________________
( xi ) different sources which have been drawn upon for the writing of this work have been critically discussed.
Chapter III gives an account of the 'Life of Mahāvīra' from his childhood to Nirvana. Some controversial questions like his birthplace and the year of Nirvana have been discussed.
Chapter IV deals with his teachings based on the original texts. Early Buddhist texts have been used as collateral evidence, in writing this chapter.
In Chapter V, the different sects contemporaneous with Lord Mahāvīra have been enumerated and some interesting light has been thrown on the life and teachings of some of their founders.
Chapter VI describes the sixteen great states Solasamahājanapadas. How the political unification of India was gradually brought about under Bimbisāra and Ajātaśatru, both rulers of Magadha, has been pointed out here. The administrative machinery and the constitution of the republics especially of the Lichchhavis, have also been described.
Chapter VII throws light on the social conditions of the age under consideration. The duties and responsibilities of the individuals as regards the carnas and āśramas have been fixed. Some old social customs like Niyoga have disappeared and the new ones, in harmony with the new set-up of the society, have come into existence. Such topics as family, marriage, position of woman, dress, ornaments, festivals, and games have also been examined.
Chapter VIII deals with economic conditions. The village was considered to be the basis of social economy. A large number of professions and industries came into existence and were organized into guilds which became a special feature of the economic life of the time. The increased use of iron started and the coined money came into vogue.
Chapter IX is devoted to art and architecture. The noteworthy feature of this age is the revival of urban life when the use of kiln bricks started. The North Black Polishıcd Ilare, of de luxe quality, is the gift of this age.
Chapter X demonstrates how this period can be regarded as one of the most creative epochs in the spheres of cducation, literature, and science.
