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OCTOBER, 1982
manuscripts preserved in the Jaina Bhandaras they would have been practically lost. The value of these commentaries is obviousin reconstructing the literary history of our country.
Art and Architecture
Jaina monuments of different types have no less value than contemporary architectural remains. In the study of ancient art and architecture and in the evolution of various styles, numerous Jaina monuments and works of art should prove useful.
Iconography
Jaina iconography is an important subject of ancient Indian iconographic art. There is a large number and variety of Jaina icons and there is also very rich material in the Jaina texts on the subject.
Numismatics
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A study of coins, seals, dynastic or royal ensigns of some of the ancient kings, ruling dynasties or republican states, in the light of distinctive Jaina religious symbols and mystical signs is likely to prove helpful in numismatic studies and in identifying those rulers as also in determining their religious bias.
Epigraphy
Innumerable Jaina inscriptions found inscribed on the pedestals of images, on nisadyās, stūpas, māna-stambhas, āyāgapaṭṭas and metalic yantras, in temples, places of pilgrimages, ancient sites and other places and those that exists in the form of donative tablets or copper plate grants are scattered all over the country. Like the Jaina manuscripts, most of the inscriptions are also dated.
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