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In the collections at Moodbidri, there are three palm-leaf manuscripts, the Satkhkhandagam, the Maha-bandha and the Kasayapahud, all dating from about 11121120 CE. They appear to be the oldest illustrated texts of the Digamber sect. The Khajuraho Jain manuscript library contains two manuscripts of 1107 CE.
The book on Jainism by Natubhai Shah provides important information on manuscripts, of Mugal period. Accordingly, the oldest illustrated manuscripts found, are the Aadipurana (1404), the Mahapurana (1420), Jasahara Charita (1434) and some other texts. It is observed that the Svetamber manuscripts are greater in number than the Digamber manuscripts. Both sects used the styles of manuscript illustration that existed in the region where they were written.
(iii) Manuscripts in Europe
It is interesting to know that the work on the manuscripts is continuing in Europe even now. The Institute of Jainology has been involved to catalogue Jain manuscripts in various Libraries across Europe. In 2006, The Prime Minister of India Dr. Man Mohan Singh launched the three volumes of the Jain manuscripts catalogue of the collection in British Library. He said, "I believe that the Jain Manuscript catalogue will be a repository of insights that can help us pursue a more fulfilling life." He further said that such initiatives would inspire to undertake similar effort for re-creation of our history. The catalogue was printed and bound in India to the highest standard to ensure that it stood out amongst the best in its category. Mrs. Ambica Soni, the Union Minister of Tourism who chaired the function was so taken by the quality that she keeps a set to hand over to demonstrate the quality of work she expects from the Indian institutes working on other manuscript catalogues. This is a guideline for all of us, working in the field of cataloguing the manuscripts. The institute of Jainology is in touch with the preparatory work on category of Jain manuscripts in other Libraries of Europe.
(iv) Mathematical Manuscripts
Jain manuscripts afford a wonderful insight not only in its religion, philosophy but also in the science and mathematics presenting the mind of scientific genius of Jain scholars. The prominent Jain Agams, which included mathematics, are namely, Sthanang Sutra, Sutrakrutang, Prajnapana, Sat Khandagam and others. During early period, Jain mathematics was not an independent branch of knowledge. Mathematics prior to Arya Bhatt (498 A.D.) is not systematically available; whatever is available is through Jain religious texts. In the medieval India, during 7th to 12th centuries (659-1150) the demand of artistic, cultural and commercial aspirations contributed to the development of mathematics. During this period the growth of Patiganita works took place which wrote not only about the basics of arithmetic needed for daily living and mensuration but also about problem solving as an inherent aspect of mathematics. It was in the middle of 9th
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