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PUBLISHER'S PREFACE THIS publication forms the 2nd volume of the Sri Jaina Kalā
Sāhitya Samsodhak Series which I started in 1943. In this tenth year of my work in the field of literature I am laying before the English knowing public this my second literary work.
No amount of words can fully express my indebtedness to Sheth Maneklal Chunilal Shah, J. P., who fostered my literary activites from time to time and inspired me to bring out more and more attractive and good works. Most of my Gujarāti publications I have humbly dedicated to him, being urged by his good will towards me. Today I am dedicating to him this my second English literary work.
I have always cherished the desire, as mentioned by Jinavijayaji in his foreward, to publish ten volumes illustrating gems of Jaina architecture and sculptures lying in all the corners of India. But due to various reasons, chief among which are the dearness of everything in these days af war and the piling-up of the copies of my publications due the apathy of rich Jainas towards such an undertaking, I have decided to retire from the field of research after the publication of this brochure and to give up the scheme of the publication of the remaining volumes.
Besides as I accepted on 26-6-41 or V. S. 1997 Ashādha Su. 2 the responsible task of compiling a Jaina Directory wnich is to be started on behalf of the firm of Shrimān Seth Anandji Kalyanji, the only Institution representative of the Svetāmbara iconolate Jainas throughout the whole of India, my main activities in the near future would naturally be confined to that work. In connection with that work, I had to visit many cities and villages in the Punjāb, Sind, Cutch, Marwar and other states in the Rajputana. In the course of these visits I have come across such abundance of architectural remains as makes me believe that as long as we take no steps to conserve these architectural and sculptural gems scattered throughout the length and breadth of India, we are simply adding to the responsibilities of the posterity of the Jaina community by constructing new temples. The trustees of the above mentioned pedhi do wish to repair and conserve the (Jaina) temples in India. But the field of work is so vast and scattered that unless every Jaina does his utmost in every way to help the cause, it is impossible to execute it.
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