DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.2371#0209
187
CHAPTER II.
CAVE TEMPLES &a, IN KATHIAWAR.
Introductory.
The peninsula of Kathiawar in Gujarat, the Saurashtra of earlier
times and the Anarta of the Pauranik legends, with its Kolis,
Rabaris, Ahirs, and other non-Aryan or mixed tribes, seems to
have become, at a very early date, a great stronghold of Buddhism,
just as in the present century it has so largely embraced the doctrines
of Narayan Svami. Its famous Mount Revati or Ujjayanta, now
Girnar, was, in all probability from the earliest times, looked upon
as an abode of the gods—the Olympus of the pastoral inhabitants
of the surrounding plains. As early as Asoka's time it had at-
tracted the attention of the Buddhists, and at its foot he caused
to be incised, on a mass of rock, his famous edicts in favour of
Buddhism. The first opens thus :—
" This is the edict of the beloved of the gods, the Raja Priyadarsi :
—The putting to death of animals is to be entirely discontinued,
and no convivial meeting is to be held, for the beloved of the gods,
Raja Piyadarsi, remarks many faults in such assemblies, &c."
In the second tablet he states that, in his whole kingdom and in
neighbouring countries, the kingdom of Antiochus, the Grecian, &c,
a system of care for the sick, both of men and beasts, has been
established. In the third, that " in the twelfth year of his inaugura-
' tion in the conquered country " it was ordained to hold quinquen-
nial expiations for the enforcement of moral obligations. In the
fourth he proclaims the dharma or religious duty, including the
sparing of animal life, the gentle treatment of all creatures, respect
for relatives, Brahmans, monks, obedience to parents, &c. In the fifth,
dated in his thirteenth year, Dharma Mahamatra or great officers of
morals are appointed. In the sixth he speaks of official inspectors
PuWic places, &c. In the seventh, that ascetics are not to be
molested. In the eighth, that himself leaves off hunting and takes
e Jght m charity. In the ninth he decries all superstitious obser-
Tances to bring luck, declaring that the performance of social duties,
CHAPTER II.
CAVE TEMPLES &a, IN KATHIAWAR.
Introductory.
The peninsula of Kathiawar in Gujarat, the Saurashtra of earlier
times and the Anarta of the Pauranik legends, with its Kolis,
Rabaris, Ahirs, and other non-Aryan or mixed tribes, seems to
have become, at a very early date, a great stronghold of Buddhism,
just as in the present century it has so largely embraced the doctrines
of Narayan Svami. Its famous Mount Revati or Ujjayanta, now
Girnar, was, in all probability from the earliest times, looked upon
as an abode of the gods—the Olympus of the pastoral inhabitants
of the surrounding plains. As early as Asoka's time it had at-
tracted the attention of the Buddhists, and at its foot he caused
to be incised, on a mass of rock, his famous edicts in favour of
Buddhism. The first opens thus :—
" This is the edict of the beloved of the gods, the Raja Priyadarsi :
—The putting to death of animals is to be entirely discontinued,
and no convivial meeting is to be held, for the beloved of the gods,
Raja Piyadarsi, remarks many faults in such assemblies, &c."
In the second tablet he states that, in his whole kingdom and in
neighbouring countries, the kingdom of Antiochus, the Grecian, &c,
a system of care for the sick, both of men and beasts, has been
established. In the third, that " in the twelfth year of his inaugura-
' tion in the conquered country " it was ordained to hold quinquen-
nial expiations for the enforcement of moral obligations. In the
fourth he proclaims the dharma or religious duty, including the
sparing of animal life, the gentle treatment of all creatures, respect
for relatives, Brahmans, monks, obedience to parents, &c. In the fifth,
dated in his thirteenth year, Dharma Mahamatra or great officers of
morals are appointed. In the sixth he speaks of official inspectors
PuWic places, &c. In the seventh, that ascetics are not to be
molested. In the eighth, that himself leaves off hunting and takes
e Jght m charity. In the ninth he decries all superstitious obser-
Tances to bring luck, declaring that the performance of social duties,