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JAINA MANUSCRIPTS 159
the region drew their inspiration from the sangha at Madurai. A very few manuscripts are on the customs and manners of the Jainas. (Ms 11, Sec 4) and their cosmology (Ms 11,sec 1).
To conclude, the myths and legends revealed by Mackenzie manuscripts originated at one or the other point of time in the medieval period acted as catalysts to strengthen and continue the Jaina traditions when Jainism itself went through a chequered period. By about 8th-9th centuries A.D. Jainism had a second lease of life in Tamil country which led to the growth of Jainism on Bhakti lines. During the period of political flux and socio-cultural lull, Jainism received a check in its very existence. The 15th 16th centuries and later period witnessed the growth of further legends leading to the concomitant development so as to strengthen the already existing Jaina centres. The migratory forces in terms of ideas and followers, the influence of Brahmanical sects and the concept of localization of cults were the factors in the rise of myths and legends. After all these myths and legends had played the role of consolidating the social basis of Jainism in Tamilnadu.
It will not be out of context, if the following note is made on the preservation of Jain manuscripts. As all of us know Jaina manuscripts, many of them rare in character, are strewn all over India and are found in the custody of recognized institutions and in the hands of private collectors, at time, in the possession of unknown individuals. Jain Heritage centres new services had given an appeal to all those concerned with it:
'On the occasion of the 2600th Janmakalyan of Bhagwan Mahavira, the Government of India has undertaken a project to preserve and record the old
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