The Antiquities of Orissa v1.c11.53

v1.c11.53

**Reply to the third objection:** The argument founded on the numerical inferiority of the Śaivas, is of little moment, inasmuch as it cannot necessarily lead to the conclusion that Śivaism is recent, and only recently gaining ground. On the one hand there are ample evidences in the Hindu Śāstras to show that it prevailed several centuries before the Christian era; and on the other, equally undoubted proofs may be adduced to show that Caitanya and his followers have, in later times, converted a great number of the worshippers of Śiva to adopt the Vaiṣṇava creed. In a country like India, where so many diverse forms of creeds and sects prevail, it is but natural to suppose that the relative proportions of the different classes of sectaries must constantly vary; but that cannot be an index to the origin of any particular form of worship. The number of Hindus in Kāśmīr is now very small, but that will not justify the supposition that Hinduism was not at one time the religion of its inhabitants.