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Translator's note
The job of translation is not perfect, equally so is the translator, but the usefulness of translation surpasses these imperfections; more so when the translator genuinely sees the need and importance of it and feels that by his or her effort an important work is able to reach out to larger readership. As a student of Jaina philosophy I felt that this long essay is extremely informative on the history of Jaina religion, which aroused my interest in its translation. There is always some history in philosophy and also some philosophical concepts behind the shape of its historical progression. Philosophy makes a more interesting study in historical perspective. Thus the two are interlinked and therefore supplementary. Hence the significance of this essay by an erudite scholar of Jainism - Prof. Sagarmal Jain. This essay is for both laymen interested in Jaina religion as well as for scholars. This translation has truly been a labour of love for me.
I thank the authorities of Parshwanath Vidyapeeth for adding this book to its large stock of valuable publications.
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