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Here again, the Bhagavati, when critically examined, proves to be an invaluable aid in establishing the different stages of this process of development.
So, finally, a chronology as suggested by Dr.OHIRA is by no means of interest for historians of Jaina literature only; by being forced to depart from contents and subjects rather than from criteria of language and metre, it automatically enters the domain of concepts and ideas and thus extends its scope beyond a mere chronologi. cal analysis.
During the preparation of the present monograph, Dr.OHIRA has had the advantage of constant consultation with Pt. Dalsukh D. Malvania. Furthermore she could use Dr.K.K. Dixit's publications on early Jainism. Her study is thus closely connected with the L.D.Institute of Indology in Ahmedabad and reflects the cooperation of scholars from the two countries. For more than one reason it deserves our closest attention.
Berlin, June 1993.
Klaus Bruhn Klaus Butzenberger
Jain Education International
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