India history and geography

Source: Wisdom Library: India History

Nagadaha (or, Nāgadaha) refers to one of the 84 castes (gaccha) in the Jain community according to Mr. P. D. Jain. 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 Nagadaha), 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., Nagadaha) 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., Nagadaha) 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, and they were later seen as the progenitors of these castes. Various sources however mention differences in the list.

context information

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.

Languages of India and abroad

Nepali dictionary

Source: unoes: Nepali-English Dictionary

Nāgadaha (नागदह):—n. a lake that is said to have occupied the Kathmandu valley in ancient time;

context information

Nepali is the primary language of the Nepalese people counting almost 20 million native speakers. The country of Nepal is situated in the Himalaya mountain range to the north of India.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Full-text: Nagdah.

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Search found 1 books and stories containing Nagadaha, Nāgadaha; (plurals include: Nagadahas, Nāgadahas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Lakulisha-Pashupata (Philosophy and Practice) (by Geetika Kaw Kher)

History of Lakulisa-Pasupata order < [Chapter 1 - The Historical Context]

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