________________
अनेकान्त 67/2, अप्रैल-जून 2014
and technical literature pertaining to astronomy, astrology, cosmology, mathematics, geography, economics, grammar, logic, philosophy, poetics, lexicography, etc. Much of this literature which put Shramanic values to the fore emphasizes misery and sufferings in the world (Samsar) and the ways to overcome them not through sacrifices and priestly help but through good moral conduct and compassion. Through their writings the Jains have enriched not only the ancient languages such as Sanskrit, Prakrit and Apabhramsa, but also many modern Indian languages, namely, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Kannada, Tamil and Telugu. Much of this vast Jain literature continues to be stored in innumerable Jain temples and Shastra bhandaras, and remains unclassified and unpublished as yet (Balbir et al. 2006: Bhargava 1968: 226-55; Jain 1991).
23
Jains' contribution to Indian arts and architecture is no less significant. Their contribution in these fields covers various architectural forms such as temples, cave temples, temple cities, pillars (manasthambhas) and towers, sculptures, and a wide variety of paintings, frescoes, and manuscript-illustrations (See Chandra 1949; Nagar 2000). Building temples has been a matter of utmost pride for the Jains. Dilwara Jain temples at Mt. Abu, Ranakpur Jain temples, temples at Khajuraho, ancient cave-temples of Udaigiri and Khandgiri, cave-temples of Ellora, temple cities of Shantrunjaya (Gujarat), Girnar (Gujarat), Sammedshikhar (Bihar), Sonagiri (M.P.), Mudabidri (Karnataka), the Bahubali statue at Shravanbelagola (Karnataka), the Kirti-Sthambha at Chittor are some of the best examples of the Jain architecture (See Singhvi and Chopra 2002). Most of these monuments, particularly the temples, had been funded by single wealthy individuals. As temple construction is considered a meritorious act, scores of temples are being built annually by the Jains all over India, in spite of the fact that their heritage monuments are being neglected in the absence of proper funds and management. Needless to say, the Jain heritage, both physical and socio-cultural needs to be appreciated and preserved.
A majority of Jains have always enjoyed relative economic affluence and a high social status due to the fact that they have been traders, merchants, or bankers. A nineteenth century observer went to the extent of claiming that "half the mercantile transactions of India pass through their hands" (Thornton 1898: 40). Be that as it may, the Jains continue to make
