Chaturtha: 1 definition
Introduction:
Chaturtha means something in the history of ancient India. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
Ambiguity: Although Chaturtha has separate glossary definitions below, it also represents an alternative spelling of the word Caturtha. It further has the optional forms Chāturtha.
India history and geography
Source: Wisdom Library: India HistoryChaturtha (or, Caturtha) refers to one of the 84 castes (gaccha) in the Jain community according to various sources. The associated place of origin is known as Charanapura (or, Charaṇapura). The Jain caste and sub-caste system was a comparatively later development within their community, and it may have arisen from the ancient classification of Brāhmaṇa, Kṣatriya, Vaiśya and Śūdra. Before distinction of these classes (such as Chaturtha), the society was not divided into distinct separate sections, but all were considered as different ways of life and utmost importance was attached to individual chartacter and mode of behaviour.
According to Dr. Vilas Adinath Sangava, “Jainism does not recognise castes (viz., Chaturtha) as such and at the same time the Jaina books do not specifically obstruct the observance of caste rules by the members of the Jaina community. The attitude of Jainism towards caste is that it is one of the social practices, unconnected with religion, observed by people; and it was none of its business to regulate the working of the caste system” (source).
The legendary account of the origin of these 84 Jain castes (e.g., Chaturtha) relate that once a rich Jain invited members of the Jain community in order to establish a vaiśya-mahāsabhā (i.e. Central Association of Traders). In response, 84 representatives came from different places (e.g., Charanapura), and they were later seen as the progenitors of these castes. Various sources however mention differences in the list.
The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as mythology, zoology, royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with: Chaturthahnika, Chaturthaka, Chaturthakagajankusha, Chaturthakala, Chaturthakanisudana, Chaturthakanivarana, Chaturthakari, Chaturthamsha, Chaturthaphala.
Relevant text
Search found 2 books and stories containing Chaturtha, Chāturtha; (plurals include: Chaturthas, Chāturthas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi (by Ganganatha Jha)
Verse 2.248 < [Section XXXI - Acquiring of Learning from the Lowest]
A comparative study between Buddhism and Nyaya (by Roberta Pamio)
4.3. Types of Consciousness < [Chapter 2 - The Four Buddhist Schools of Philosophy]