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Preface. The writer of this pamphlet has touched one of the most interesting problems to be found either in the history of India or in the history of religion. One who would make a chronologically accurate estimate of the era of Jainism is at some disadvantage from the first as the oldest authorities of the antiquity of Jainism-the “Purvas” have been destroyed by time. The task of restoring even their outlines is proceeding but slowly. Nevertheless enough remains to demonstrate the extreme antiquity of the venerable system.
It has in itself the true intrinsic evidence of an antique religion. Its ground-work is animism which in one shape or other is found at the thresholds of most old religions. But in Jainism it has a place such as it has secured no where else. It is the very backbone of the creed-an infallible indication
Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat
www.umaragyanbhandar.com
