particularly around the Jambūsvāmī Digambara Jaina Siddhakṣetra at Chaurasi.
   • The book concludes by noting that despite sectarian divisions (Svetambara and Digambara), the core doctrines and discipline of Jainism remain largely consistent, and the Jaina community in Mathura, though small, is active and respected.

In essence, "History of Jainism with Special Reference to Mathura" offers a detailed historical and archaeological account of Jainism, highlighting its philosophical depth and cultural contributions, with Mathura emerging as a crucial hub for its artistic and religious evolution in ancient and medieval India.