Kesarimalji Surana Abhinandan Granth

Author(s): Nathmal Tatia, Dev Kothari
Publisher: Kesarimalji Surana Abhinandan Granth Prakashan Samiti

Page 1232

Jain Literature as a Source of Social and Cultural Life of Medieval Rajasthan......
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. ...... described at length by the writer in order to infuse a sense of duty in the warrior class. His information regarding the garrison of Chittor, collection of the implements of war in the fort and other preparations are authentic as far as the political environment of 18th century is concerned,
To the foregoing account of Jain literature, must be added a few words about its significance. This significance was two-fold. First, a remarkable extension of Jain missionary activity; and second, purging of superstitions especially through popular songs and tales. It acquired, at any rate, a taste for education, love for religion and art. As far as the intellectuals were concerned, it gradually wrought a veritable revolution. Some turned to reform-movement seeking to reconcile their traditional faith with modern developments. The literature also provided profound effect on Indian culture and society and showed how it provided a cultural endorsement of traditional social stratification and the concept of religious and cultural awakening.
The picture of the social and cultural position of Rajasthan which emerges from our survey of this sample material will help us to draw similar and other relevant facts from the vast and sacttered Jain literature of importance.
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1 (a) Nägari Pracarini Patrikā, Year 44, No. 4.
(b) Padminicaritra Copai, pp. 129-181.