Legacy of the Shramans in Ancient Times
By Gp. Capt. V. K. Jain
RV is accepted as the oldest extant composition in the World. It contains references to Munis and Rishis. The latter are accepted as belonging to the Vedic stream, whereas the former i.e. the 'Munis' are accepted as belonging to the 'Shraman' stream. RV also contains references to Lord Rishabhdeo (Keshi) regarded as the 'Adishraman' by his followers. Srimad Bhagwat enunciates the story of Lord Rishabhdev in great detail. References are also available establishing 'Shramanic' links with the world outside the present confines of the Indian sub-continent. The advent of the Aryans in India is accepted to be post-Harappan and the Vedic people are equated with the Aryan people. The Indus script (incl Harappan) has defied decoding so far. But the objects found during the excavations give rise to a definite feeling that some of them, Kayotsarga figure/trident etc have a positive 'Shramanic' origin.This raises the tantalizing question about the existence and role of the 'Shramans' during pre-Vedic, ancient times. It is an aspect of History which has not been fully explored and researched.
The aim of the research project on the above subject must be to locate all possible references connected with 'Shramanic' way of life, whether within the Indian Boundaries or outside and to see if it is possible to account for the dark period of History, specially Indian, (through the available evidence) by way of "Shramanic' system. There is no doubt that post-RV, there has' been a substantial effect of Shramanic philosophy on the Vedantic/Upanishadic writings. It is indebted to the Shramanic thought for the concept of Moksha and non-violence etc. Even Krishna in Gita has decried indulgence of the Vedic people in "karma-kand' in the "Yagyas' with a view to secure Swarga and the pleasures of life (Chap II, Slokas 42-46).
There isla further evidence to show that the language, used in RV is not 'Sanskrit' but an allied language 'the Chhandas 'Over a long period of time since RV was first composed till the time it assumed its final form, there have been a lot of changes in content and the language. According to some Historians, the original language of RV is closer to the language of the Zoroastrian 'Gathas' than Panini's Sanskrit. This poses an entirely different perspective to the language of different ethnic and regional groups in the Indo-European belt.
I have no doubt that this subject needs to be taken up for a comprehensive research & study for collation and analysis of all the relevant evidence/whether historical or mythological stories) to evolve, if possible, a plausible answer to the many un-answered questions and the grey areas of the subject history.
It will be necessary to get a pilot study done to understand the extent and scope of work involved and also its feasibility.
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Author : Gp. Capt. V. K. Jain, 572, Asiad Village, New Delhi-110049
Tele : 26493538, Mobile : 9811449431, E-Mail : vkjbhabu@rediffmail.com
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