Jains

Jains (Jainas), the great trading class of West India, whose guilds date back to Buddhist times before the Mohammedan invasions. But they have long ceased to be true Buddhists, though preserving many traditions and even ceremonies of that religion. The later Jains suffered much persecution from the Brahmins for introducing foreign goods and artisans into the country. They admit caste, which is rejected by all Buddhists, but still use Pali as their sacred language. The Jains are very enterprising, and form numerous wealthy communities, especially in Rajputana and throughout the Bombay presidency.