Book Title: Jain Philosophy
Author(s): Virchand R Gandhi
Publisher: Agamoday Samiti

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Page 278
________________ 249 The noblest remains of sacred architecture, not in Mewar only, but throughout Western India, are Buddhist or Jain; and the many ancient cities where this religion was fostered have inscriptions which evince their prosperity in these countries with whose history their own is interwoven. In fine, the necrological records of the Jains bear witness to their having occupied a distinguished place in Rajput Society; and the privileges they still enjoy prove that they are not overlooked." The Jains are advocates of education. Their benefactions to Western education and in tellectual progress in India are well known. The University of Bombay owes to a Jain merchant the means of erecting a stately library and a grand campanile, which are among the chief ornainents of the city. The Calcutta University has received an endowment of two lacs of rupees from the same band. Another Jain merchant has recently bequeathed five lacs of rupees for establishing a Jain college. Female education in Gujarat depends almost entirely on Jain liberality. Many schools, libraries, and scholarships have been founded or endowed by Jains. Being devotedly attached to the religion of their ancestors, they have built sumptuous buildings and magnificent temples, the style of which commands the applause of the best architectural critics of Europe, Their most sacred place is Mount Shatrunjay, situated near Palitana, in Kathiawar. Its summits are en Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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