3. The indian and the ice

Ignorance is often to blame for disbelief. Mankind usually needs to see things happen, experience them before acknowledging the reality of things. If enough people acknowledge this event/thing/occurrence, it is more likely that the nay-sayers will come to believe in the truth. Sort of a herd instinct, faith based on majority opinion or the opinion of the trusted ones. This is also how we study and teach, especially at the primary and secondary school levels, especially for Physics and Chemistry. High school kids won't see molecules or see chemical bonds in organic fuels - they read, study and accept, and pass exams in the trust that that is the truth - the truth built on the basis of sufficient believers. So it isn't Dhara's fault for doubting Mahavir, not yet.