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RETROSPECT
403
As far as possible the geographical names have been identified, yet unfortunately a bulk of them remain unidentified, particularly the small villages in Bihar, where Mahavira toured during his ascetic lifc.
The Jain canons, besides givine information about the Aryan countrics, give a list of many non-Aryan countries probably thereby meaning that Jainism had not penetiler! ato ihuse countries in these lists some of the countries, peoples and the Jacapadas are recognisable, but unfortunately the traditional lists have become very corrupt through the centuries of their transmus.on The author has, however, made an attempt to collate the lists occurring in various texts in order to find out the correct names
6. It should be borne in mind that the historical naterial in the Jain (anons is so scantv that hardly any history in the rcal sense of the word could be written; hencerrat, ter should not be treated as purely historical Herein simply linii has been made lo put together the historical material presenter be juin Canons number of kings and rulers are mention'. Tae Jain Canons, most of whom seem to be fictitious Chargon, Lous teacher, attend his religious sermons, renounce the world laran salvation on some mountain Even the king, who are desc.bir.Sontempcraries ot Mahāvīra seem to be quite legendary. Except for alew notable kings such as Srenika, Ajātašatru, Pradyota and Udarana history has not given any clue to them so far. Regarding kings and rulers, another point which should be noted is that most of the well-known rulers are claimed by both Jains and Buddhists as their own. In fact, they showed equal regard towards religious teachers of different sects and hence it is verv difficult to say that they belonger t..articular faith
