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IV
In ancient times commupicturisation of human societies. nication system did not develop so birds and animals were used as mes engers Allegory is our old social treasure and ancient stories always carried figurative representation of man's activities through animal world They were also used to carry the ambiguous and complicated ideas of Vedas to the common men through Upnishads and Brahamans. The society march forward and we find that by the times of Purans figurative representation through birds and animals was dropped from literature and man-characters directly put into action in the stori-s By this time the caste system took roots in the society and political and military institutions made big strides in developments Subsequently village and tribe organisations developed into a natured political and social state and thereon a new struggle then ensued with changed relationship between new forces.
In other countries also the nature of the development of stories and fables tread the same path If we examine closely the Aesopets, Arabian Night's and Indian stories and fables, we find that they depict the similar way of characterisation, figurative representation and way of saying while giving full exposure to their different local situations, social relationships and human physis.
Jain stories particularly have made a notable contribution to the development of literature in the form of stories Every aspect of life has been depicted in Jain stories. They are influenced with subtle sagacious discourses on religion and philosophy, Light has also been thrown on the practical aspects of life The significance of Jain stories lies in the fact that each incident has been narrated metaphysically. Each incident envelopes valour, intelligence. understanding, toleranee and other essential attributes Spirituality is of course the main theme of Jain literature but that spirituality is not barren in the Jain stories. While taking stock of the ups and downs of life, a man ordinarily loses sight of future and hence he commits a mistake which makes even the present fatiguing and oppressive. Jain stories live in present and picture the future
