________________
In the meantine the association addressed circular letters to the leading Munirajus and other gentlemen and sought their opinion in the matter. Blany of them sent in their replies.
The statement published liy Lalaji in the "Bande Matram" referred to by him in his letter appeared in Hindi and its transla'. tion is as under.
LALA LAJPAT RAIS REPLY TO JAINS
Various leading Jains sent letters to Lala Lajpat Rai objecting to his remarks made in his History of India, on Jainism, including a letter from Lala Teckchand Jain. Hony, Secy. of Punjab Jain Sabha Jaundiala Guru Distt., Anritsar. Lalaji has replied to him as follows and bas sert the letter to us with a view to publish eonie for the information of all the Jains as to the position of Lalaji and to avoid the necessity of replying to individual...... Editor, ande Matram" 14-10-23.)
DEAR SIR,
I received your ietter a few days back. As I was ill during the last days and at the same time busy in different ways I could not reply it earlier. I hope you would excuse me.
I am sorry to hear that my viens have wounded the feelings of the Jains. I need not assure you that I have not written this History of Irdia under prejudice for some special religious society ror have I done so with the aim of spreading a special doctrine. I have expressed such thoughts only as I thought to he correct horrstly ard fit to be mentioned from the historical point of view
I praise the resunciating girit of the Jains and their doctrine of "Anin sa.“ lint still I think that the teachings of Budhism and Jainism lave dipenuli iesponsih:le for the political degradation ot India.
I have framed this opinion after full consideration. I don't see it easy to change until and unless I am supplied more sound information to convince me of the otherwise.
