Development And Impact Of Jainism In India And Abroad

Author(s): Gunvant Barvalia
Publisher: Arham Spiritual Center

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DEVELOPMENT AND IMPACT OF JAINISM IN INDIA GUJARAT STATE (CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN)
he was handed over the charge of Bank of Bombay. After this apointment the value of shares of the bank was increased. He constructed wells, troughs of water for cattles, atithigruhas, dharamshalas, panjara poles at Khandesh, Birar, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Saurastra. He donated six lakh rupees to the Governor for the development of Bombay University. From this amount two lakhs were spent for the construction of the tower in memory of his mother and it was named 'Raj bai Tower.' At present this tower is a symbole of Mumbai. Two lakhs were spent for the construction of the library. He also donated four lakh rupees to the Calcutta University. Scholarships were awarded to five graduates from the interest of the donation. Sir Surendranath Banerjee was one of the receiver of this scholership. Sheth Premchand also donated for his native - Surat. He constructed Sheth Raychand Dipchand Girl's School, Dharamshala, Jain Temple and Victoria Garden. He spent four lakh rupees for the construction of schools at Bharuch and Ahmedabad. For the construction of Jain Bhojashala at Mumbai he spent five lakh rupees. He donated eighty thousand rupees for the training college at Ahmedabad. His name is attached with this college and at present it is known as Premchand Raychand Training College.
The above study shows the development and impact of Jainism in central and southern Gujarat. Temples built by Jains are for their religious faith and belief. But the educational buildings, hospital, garden were built by them are for the all people of the state. It suggests that their religious faith was resulted in public welfare activities. They have spent their money not only for their religion but also for public institutions. The people of these regions will owe to Jainas forever. Reference Books.
Jain Tirth Sarva Sangrah Part. I Pandya Yatin, The Ahmedabad Chronicle Commissariat, M.S. Imperial Mughal Farmans in Gujarat. Bhutodia, Mangilal, Itihasni Amarvel Oshawal
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