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Studies in Jainology, Prakrit
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nikkanda (nirgrantha), samanar (śramanas) etc. The term palli, in usage cvcn to this day, (formerly meaning Jaina religious establishment) has left a permanent mark on the cultural life of the Tamil people. The term pallichanda (grant of a village to Jaina monastery or temple), found in inscription and literary works, indicates the wide practice of the vow of gift or charity (dāna) by householders. The great Tamil epic 'Silapppadikāram' (Topic of the Anklet) by Ilango Adiga! is richly nurtured in the Jaina atmosphere, with Kuvanti, one of the principle characters, as a Jaina nun, Kovalan as a Śravaka, an avowed attempt at often inculcating the sublime Jaina doctrine of non-violence. The Tirukkural, the most valued product in Tamil literature and claimed as a world classic, is replete with the Jaina principle doctrines like non-violence and vegetarianism, with notable stress on social virtues like truth, compassion, charity, and with highlighting the greatness ascetics and duties of the householder to himself and the society at large, to the extent that its author, Tiruvalluvar is claimed, and accepted by many scholars, as a Jaina, Elacarya - a disciple of the renowned Acārya Kundakunda.
To recapitulate and sum up, from the advent of Jainism into the Tamil land (C. 400-300 B.C.) until the Saivite and Vaisnavite reaction (700-800 A.D.), the Jainas have zealously contributed their sizablc mite towards building and healthy growth of Tamil çuture, that has carned its own distinct place in the colourful cultural map of India.
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