Click to play videoJaipur: Rajasthan is home to the biggest Jain population the country and the community there is not happy with the amendment made to the Freedom of Religion Bill by the Modi Government in Gujarat.
The Jains are known for their quiet existence, making their presence felt through their heritage, architecture and as businessmen.
However, the amendment, which clubs Jains with Hindus, has rubbed this community the wrong way.
Surprisingly, the amendment comes soon after the Supreme Court said that Jains are not Hindus and despite the similarities between Jainism and Hinduism, the Jains don't think that they are essentially the same religion.
Says President, Bharatvarshiya Tirth Kshetra Samiti, N K Sethi, "Only 20 days after the Supreme Court passes a law, if the Assembly passes a Bill like this, it is a mockery of democracy. The Jain community is extremely upset about this. The Government should understand that the Jains are ahinsak (non-violent) but not cowards and we can go to any extent to fight for our cause."
This amendment has brought a bigger battle to the fore - of protecting Jain identity and Jainism as an independent religion.
Says a Jaipur-based Jain leader, Acharya Nirbhay Sagar, "First, we must understand where the word 'Hindu' came from. Jainism has existed long before this word came into being. This word was given by the British."
The community feels the Government has always taken them for granted because of their minority status. However, the amendment passed by the Gujarat Assembly is being seen as the final blow to their identity.
The Jains in Rajasthan may be a religious minority and strong believers in peaceful coexistence, but if the Government tries to challenge their identity as an independent religion, they will not take it lying down.
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