Spread Of Jainism In Ancient India

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Spread of Jainism in Ancient India" by Ram Bachan Singh:

This work by Ram Bachan Singh provides a geographical analysis of the spread of Jainism in ancient India, covering the period from approximately 800 B.C. to 1000 A.D. The author posits that Jainism predates Buddhism and emphasizes the difficulty in tracing its early progress across India. Available inscriptions, particularly from Mathura and Orissa, and early canonical texts offer insights into its dissemination.

Key Concepts and Tenets:

• Sacred Locales (Tirtha/Tirtha Kshetra): Jainism, like many religions, designates certain places as sacred. These "Tirthas" or "Tirtha Kshetras" are sites where Tirthankaras (Jain spiritual leaders) were born, renounced the world, practiced austerities, attained omniscience, or achieved liberation. They are seen as places that guide one across the cycle of transmigration and remind people of virtuous lives.
• Digambara vs. Svetambara Divisions of Tirthas: The Digambara tradition categorizes holy places into Siddhakshetra (where Jinas or ascetics achieved liberation) and Atisyakshetra (sacred for other reasons). The Svetambara tradition, as seen in the 14th-century text Vividha Tirtha Kalpa, does not recognize this specific division, though it details numerous Jain Tirthas across India.

Spread and Significant Centers:

The book details the spread of Jainism across various regions of ancient India, highlighting key centers and influential figures:

• North India:

  • Varanasi: Considered the birthplace of Jainism around 800 B.C. and the birthplace of Tirthankaras Parsva and Suparsha. Parsva's teachings spread eastward, making Jainism a dominant force by the time of Mahavira.
  • Bihar and Uttar Pradesh: These regions were central to Mahavira's missionary work. Places like Vaisali, Rajgriha, Sravasti, Kausambi, Ahichhatra, Takshashila, Simbhapura, and Pava are mentioned as important Jain centers during Mahavira's time. The Kalpasutra provides details of Mahavira's movements and rainy season retreats in these areas.
  • Sravasti: An early and significant center, associated with Tirthankara Sambhavanatha and later a center for the Digambara sect.
  • Mathura: A major Jain center from the 2nd century B.C., showing profound influence with its inhabitants abstaining from killing, wine, and non-vegetarian food. Its popularity continued until around 1000 A.D., after which a gradual migration of monks to Rajasthan and Gujarat is noted.
  • Other Northern Centers: Kampilya (birthplace of Tirthankara Vimala), Sankasiya, and Devagarh are also mentioned as important sites.
  • Northern Extremities: Jainism was a minor sect in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Kashmir, though inscriptions and images indicate its presence.

• Western India:

  • Gujarat: Not the native place of Jainism, but it became a significant center due to the patronage of merchants. Mt. Shatrunjaya and Raivataka are mentioned in relation to Tirthankaras Adinath and Neminath. Brigukaccha (Broach) and Vallabhi were important centers, with Vallabhi becoming significant during the Gupta period. The migration of Bhadrabahu from Magadha to Gujarat in the 4th century B.C. is noted. Gujarat is highlighted for its numerous Siddhakshetras.
  • Rajasthan: Jainism reached Rajasthan before the 3rd century B.C., with Madhyamika mentioned as an early center. Vikramaditya's pilgrimage to Shatrunjaya and inscriptions from Badali (Ajmer district) suggest its early presence. Abu and Chitor are also noted as important Jain sites. The enthusiasm of traders helped Jainism maintain its hold in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
  • Maharashtra: Jainism was present from the Mauryan period, with Tagara (Ter) being a popular center. Jain images have been found in Ellora and Pattur. The Western Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas patronized Jainism. Nasik and Pratisthan (Paithan) had important Jain shrines.
  • Sindhu-Sauvira: Mahavira is noted to have visited this region, indicating early penetration of Jainism into Western India.

• Eastern India:

  • West Bengal: Jainism became a major religious sect in Eastern India under Mahavira. Undivided Bengal was a significant center from Mahavira's time, with mentions of Tamraliptika and Kottivarsa as important sites. The popularity is evidenced by discoveries from Bankura and Purulia during the Pala period. A Gupta-era inscription from Paharpur indicates an early Jain establishment. Jainism in Eastern India persisted until the late 10th century A.D.
  • Orissa: Likely introduced by Jain monks from Bengal around the late 5th century B.C. Mahavira visited Tosali. Inscriptions confirm Jainism's popularity in Kalinga, becoming the principal religion under the Mahameghavahana kings. The Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves remained popular pilgrimage sites for Jain monks.

• Central India:

  • Madhya Pradesh: By the 4th century A.D., Jainism was an all-India religion. Literary sources and sculptures confirm its popularity, especially during the Gupta period. Vidisa and Dasapura (Mandsor) were strongholds, with early Svetambara monks associated with Dasapura. The Jain caves of Ellora, excavated by 800 A.D., are a testament to its influence. Khajuraho inscriptions also point to its popularity. Bawan Gaja near Barwani is noted as a significant pilgrimage site.
  • The author notes that in Central India, unlike some other regions, ruling dynasties did not actively promote Jainism, similar to most of North India, where Shaivism and Vaishnavism dominated.

• South India:

  • Nirgrantha monks from Bengal and Orissa spread Jainism to South India, particularly to areas bordering the Bay of Bengal, within decades of Mahavira's demise. Jainism reached the Tamil lands before the end of the 4th century B.C.
  • Karnataka: Sravanbelgola and Kopana (Kopbal) are highlighted as ancient and significant Jain centers, with inscriptions confirming their importance from the 7th century onwards. Sravanbelgola is particularly noted for the presence of a community of Jain ascetics led by Bhadrabahu.
  • Tamil Nadu: The Silappadikaram and other Sangam literature provide valuable accounts of Jainism in the Cola, Pandya, and Cera kingdoms. Madurai district was a strong hold, with a grand Nirgrantha temple. Tinnevelly district, with places like Kalugamalai, was another important center. Brahmi inscriptions from the 3rd century B.C. and 1st century A.D. also indicate its presence.
  • Kerala: Nirgrantha temples existed in places like Vanji.
  • Andhra Pradesh: Saint Ajjanandi traversed parts of Andhra Pradesh, leaving inscriptions that confirm the presence of Jainism.
  • In contrast to North India, ruling dynasties in South India, especially in Karnataka, were active in patronizing and popularizing Jainism.

Conclusion:

The author concludes that Jainism was generally more popular in the Southern states than in most of North India, with the exception of Gujarat and Rajasthan, and a few other specific pockets. In North India, Jainism was "fighting a losing ground" due to the dominance of Shaivism and Vaishnavism. However, in Gujarat and Rajasthan, the continued hold of Jainism was largely due to the enthusiasm of the trading communities. The study highlights the extensive geographical reach of Jainism and its deep roots across the Indian subcontinent.