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Chapter 11
Cultural Importance of the Jaina Grantha
Bhandaras
K.C. KASLIWAL
Since the adoption of system of writing, manuscripts were probably being written and placed in the Grantha Bhandars. Grantha Bhandars are, therefore, amongst the earlier literary institutions of the country. The Grantha Bhandars were the literary centres in true sense. They provided help to the scholars and reading public in enhancing their knowledge. But their importance lies not only in this but also in the fact that they saved the treasure of knowledge from destruction. In this respect, the contribution of Jainas is really great. Even today the earliest and authentic manuscripts of several works written by scholars other than the Jainas are preserved only in these bhandars.
But apart from the literary importance of these bhandars their importance may be acknowledged also from other point of view. They quenched the thirst of scholars and provided help to the lovers of history, Indian art and culture also. There is a great scope for research in these subjects on the basis of collections in these Bhandars. The manuscripts were not collected from the place where the Grantha Bhandar exists but they were brought from various places which were the centres of literature, culture and of political activity.
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