History Of Jainism With Special Reference To Mathura

Author(s): U K Sharma
Publisher: D K Printworld P L

Page 9

Foreword
Mathura was closely associated with the compilation of the Jaina canon also. It also participated in the great literay movement designated as the Sarasvati movement in the history of Jainism. The literary output of the Jainas religious as well as secular has been remarkable and Mathura had a fair share in its production. Mathura made a significant contribution to the development of Jaina iconography and the history of Indian art would remain incomplete without reference to Jaina art products of Mathura.
The second half of the book profusely highlights the main subject, i.e., Jainism in Mathura, a historical and cultural survey. The author has elaborately analysed the various aspects in a judicious way. He has rightly assessed that the division of Jainism into the Svetambara sect and the Digambara sect did not originate at Mathura although the issues of difference as in view, have been discussed in detail. Dr. Sharma has, however, avoided to pronounce his judgement on those delicacies which have casually appeared in art manifestations, and which may be interpreted from various angles.
He has rightly expressed concern over the circumstances in which the excavations at Kankali Tīlā, Mathura were conducted by Fuhrer. He has been rightly critical of his ill-conceived methodology and his sudden disappearance from the scene after the death of Buhler. The antiquity of Jainism was a hotly debated subject among European scholars in the nineteenth century, and to some extent it remains shrouded in mystery. Prof. H. Hartel of Berlin, who conducted archaeological excavations at Sonkh near Mathura from 1966 to 1974 (a work with which, I was associated for many years), told me that this controversy has still not ended.
The author has gone deep in his investigations and consulted almost all original and secondary sources. For a general reader the long list of footnotes may appear as somewhat overdozing, but for the researchers these references are of utmost importance.
This book is certainly a laudable contribution to the field of oriental studies, and Dr. Sharma has carved for himself a dignified niche in the galaxy of scholars by authoring a magnificent monograph on the history of
(5)
€
vii