________________ Muni Shri Nagarajaji has presented a well-reasoned analysis of the problem of the contemporaneity of Mahavira and Buddha. He has critically examined the existing theories propounded by foreign and Indian scholars, and on the basis of the evidence contained in canonical literature of the Jainas and the Buddhists, has come to the conclusion that Mahavira was the senior of the two, who was born earlier, took to his mission earlier and attained the Nirvana earlier than Buddha. His dissertation is full of critical examination and interpretation of established literary evidence... The book fills a gap and will fulfill a great purpose. The learned Muni has brought to bear his erudition, critical judgement and dispassionate objectivity on the exposition of a difficult problem. It is all the more creditable that he has not allowed his religious bias to affect his conclusions and has relied on logic and concrete evidence in substantiating his point. The book is a distinct contribution to knowledge. Dr. Bisheshwar Prasad Head of the Department of History Delhi University. It is well-known that there is plenty of disparate evidence and conflicting traditional information as well as a plethora of controversy amongst scholars about the dates of the Nirvana of Buddha and Mahavira. Shri Nagarajaji has surveyed, in this respect, all the accessible material and different traditions, specifying duly the sources etc., and his conclusion that Mahavira attained Nirvana in 527 B.C. and Buddha in 502 B.C. seems to be quite consistent in itself....In fine, this work has become a veritable repository of useful information on Mahavira and Buddha, their times and doctrines. Dr. A.N. Upadhye, M.A., D. Litt. Dean of the Faculty of Arts Kolhapur University. The work is full of deep scholarship, penetrating criticism and originalities. It essays tackling problems which have not received due attention so far. and in my opinion, constitutes a most welcome contribution to the world of scholarship. _Prof. Dr. G.C. Pande, M.A., D. Phil. Head of the Deptt. of History and Indian Culture Rajasthan University. CONCEPT PUBLISHING COMPANY, NEW DELHI-110015 d onnemata 2010-05 For Private & Personal Use Only www.laineliborg
