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In this connection, I am deeply indebted to my supervisor and guide Dr. Mukul Raj Mehta, Research Scientist, Department of Philosophy and Religion, Banaras Hindu University, who has been benevolently helpful and generous to me from the day I joined the University as a Ph.D. student. His illuminating guidance, constructive criticism. and painstaking corrections have resulted in bringing out the thesis in this form. I am grateful to him for his thought provoking questions coupled with easy answers. I am very much grateful to Pravartaka Muni Roop 'Rajat', a source of inspiration and encouragement in my studies. I am highly indebted to Yuvacharya Dr. Shivamuni, Dr. M.D.Vasantharaj, Dr. Jitendra B. Shah, Dr. Jayantilal Jain and Dr. K. C. Jain whom I have approached very often to find the solutions to the problems that arose, in my studies and research. I express my heart felt gratitude to all eminent scholars whose works have been referred to by me. Further, I would be failing to fulfil my duties, if I do not acknowledge the profound help which I have received from authorities of the University, various libraries and other institutions. I am very grateful to all who have cautioned me toward my studies. I owe to my mother late Bilam Bai Pukhraj ji Kothari who injected the religiousness in my mind and encouraged the activities. I also owe to my wife Ratan Kanwar (Ritu), daughter Preeti Kumari, son Dharmendra Kothari and my companions for their encouragement.
Delightfully and humbly, I submit this thesis to the world famous Banaras Hindu University for the award of the Ph. D. Degree with due respects to the authorities.
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