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commonly used in Jainism and presents a bibliography of selected books in English on Jaina religion and culture. It is, therefore, hoped that the book will be useful both to the academicians and the general readers desirous to have an objective, correct and proper understanding of various facets of Jaina religion.
I am really glad to state that Padmabhushan Sahu Shriyans Prasad Jain, the most respected doyen of Jaina community in India, was extremely keen and determined to have such an authentic and introductory book in English for the benefit of interested readers all over the world so that they can have an adequate comprehension not only about the basic tenets of Jainism but also about the specific role played by Jaina religion in enriching the social life and culture in India. I am, therefore, very grateful to Sahu Shriyans Prasad for giving necessary inspiration and extending constant encouragement to me in writing this book.
I am also immensely grateful to Shri Ashok Kumar Jain, the Managing Trustee, and other respected members of the Bharatiya Jnanpith, New Delhi for publication of the book. Similarly, I am very thankful to Dr. Gokul Prasad Jain, the Deputy Director of Bharatiya Jnanpith, for making special efforts in getting the book published in such a nice manner and that too in a record time. Further, I am indebted to Shri Lakshmi Chandra Jain, the former Director of Bharatiya Jnanpith, Pandit Niraj Jain of Satna (M.P.) and Mr. Ramkrishnan of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bombay for their helpful criticism on the manuscript of the book.
I am greatly indebted to the well-equipped library of Rajaram College, Kolhapur. My thanks are also due to Shri Mohan Patil for preparing the neat typescript of the book.
Vilas Adinath Sangave
Sahu Research Institute, Shivaji University, Kolhapur Republic Day, 1990.
