Evolution of Jaina Sangha

Summary

J.C. Sikdar continues his study of the evolution of Jaina monastic orders (sanghas, ganas and gacchas) by examining the ecological and social factors that regulate their geographical distribution. He observes that different Jaina communities adapt to specific climatic, economic and cultural environments; they flourish only where conditions support their austere lifestyle. For example, Kashmir, Assam and parts of Bengal are too cold or wet, while deserts of Rajasthan are too hot and arid. In such places monks must modify practices: in Rajasthan they live in upāśrayas during the day to escape heat; in northern winters they wear extra garments; where daylight is scarce they take alms before sunset to avoid killing insects in the dark. Sikdar emphasises the importance of water, food and shelter: without adequate drinking water or grain, monastic communities cannot survive. He explains how temperature, rainfall and humidity influence both the monks and the lay households who support them. Social factors also matter: meat‑eating societies hinder Jain dharma, while regions with strong vegetarian traditions encourage it. The article notes that the Jain monastic economy is interdependent with lay populations; communities of monks (jaina‑sādhusamudaya) and laity form ecological niches, and natural barriers or cultural hostility restrict diffusion. Sikdar argues that the diversity of present‑day sanghas results from long processes of adaptation and selection analogous to biological evolution. Those with narrow tolerance ranges died out when conditions changed, while others with broader limits survived. He hints at future discussion by indicating that the article will be continued, suggesting that later sections might address social organisation and doctrinal evolution.