International Jain Conference 1985 3rd Conference

Author(s): Satish Jain, Kamalchand Sogani
Publisher: Ahimsa International

Page 24

the society free from social ills. They have actively participated in the freedom movement of India and have played an important role.
In the field of Jaina art, Jainas have produced numerous and the finest specimens of architecture in different parts of the country. They have constructed temples, temple-cities, cave temples, stupas, pillars and towers. In the area of iconography the contribution of Jainas is also outstanding. Beautiful images of Tirthankaras and presiding deities carved on stone and metal have been preserved in Jaina temples and also in private collections. The colossus at Sravanabelgola, set-up by the great Camundaraya in 981 A. D. is world famous and has brought a distinctive cultural status to India. The Ellora Jaina caves constitute a unique specimen of the configuration of northern and southern features of Jaina art. Along with the Jaina monks and nuns, the role of lay-votary in Jainism has been of tremendous significance. A healthy process of mutual co-operation between the Jaina ascetics and lay-votaries has been maintained since the emergence of Jainism. It is to be borne in mind that if the followers of Mahavira dedicate themselves to the propagation of the Ahimsite way of life in socioeconomic sphere, an all-round progress can be effected at the national and international levels.
We are grateful to the learned scholars who have contributed their articles to this Souvenir. We express our gratitude to the Members of the Advisory Board and the Board of Editors, who helped us in getting this Souvenir ready for publication. Our thanks are due to Dr. G. C. Patni, Shri Gyan Chandra Khinduka and Sushri Priti Jain for assisting us in the press work. We are thankful to the members of the Souvenir committee, who collected advertisements for meeting the heavy expenses on its publication. We also record our thanks both to the Journal Press and Kapur Printers of Jaipur for its printing and timely completion.
Satish Kumar Jain
Chief Editor
Dr. Kamal Chand Sogani
Executive Editor