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126 :: Aspects of Jaina Religion
languages from very ancient times, they have certainly played a very important part in the development of the different languages of India. The medium of sacred writings and preachings of the Brāhmins has all along been Sanskrit and that of the Bauddha's Pali. But the Jainas alone utilised the prevailing languages of the different places, besides Sanskrit, Prakrit and Apabhramsha, for their religious propagation as well as for the preservation of knowledge. It is thus quite evident that the Jainas occupy an important position in the history of the literature and civilization of India.
2. Arts and Architecture
Along with literature the Jainas have always contributed considerably to the development of the arts in the country. The Jainas have taxed their mite to enhance the glory of India in several branches of arts. Compared with their number their contributions appear to be very imposing and distinctive. (1) Architecture
It must be remembered that Jainism did not create a special architecture of its own, for wherever the Jainas went they adopted the local building traditions. For example, while in Northern India the Jainas followed the Vaisnava cult in building in southern India they adhered to the Dravidian type. The stūpas of the Jainas are indistinguishable in form from those of the Buddhists, and a Jaina curvilinear steeple is identical in outline with that of a Brāhamanical temple.
Even though the Jainas have not evolved a distinct style of architecture, yet it must be said to their credit that they have produced mumerous and finest specimens of architecture in different parts of the country. In this regard it is quite clear that more than any other religion in India the Jainas have displayed their intense love of the picturesque while selecting the sites for the construction of their sacred buildings like temples, temple cities, cave temples, stūpas, pillars and towers. They have erected their temples either on lonely hill-tops or in deep and secluded valleys.
