________________ DR. SUSHILA PANT'S COMMENTS ABOUT THE BOOK The present volume is a rare record of the Jain Sanctuaries of Gwalior. It really narrates the untold story by the unknown karma 'silpins', the propogators of peace and Ahimsa. One of the eminent and distinguished scholar of Jainology Dr. T.V.G. Sastri, a well known archaeologist, needs no introduction. He belongs to an institution representing attainment of the religious ideal the 'Kaivalya or moksa'. The able awakened scholar Dr. Sastri has judiciously taken up the noble task of presenting a systematic study of Jain shrines and sculptural glory of Gwalior with a thorough vision and partial investigation of rich cultural heritage of Jain art. In the present monograph the learned scholar discusses the antiquities of Gwalior region right from the pre-historic times with a glorious background of rock shelters, local history and a hoard of archaelogical remains for tracing out the growth of Jainism. The volume includes a glossary of technical terms, selected illustrations and important inscriptions. The author is indeed, eminently qualified for the difficult but significant task he has undertaken. His work represents the glory of Gwalior with special reference to Jain art. His admirable lucidity, commendable knowledge of art history is a partial attempt where technical norms, cultural interpretations and historical perspectives are combined in due proportion. I am sure this valuable monograph will remain a work of much interest for students, researchers and scholars alike for its worthy contents and thematic orientation. 24.4.98 Dr. Sushila Pant Professor and Head, S.S. in Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology Vikram University, Ujjain
