Indian Antiquary Vol 09

Here's a summary of the provided Jain text from the Indian Antiquary, Vol. 9, focusing on its content and relevance to Jainism:

Overall Context:

The Indian Antiquary, Vol. 9, edited by Jas. Burgess, is a journal of Oriental research covering a wide range of topics including archaeology, epigraphy, ethnology, history, folklore, languages, literature, numismatics, philosophy, and religion. This particular volume, published in 1880, features contributions from numerous scholars, and while not exclusively a Jain text, it contains several articles and mentions that are of interest to Jain studies.

Relevance to Jainism:

While the provided excerpt doesn't contain a dedicated "Jain text" in the sense of a specific scripture or treatise, it offers insights into the broader religious, cultural, and historical landscape of ancient India where Jainism was a significant presence. The following points highlight the relevance:

• Mention of Jinas and Tirthankaras: In the article "THE SWASTIKA" by E. Thomas, there's a discussion about the Swastika symbol and its use in Buddhist and Jaina iconography. The author notes that the Swastika is found in the "authoritative discrimination of the succession of their saints" within Jainism, specifically mentioning Parvanatha (the 23rd Tirthankara) and Mahavira (the 24th Tirthankara) and their respective doctrines. The text also refers to Jaina Tirthankaras being represented with similar characteristics to Buddha, such as short hair and elongated earlobes.
• Nigantha Nataputta and Jainism: The article "ON MAHAVIRA AND HIS PREDECESSORS" by Prof. Hermann Jacobi directly addresses the identification of Nigantha Nataputta with Mahavira, the founder of Jainism. It delves into the historical and linguistic evidence, discussing the Pâli and Jaina Prakrit forms of the name and the doctrines attributed to Nataputta by Buddhist texts. Jacobi's analysis suggests that Nirgranthas (Jain ascetics) likely existed before Mahavira, and that Mahavira may have been a reformer rather than a founder. The discussion also touches on the cháturyáma dharma of Parsva, Mahavira's predecessor, and the panchayáma dharma of Mahavira's reformed creed. The text highlights the close relationship and potential mutual influence between early Buddhism and Jainism.
• Folklore Parallels: The "Folklore in the Punjab" section by Mrs. F. A. Steel and Lieut. R. C. Temple, and other folklore articles, while not directly Jain, provide context for the cultural milieu in which Jainism existed. The shared themes and motifs in folklore across different religions of India offer indirect insights into the broader cultural landscape.
• Archaeological and Epigraphical Evidence: The volume extensively features Sanskrit and Old-Canarese inscriptions from sites like Aihole and Nepal, as well as descriptions of temples and archaeological finds. While these are primarily related to Hinduism and Buddhism, such detailed documentation of ancient Indian sites and inscriptions is crucial for understanding the historical development and interactions of all religious traditions, including Jainism, in ancient India. The identification of ruling dynasties and their patronage of various religious sects can shed light on the spread and influence of Jainism.
• General Oriental Research: The overall nature of the Indian Antiquary as a journal of "Oriental Research" means that any volume will inevitably touch upon aspects of Indian civilization that are intertwined with Jainism, even if not directly focused on Jain scriptures.

In summary, while Volume 9 of the Indian Antiquary does not present a singular Jain scripture, it provides valuable context and specific mentions related to Jainism through discussions on:

• Tirthankaras and Jain doctrines.
• The historical figure of Mahavira and the origins of Jainism.
• The shared cultural and symbolic landscape of ancient India, where Jainism was a prominent religious tradition.
• Archaeological and epigraphical findings that indirectly contribute to the understanding of Jain history and its interactions with other religions.