A Further Note on the Svetambara and Digambara Sects of the Jains
By Kamta Prasad Jain
Summary
The article critiques Puran Chand Nahar's 1929 claims about the relative antiquity of the Svetambara and Digambara Jain sects, arguing his conclusions lack reliable references. It examines six key points: (1) The assertion that nudity (Digambara) predates clothed ascetics (Svetambara) is challenged by evidence of pre-Vedic nudity in Vedic texts (e.g., wind-girdled ascetics) and Buddhist literature describing naked Jains. (2) Ancient Jain images, often undifferentiated, show clothed figures, suggesting continuity rather than sectarian division. (3) The Digambara doctrine denying women’s spiritual emancipation is deemed a later development, linked to post-Buddhist-Mahavira reactionary trends. (4) Digambaras discarded Jain canonical texts, while Svetambaras retained them, aligning with Mahavira’s original teachings. (5) Mathura antiquities support Svetambara claims of originality. (6) Digambara conservatism, including exclusive paths to liberation, contrasts with Mahavira’s inclusive teachings and may explain their decline during the Muhammadan period. The article concludes nudity was an ancient practice, not introduced by Mahavira, and critiques the absence of pre-Vedic literature, noting scholarly debates about older non-Vedic texts. It emphasizes that Svetambara traditions align more closely with Mahavira’s teachings and canonical continuity, while Digambara innovations emerged later.
Conclusion
This analysis challenges Puran Chand Nahar's claims regarding the antiquity of the Svetambara sect, demonstrating instead that his arguments lack historical rigor. By examining Vedic, Prakrit, and Buddhist sources, the evidence reveals that nudity as a monastic practice predates Mahavira and was observed by earlier ascetic traditions, including pre-Mahavira Tirthankaras. The Digambara doctrine, which excludes women from full spiritual attainment, is identified as a later conservative deviation from Mahavira's original teachings. The document underscores the Svetambara sect's adherence to authentic Jain traditions and canonical authority, contrasting it with the Digambara sect's rejection of established texts. These findings highlight the importance of re-evaluating sectarian narratives through rigorous historical scrutiny, emphasizing the need to prioritize textual and archaeological evidence over unsubstantiated claims. The analysis ultimately reaffirms the Svetambara sect's alignment with Mahavira's teachings and the broader democratic ethos of ancient Jainism.