The Vīra Nirvāṇa Saṁvat: Ancient India's Oldest Calendar System
Prof Anekant KumarJain
In the rich tapestry of India's chronological traditions, one calendar system stands as a testament to the antiquity of Jain civilization yet remains relatively unknown in mainstream historical discourse. The Vīra Nirvāṇa Saṁvat, commemorating the spiritual liberation of 24th Tȋrthankara Bhagwān Mahāvīra, represents not merely a method of time-reckoning but a profound marker of cultural continuity that predates many of the world's most recognized calendrical systems. Recent archaeological discoveries and epigraphic evidence have brought renewed attention to this ancient era, challenging conventional assumptions about the development of systematic time-keeping in the Indian subcontinent.
Historical Origins and Establishment
Teerthankar Mahaveera attained Nirvāṇa (spiritual salvation) on the New Moon of Kartik Krishna month, coinciding with what is now celebrated as Diwali, in 527 BCE. The following day, Kartik Shukla Ekam, marked the official commencement of The Vīra Nirvāṇa Saṁvat calendar system. This dating places the Vīra Nirvāṇa Saṁvat chronologically earlier than other prominent calendars, including the Hijri, Vikram Saṁvat, Christian calendar, and Saka calendar.
The ancient origins of this calendar system are substantiated by multiple strands of evidence preserved within Jain traditions. Ancient scriptures and manuscripts composed in Prakrit and Sanskrit contain references to this era, while archaeological findings provide tangible proof of its historical usage. These sources collectively establish the Vīra Nirvāṇa Saṁvat as an integral component of India's chronological heritage.
The Vadli Inscription: Archaeological Evidence
Among the most compelling pieces of evidence supporting the antiquity and usage of the Vīra Nirvāṇa Saṁvat is inscription discovered in Vadli, a village in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan. In 1912, the distinguished archaeologist Dr. Gaurishankar Hirachand Ojha unearthed this significant epigraphic record. The inscription (in brāhmī script) explicitly mentions the Vīra Nirvāṇa Saṁvat, with the term "Vīra" serving as a reverential reference to Tȋrthankara Bhagwān Mahāvīra.
What makes this inscription particularly remarkable is its dating to the 84th year of the Veera Saṁvat, indicating that it was inscribed merely 84 years after Tȋrthankara Mahāvīra's Nirvāṇa. This temporal proximity to the era's inception lends credibility to the calendar's genuine antiquity and continuous usage within Jain communities.
Scholarly Perspectives and Historical Significance
The eminent historian Dr. Rajbali Pandey, in his authoritative work Indian Palaeography (page 180), observes that the practice of dating inscriptions did not exist in India prior to the reign of Emperor Ashoka (circa 268-232 BCE). The Vadli inscription, however, represents a notable exception to this general pattern. To date, no earlier inscription has been discovered that references any era system, which underscores the pioneering nature of the Vīra Nirvāṇa Saṁvat in the development of systematic chronological recording in ancient India.
This exceptional status of the Vadli inscription (which is currently preserved in the Ajmer Museum) elevates its importance beyond the confines of Jain studies, positioning it as a crucial artifact in understanding the broader evolution of historical consciousness and time-reckoning practices in the Indian subcontinent.
Conclusion
The Vīra Nirvāṇa Saṁvat, anchored by archaeological evidence such as the Vadli inscription, challenges us to reconsider the historiography of ancient Indian chronological systems. Its antiquity, predating several globally recognized calendar systems, demands greater scholarly attention and public awareness. As we continue to uncover and preserve such epigraphic treasures, we not only honor the memory of Tȋrthankara Mahāvīra's spiritual legacy but also enrich our understanding of India's diverse temporal traditions.
Prof. Anekant Kumar Jain
Professor, Department of Jain Philosophy
Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit University, New Delhi
टिप्पणियाँ