Historio Cultural Data as Available from Samaraiccha Kaha

Author(s): Rasesh Jamindar
Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan

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Historio-Cultural Data as Available from Samaräicca Kabā
· · Rasesh Jamindar Importance of Literature
Though the archaeology, epigraphy, numismatics etc. are the most authentic and copious source-materials for writing our history; the equally important source of information is literature—both sacred and secular as well as folk-tales and folk-lores. These later were produced and preserved through the ages by different sects and religio-social communities. While such literature has more or less a religio-regional base or bias, it is certainly, no doubt, most useful material for reconstructing our history of the ages when archaeological sources are very meagre or none. Contribution of Jaina Community
The Jaina Community has contributed its mite to the history and culture of our country. Though they have hardly produced any special book on history form historical perspective, there are some books written by Jaina Āchāryas mostly after christ, no one would have any obvious reason to deny the presence of historical sense in their writings for they have to the extent developed the quality of historical understanding and exactness. For this reason the Jaina sources are also most remarkable for its vastness and variety. They do not only concem with earlier periods of our history but lay its arms over the whole range of historical times and are hugged to almost every phase and part of our vast country giving an opportunity of being buried under the file of manuscripts in many languages. No doubt the early Jaina literature was mostly in Prākrut; for it is true that Jaina Munis were and are fascinated in preaching the religious principles in the language of the people. The fact is that