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[ The Jain Principle of Ahimsa
who had no weapons in his hands, for such a conduct mars the morality of war. Take off the external curtains of such wars and you will find the modest goddess of Ahimsa sitting there inside. Thus it is clear that the practise of Abimsa is not impossible in practical life; it is quite possible. We will give the following concrete example to prove the truth of our statement:
A few centuries back the Mohomedans attacked Anahil. apur, the capital of King Bhima II ( Called Bhola Bhima ) the last Chalukya king of Gujrat. The king was away from the capital at that time. Abhu, commander-in-chief was a Vanik (merchant or trader ) by caste. He was a Shravaka and was newly appointed to his post. No body trusted him for his valour. The queen was in utter despair as to what to do. At last assurance being given by Abhu, all the powers of conducting the war were given to him. The war was then declared. It was to begin the next day morning. The first day passed in preparation. Evening came, the Commander-in chief was under a vow. The time for prati-kramana ( A kind of expiatory prayer ) came; and, as it was improper to leave his place at that time, he began to observe his pratikramana silently seated in the howdah on the baek of his elephant. A soldier heard him muttering the words."जे मे जीवा विराहिया एर्गि iqar-align” and complained to his officer" Look here, Sir, The commonder-in-chief is muttering. " gisgar-
agar" in the battle field. What bravery can these tender hearted Shravakas can show on the battle field? The queen was immedi. ately informed of this fact but she could not do anything now. The day dawned and the battle began. Abhu attacked the enemies so cleverly that their army was smashed in a
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