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FOREWORD:
The charge is often levelled against the Jainas that they are responsible for the downfall and degradation of India, and that their doctrine of ahimsa produces only cowards and weak-kneed men. The account of Jaina Kings and heroes within historical times that is given in the following pages should effectively give the lie to this charge. The Jaina rule of ahimsa does not demand that a man shall turn his back to the enemy on the battlefield. Ahimsa as taught by the great Jaina Teachers is thoroughly practical. They taught that ahimsa varied from stage to stage. Thus for the saint is enjoined complete ahimsa. Driving no benefit from anyone, state or individual, caring nothing for anything or anyone, except the progress and advancement of his soul, he follows the strait and narrow path of perfect ahimsa. But as regards the layman, he who lives in the world, Jainism recognises that for him complete ahimsa is neither possible nor practical. On him who lives in the world, who shares the benefits and duties that his country brings him, lies the duty of defending it against wanton attack. Religion, too, must be defended and protected. How is Religion to be preserved if its Temples and Scriptures are to be allowed to be dessed or destroyed by:
