Jainism in Bihar

Author(s): P C Roy Choudhary
Publisher: P C Roy Choudhary Patna

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have mentioned that while Jainism had spread to different parts of India like Kalinga to the southeast, Mathura and Malwa to the west, and Deccan and the Tamil lands to the south it had lost its hold in Magadha soon after the 3rd century A. D. To them the age of Gupta imperialism meant the positive decline of Jainism. The subject of Jainism in areas other than Bihar has received some attention from scholars but somehow the Jain relics and old manuscripts available in Bihar have not received as much attention. They lie practically unexplored: Jainism had never disintegrated in Bihar.
In this brochure an attempt has been made to throw some light on some of the more important but unexplored Jain relics in different districts in Bihar. A number of other scattered relics like those in the interior of Ranchi, Bhagalpur and Darbhanga have not been noticed. Certain areas which may be rich in Jain antiquities have been indicated. These areas may be explored one day and probably will yield more epigraphic, literary and iconographic evidence that will throw a flood of light on the history of a great religion in India.
Because of the exacting official assignment very little has been done but if the book could create a certain amount of interest in a forgotten chapter of history and culture the author shall consider his efforts amply rewarded. No originality is claimed and the responsible task of fixing up of the details and conclusions from the available data is left to the
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