Mohenjo-Daro: Jaina Tradition and Evidence
Summary
This article by Acarya Vidyanandi builds a strong argument that many spiritual, cultural, and iconographic features of the Indus Valley Civilization—especially those found at Mohenjo-Daro—are closely aligned with the Jaina tradition. The author contends that Jainism is not a later historical development but an ancient, continuous tradition rooted in the prehistoric past of the Indian subcontinent. Key Points: 1. Jaina Elements in Mohenjo-Daro Civilization i) Meditative Postures: The seated and standing yogic postures depicted in Mohenjo-Daro sculptures (e.g., kayotsarga) resemble Jain meditative practices. ii) Ahimsa and Vegetarianism: Evidence of non-violent lifestyles and absence of large-scale animal sacrifice in Indus sites aligns with Jain ethics. 2. Iconographic and Symbolic Links i) Svastika, Naga (serpent), bull, and tree motifs present in Indus seals and artifacts are also prominent in Jain imagery. ii) The paper highlights that these symbols appear in Jain temples and rituals long before their incorporation in other Indian traditions. 3. Critique of Vedic Centrality The author critiques the assumption that Indian religious traditions must be traced to Vedic roots, arguing that Jainism preserved a parallel, non-Vedic stream of spiritual thought that predates or bypasses Aryan religious influence. 4. Continuity of Ascetic Culture Discusses how Jaina values like renunciation, non-possessiveness, and austerity have parallels in Harappan artifacts and settlement patterns, implying a long-standing ascetic culture that found later articulation in Jainism. 5. Scriptural Support References Jain texts like the Kalpasutra and Acaranga Sutra to show continuity in worldview and practice with the archaeological evidence from Indus Valley sites. 6. Seal A seal is described here with Rsabha with a trishula (symbolising the triratna) behind him and Kalpavriksha twigs. His son, emperor Bharata, is kneeling before him with folded hands. A bull stands behind him as the symbol of Rsabha. A council of well-dressed seven ministers is also depicted. 7. Language The article also refers to the use of Prakrit in Jainism, the language of the common people, and Ardhamagadhi. This contrasts with the use of Sanskrit in Hinduism.
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Conclusion
Acarya Vidyanandi concludes that Mohenjo-Daro and other Indus Valley centers were not only technologically advanced but also spiritually refined cultures deeply aligned with Jaina principles. He argues that Jainism is a pre-Vedic, indigenous religious system that preserved the values of the Harappan civilization, making it one of the oldest continuous spiritual traditions in the world. A seal is described and interpreted to support this argument.